
Introducing Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC)
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) is a robust and free open-source multimedia player designed for Windows. Drawing its roots from the discontinued Guliverkli project, MPC-HC has evolved to incorporate a host of new features and essential bug fixes, ensuring compatibility with an extensive array of media formats. While it may not boast a flashy interface, its functionality remains unparalleled, making it an enduring favorite among users.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
MPC-HC leverages advanced DXVA technology to offload decoding tasks to your graphics card, significantly enriching your multimedia experience. The player offers comprehensive support for both physical and software DVD playback, complete with chapter navigation, menus, and subtitle capabilities.
Key Features of MPC-HC
Many users may be unaware of the impressive features that have been integrated into MPC-HC over the years. Here’s an overview of essential options and functionalities that enhance user experience:
Customizable Dark Interface
- Access the dark theme via
Menu > View > Dark Theme
. - The height of the seekbar and toolbar button sizes are adjustable while in dark mode.
- Customize further under
Options > Advanced
.
Video Preview on the Seekbar
- Activate this feature through
Options > Tweaks > Show preview on seek bar
.
Playback Speed Adjustment
- Navigate to
Menu > Play > Playback rate
to modify playback speed. - The default increase for speed settings is 2x, but can be tailored to smaller increments (e.g., 10%) at
Options > Playback > Speed step
. - Optimal performance is achieved with the internal audio renderer, which also corrects pitch automatically—accessible through
Options > Playback > Output > Audio Renderer
.
Position Memory for Playback Continuity
- MPC-HC remembers your last playback position via
Options > Player > History
. - Quickly skim through a video using Ctrl + Mouse Scrollwheel.
- Utilize PageUp/PageDown to jump between files in a directory.
- Configure automatic actions for file completion, like moving to the next file or exiting the player through
Options > Playback > After Playback
. - Repeat specific video segments with A-B repeat markers using the [ and ] keys.
Video Manipulation Controls
- Modify video orientation (rotate, flip, mirror, stretch, zoom) via
Menu > View > Pan&Scan
, or by using designated hotkeys.
Extensive Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Actions
- Customize your key mappings at
Options > Player > Keys
.
Streaming Capabilities
MPC-HC allows users to stream videos directly from platforms like YouTube. Follow these steps for seamless integration:
- Place
yt-dlp.exe
oryoutube-dl.exe
in the MPC-HC installation folder. - Open web URLs in the player through
Menu > File > Open File/URL
. - You can also download videos by selecting
Menu > File > Save a copy
. - Access configuration options at
Options > Advanced
, including customizing the executable path.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Video Support
- To play HDR videos, install either the madVR or MPC Video Renderer, which can be selected via
Options > Playback > Output
.
Subtitle Management
- Search for and download subtitles automatically or manually by pressing D, adjustable under
Options > Subtitles > Misc
.
In addition to the new features, MPC-HC has undergone multiple updates and improvements for better stability and internal performance. The inclusion of updated codecs enhances compatibility with formats such as CUE sheets and WebVTT subtitles.
Version Update History: MPC-HC 2.4.3
Recent Updates
- LAV Filters have been upgraded to version 0.79.2-29-gadffe.
- MPC Video Renderer has been refreshed to version 0.9.8.2392.
- MediaInfo DLL is now at version 25.04.
Bug Fixes
- Incorporation of various minor fixes and enhancements.
Call for Graphic Designers
- A new customizable toolbar with optional buttons is under development, and existing designs will be phased out.
- Graphic designers interested in contributing are encouraged to visit the dedicated information page.
Download Links
Download the latest version of MPC-HC: MPC-HC 2.4.3 (x64) | Standalone Version | ~20.0 MB (Open Source) MPC-HC 2.4.3 (x86) | Standalone Version
For more information, visit the MPC-HC Home Page.

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