
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) stands out as a free and open-source multimedia player designed for Windows users. Since its inception as a continuation of the now-defunct Guliverkli project, MPC-HC has expanded significantly, integrating numerous features and crucial bug fixes. While its interface may lack the glitz of modern applications, its compatibility with almost any media file format makes it a reliable choice for diverse viewing needs.
Powered by DXVA technology, MPC-HC delegates decoding tasks to your graphics card, thoroughly enhancing your media playback experience. This versatile player also accommodates both physical and software DVDs, offering functionalities such as menus, chapter navigation, and subtitle support.
Key Features of MPC-HC
MPC-HC has seen considerable enhancements over the years, introducing a plethora of functionalities that many users may not yet be aware of. Here are some standout features you should explore:
Customizable Dark Interface
- Activate the dark theme via
Menu > View > Dark Theme
. - Personalize the height of the seek bar and the size of toolbar buttons through
Options > Advanced
.
Video Preview on Seekbar
- Enable video previews on the seek bar with
Options > Tweaks > Show preview on seek bar
.
Adjustable Playback Speed
- Modify playback speed via
Menu > Play > Playback rate
. - Customize speed increments down to smaller steps (e.g., 10%) with
Options > Playback > Speed step
. - For optimal results, use the internal audio renderer, which also includes automatic pitch correction:
Options > Playback > Output > Audio Renderer
.
Resume Playback Position
- Automatically remembers your last position:
Options > Player > History
. - Effortlessly navigate videos using
Ctrl + Mouse Scrollwheel
. - Quickly jump between files using
PageUp/PageDown
. - Set actions for when a video finishes:
Options > Playback > After Playback
(permanent settings) orMenu > Play > After Playback
(current file only). - Utilize the A-B repeat function by setting start and end markers using
[
and]
.
Video Manipulation Options
- Rotate, flip, mirror, stretch, or zoom your video through
Menu > View > Pan&Scan
, or simply with hotkeys.
Extensive Hotkey and Mouse Action Support
- Control playback effortlessly; customize controls via
Options > Player > Keys
.
Stream and Download Online Videos
Directly streaming videos from platforms like YouTube is an exciting feature of MPC-HC:
- Place
yt-dlp.exe
oryoutube-dl.exe
in the installation folder. - Open URLs easily through
Menu > File > Open File/URL
. - Download streamed content via
Menu > File > Save a copy
. - Manage various configuration options under
Options > Advanced
.
Support for HDR Video Playback
- To play HDR content, you’ll need to utilize either madVR or MPC Video Renderer, accessible via
Options > Playback > Output
.
Subtitle Functionality
- Search for and download subtitles automatically or manually (press
D
) viaOptions > Subtitles > Misc
.
MPC-HC has not only introduced these impressive features but also benefited from numerous bug fixes and internal improvements within recent years, resulting in enhanced performance and stability. The addition of updated internal codecs, support for CUE sheets, WebVTT subtitles, and more have further solidified its standing as a top media player.
Latest Version 2.5.3 Changes
Enhancements and Updates
- Updated LAV Filters to version 0.80-5-g49ded.
- Updated MPC Video Renderer to version 0.9.13.2451.
New Features and Improvements
- Customize the toolbar with new options and optional buttons, allowing for reordering, addition, or removal.
- Explore new toolbar images/skins; for custom designs, visit here.
- Minor bug fixes and usability improvements.
Download Links
Get the latest version of MPC-HC:
- MPC-HC 2.5.3 (x64) | Standalone | ~20.0 MB (Open Source)
- MPC-HC 2.5.3 (x86) | Standalone
For more information, visit the MPC-HC Home Page | Source & Images

Leave a Reply