VLC on Amazon Fire TV: Your How to Use For Streaming

VLC Media Player is a powerful and versatile tool that can enhance your streaming experience on Amazon Fire TV devices. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about using VLC on your Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, or other Fire TV devices.

What is VLC?

VLC is a free, open-source media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. It’s known for its reliability and ability to play almost any type of media file. Now available on Amazon Fire TV devices, VLC brings its robust features to your big screen.

Why Use VLC on Fire TV?

Here are some reasons to consider using VLC on your Fire TV:

• Play various file formats
• Stream content from your computer
• Customize playback settings
• No ads or in-app purchases
• Regular updates and improvements

Getting Started

Installing VLC on Fire TV

1. On your Fire TV home screen, go to the “Find” option
2. Select “Search”
3. Type “VLC” using the on-screen keyboard
4. Choose “VLC for Fire” from the search results
5. Click “Download” to install the app

Setting Up VLC for Easy Access

After installation, you might want to move VLC to your home screen for quick access:

1. Go to the “Apps & Channels” section on your Fire TV
2. Find the VLC app
3. Press the Options button (three horizontal lines) on your remote
4. Select “Move” and place VLC in a convenient spot

Streaming Videos from Your Computer

One of VLC’s standout features is its ability to stream videos from your computer to your Fire TV. Here’s how to set it up:

On Your Windows Computer

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to “Network and Sharing Center”
3. Click “Advanced Sharing Settings”
4. Turn on “Network Discovery” and “File and Printer Sharing”
5. Save the changes

Next, share the folder containing your videos:

1. Right-click the folder and select “Properties”
2. Go to the “Sharing” tab
3. Click “Share”
4. Choose your user account and click “Share” again

On Your Fire TV

1. Open VLC
2. Go to “Local Network” in the “Browsing” menu
3. Select your computer
4. Log in with your computer’s username and password
5. Browse and play your shared videos

Playing Local Files

If you have video files stored on your Fire TV device, you can easily play them using VLC:

1. Open VLC
2. Select “Video” or “Audio” from the main menu
3. Browse your device’s storage
4. Choose the file you want to play

Customizing VLC Settings

VLC offers various settings to tailor your viewing experience:

1. Open VLC
2. Go to “Other” then “Settings”
3. Explore options for video, audio, and subtitles

Some useful settings include:

• Changing subtitle size and color
• Adjusting audio delay
• Modifying video aspect ratio

Streaming Online Content

While VLC doesn’t come with built-in streaming services, you can use it to play online content:

1. Find a video stream URL
2. In VLC, go to “Other” then “Stream”
3. Paste the URL and press play

Troubleshooting Common Issues

VLC Not Detecting Your Computer

If VLC can’t find your computer on the network:

1. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
2. Check if your computer’s firewall is blocking VLC
3. Restart both your Fire TV and computer

Playback Issues

If you’re experiencing choppy playback or other issues:

1. Go to VLC settings
2. Under “Video,” try changing the “Deblocking” option
3. Adjust the “Hardware acceleration” setting

Audio Out of Sync

To fix audio sync problems:

1. During playback, press the Options button on your remote
2. Select “Audio delay”
3. Adjust the delay until the audio matches the video

Advanced Features

Creating Playlists

VLC allows you to create and manage playlists:

1. Go to “Other” then “Playlists”
2. Select “Create playlist”
3. Add videos to your playlist
4. Save and name your playlist

Using Subtitles

To add subtitles to your videos:

1. Place subtitle files in the same folder as your video files
2. During playback, press the Options button
3. Select “Subtitles”
4. Choose the subtitle file you want to use

Adjusting Playback Speed

VLC lets you speed up or slow down video playback:

1. During playback, press the Options button
2. Select “Playback speed”
3. Choose your desired speed

Keeping VLC Updated

To ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes:

1. Regularly check the Amazon App Store for updates
2. If an update is available, select “Update”

Comparing VLC to Other Media Players

While there are other media players available for Fire TV, VLC stands out for its:

• Wide format support
• Customization options
• Ability to stream from your computer
• No ads or in-app purchases

VLC and Privacy

VLC is known for its commitment to user privacy:

• No user data collection
• No ads or tracking
• Open-source code for transparency

Integrating VLC with Other Apps

Some streaming apps allow you to choose VLC as the default player:

1. Open the streaming app
2. Go to its settings
3. Look for an option to select a preferred player
4. Choose VLC from the list

This can be particularly useful if you prefer VLC’s playback features.

Tips for Better VLC Performance

To get the most out of VLC on your Fire TV:

• Keep your Fire TV’s software updated
• Clear VLC’s cache regularly (go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > VLC > Clear Cache)
• Use a wired internet connection if possible for smoother streaming
• Close other apps running in the background

Conclusion

VLC on Fire TV opens up a world of possibilities for your media consumption. Whether you’re streaming from your computer, playing local files, or adjusting playback settings to your liking, VLC provides a robust and user-friendly experience. By following the steps and tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a VLC expert on your Fire TV device.

Remember, the key to getting the most out of VLC is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to explore its various features and settings. With a little practice, you’ll find that VLC can significantly enhance your Fire TV viewing experience, providing you with a flexible and powerful tool for all your media playback needs.