VLC, or VideoLAN Client, is a popular media player that has been a staple on computers and mobile devices for years. Its versatility, flexibility, and ability to play a wide range of file formats have made it a favorite among media enthusiasts. Recently, VLC has made its way to the Apple TV, bringing with it a new level of functionality and convenience to the popular streaming device. In this article, we will explore how to use VLC on Apple TV, including installation, setup, and tips for getting the most out of this powerful media player.
Installing VLC on Apple TV
Installing VLC on Apple TV is a relatively straightforward process. To get started, you will need to have an Apple TV (4th generation or later) and a stable internet connection. Here’s how to install VLC on your Apple TV:
Method 1: Installing VLC from the App Store
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Search for “VLC” in the search bar.
- Select the VLC app from the search results.
- Click the “Get” button to download and install the app.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
Method 2: Installing VLC using the tvOS App Store
- Open the tvOS App Store on your Apple TV.
- Search for “VLC” in the search bar.
- Select the VLC app from the search results.
- Click the “Get” button to download and install the app.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
Setting Up VLC on Apple TV
Once you have installed VLC on your Apple TV, you will need to set it up before you can start using it. Here’s how to set up VLC on your Apple TV:
Configuring VLC Settings
- Open the VLC app on your Apple TV.
- Select the “Settings” option from the main menu.
- Configure the settings to your liking, including video and audio settings, subtitles, and more.
Adding Media Sources
- Open the VLC app on your Apple TV.
- Select the “Media” option from the main menu.
- Add your media sources, including local files, network shares, and online streaming services.
Using VLC on Apple TV
Now that you have installed and set up VLC on your Apple TV, you can start using it to play your favorite media files. Here are some tips for getting the most out of VLC on Apple TV:
Playing Media Files
- Open the VLC app on your Apple TV.
- Select the media file you want to play from your media sources.
- Click the “Play” button to start playing the file.
Using the VLC Remote App
- Download and install the VLC Remote app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Open the VLC Remote app and connect to your Apple TV.
- Use the app to control VLC on your Apple TV, including playing, pausing, and stopping media files.
Streaming Media from Your Computer
- Open the VLC app on your computer.
- Select the media file you want to stream to your Apple TV.
- Click the “Stream” button to start streaming the file to your Apple TV.
Tips and Tricks for Using VLC on Apple TV
Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of VLC on Apple TV:
Using VLC to Play Unsupported File Formats
VLC is known for its ability to play a wide range of file formats, including some that are not natively supported by the Apple TV. To play an unsupported file format using VLC, simply follow these steps:
- Open the VLC app on your Apple TV.
- Select the file you want to play from your media sources.
- Click the “Play” button to start playing the file.
Using VLC to Stream Media from Online Sources
VLC also allows you to stream media from online sources, including YouTube and other video sharing sites. To stream media from an online source using VLC, simply follow these steps:
- Open the VLC app on your Apple TV.
- Select the online source you want to stream from.
- Click the “Play” button to start streaming the media.
Conclusion
VLC is a powerful media player that offers a wide range of features and functionality on the Apple TV. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install, set up, and start using VLC on your Apple TV. Whether you want to play local media files, stream media from your computer, or access online streaming services, VLC has got you covered. With its versatility, flexibility, and ease of use, VLC is a must-have app for any Apple TV owner.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Media Playback | VLC can play a wide range of media file formats, including video, audio, and image files. |
| Streaming | VLC can stream media from online sources, including YouTube and other video sharing sites. |
| Remote Control | VLC can be controlled using the VLC Remote app on your iPhone or iPad. |
By using VLC on your Apple TV, you can unlock a whole new level of functionality and convenience. Whether you’re a media enthusiast or just looking for a way to play your favorite files, VLC is a great choice. So why not give it a try today and see what VLC can do for you?
What is VLC and why is it useful on Apple TV?
VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play a wide variety of audio and video formats. It is useful on Apple TV because it allows users to play media files that are not natively supported by the device. This includes files with formats such as MKV, AVI, and FLAC, which are commonly used for storing movies and music.
With VLC on Apple TV, users can also stream media from their local network or the internet, making it a great option for those who want to access their media collection without having to convert files or use a separate streaming device. Additionally, VLC has a user-friendly interface and supports features like subtitles, closed captions, and playback controls, making it a great choice for those who want a seamless media playback experience.
How do I install VLC on my Apple TV?
Installing VLC on Apple TV is a straightforward process. First, make sure your Apple TV is running the latest version of tvOS. Then, go to the App Store on your Apple TV and search for “VLC”. Select the VLC app from the search results and click the “Get” button to download and install it.
Once the installation is complete, you can launch VLC from the home screen of your Apple TV. You will be prompted to agree to the terms of service and grant VLC access to your media library. After that, you can start using VLC to play your media files.
What types of media files can VLC play on Apple TV?
VLC on Apple TV can play a wide variety of media files, including video formats like MKV, AVI, MP4, and MOV, as well as audio formats like MP3, FLAC, and AAC. It also supports playback of subtitles and closed captions, making it a great option for those who want to watch movies and TV shows with subtitles.
In addition to playing local media files, VLC on Apple TV can also stream media from the internet and local network. This includes streaming from popular services like YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud, as well as streaming from local media servers like Plex and Kodi.
How do I stream media from my local network to VLC on Apple TV?
To stream media from your local network to VLC on Apple TV, you need to have a media server set up on your network. This can be a dedicated media server like Plex or Kodi, or a NAS device that supports media streaming. Once you have your media server set up, you can add it to VLC on your Apple TV by going to the “Network” section of the app and selecting “Add Network Server”.
After adding your media server, you can browse your media collection and select the files you want to play. VLC will then stream the media from your server to your Apple TV, allowing you to watch your movies and TV shows on the big screen.
Can I use VLC on Apple TV to play media from external storage devices?
Yes, you can use VLC on Apple TV to play media from external storage devices. VLC supports playback from USB drives and other external storage devices that are connected to your Apple TV. To play media from an external storage device, simply connect the device to your Apple TV and launch VLC.
VLC will then detect the external storage device and allow you to browse its contents. You can select the media files you want to play and VLC will play them back on your Apple TV. This is a great option for those who want to play media files that are stored on an external hard drive or USB drive.
How do I customize the settings in VLC on Apple TV?
To customize the settings in VLC on Apple TV, go to the “Settings” section of the app. From there, you can adjust a variety of settings, including playback settings, audio settings, and subtitle settings. You can also customize the appearance of the app by changing the skin and layout.
In addition to adjusting the settings, you can also customize the behavior of VLC on Apple TV by using the “Preferences” section. From there, you can set VLC to automatically play media files when they are inserted, or to remember the playback position of media files.
Is VLC on Apple TV free to use?
Yes, VLC on Apple TV is free to use. VLC is an open-source media player, which means that it is free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or ads, and you can use VLC to play all your media files without any restrictions.
In addition to being free, VLC is also open-source, which means that the source code is available for anyone to modify and distribute. This has led to a community-driven development process, with many users contributing to the development of VLC and providing support for new features and formats.