MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 streams received from the network or an external device can be sent to one machine or a group of machines.
VLC is also used as a client to receive, decode and display MPEG streams. Multicast is a process where media files are sent to multiple systems through the network. Unicast is a process where media files are sent to a single system through the network. VLC can be used as a server to stream MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 files, DVDs and live videos on the network in unicast or multicast. VideoLan is designed to stream MPEG videos on high bandwidth networks. It has the advantage that you don't need to wait for large media files to finish downloading before playing them. You can view or listen to the content as it arrives.
Streaming is a method of delivering audio or video content across a network without the need to download the media file before it is played. See Documentation:Play HowTo/Basic Use 0.9/Opening modes Streaming Media Files
VLC keeps running in the background when it is hidden. Hiding VLC does not exit the application. In the Media menu, select Quit ( Ctrl-Q).Ĭlicking this icon shows or hides the VLC interface.Click the Close button in the main interface of the application.Right click the VLC icon ( ) in the tray and select Quit ( Alt-F4).VLC is shown on the screen and a small icon is shown in the system tray.
In Windows 7: Click Start -> All Programs -> VideoLAN -> VLC media player. In Windows XP: Click Start -> Programs -> VideoLAN -> VLC media player. Since version 2.0 the interface has been redesigned.