Why I don't use VLC media player

This blog post explores why VLC, despite its popularity, might not be the best media player for everyone. In a recent video, I talked about deleting VLC in favor of Screenbox, a self-proclaimed "modern" VLC. I even set Screenbox as my default media player.

This led me to investigate further, and I discovered that the issue wasn't isolated to Screenbox; it seems to affect anything based on VLC.

The problem occurs when trying to take a screenshot of a specific frame. When pausing or trying to navigate to a particular point in the video, the frame doesn't update. The video appears frozen. Only by playing the video for a few seconds does the frame finally render. This is a major inconvenience, especially when you need to capture a precise moment.

This issue is why I've grown to dislike VLC.

In the comments of my Screenbox video, some viewers suggested MPC (Media Player Classic), particularly the Black Edition, or Pot Player. I've personally been using MPC for a while, mainly because of the K-Lite Codec Pack, which includes a very useful tool called MediaInfo.

MediaInfo provides detailed information about media files, something that the standard Windows properties dialog lacks. For example, MediaInfo shows the CBR/VBR (constant or variable bitrate) and other crucial details that are essential for video editing, allowing you to optimize encoding settings, troubleshoot playback issues, and ensure compatibility with different platforms.

Before making my video / this post, I also searched YouTube for "VLC issues" and found a popular video by Chris Titus titled "Why I don't use VLC." However, his issue was specific to Linux: VLC would freeze when trying to quickly preview multiple videos. While his problem is different, it's clear that VLC isn't without its flaws.

I also checked out VLC version 4, which is currently in beta. While it boasts a modern look, the core functionality and the frame-freezing issue remain the same.

In contrast, MPC handles video playback smoothly. Frames render instantly, making it ideal for tasks like taking screenshots or quickly navigating through a video. Despite being officially discontinued in 2017, MPC remains a viable option thanks to ongoing maintenance by the K-Lite Codec Pack and the MPC Black Edition communities.

While VLC has some unique features, such as its ability to play network streams and convert media files, MPC remains my go-to media player for general video playback.

I have also made a video in this so watch the video down below. (if you dont want to read 😅)

Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.