
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC): A Comprehensive Overview
Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) is a robust and free open-source multimedia player designed for Windows users. Based on the original and now-defunct Guliverkli project, MPC-HC enhances user experience by integrating numerous features and fixes that were absent in its predecessor. Aimed at a broad audience, this player seamlessly supports nearly all audio and video formats without being overly complex or flashy.
The application utilizes DXVA technology, which allows for offloading decoding tasks to modern graphics cards. This results in an improved visual experience. Additionally, MPC-HC is capable of handling both physical DVDs and software-based formats, complete with menu navigation, chapter selection, and subtitle support.
Key Features of MPC-HC
Many users may not be aware of the extensive features that have been integrated into MPC-HC in recent years. Below is a curated list of some of the standout functionalities:
1. Dark Interface
- Select
Menu > View > Dark Theme
for a modern look. - The dark theme allows adjustments to the seekbar height and toolbar button sizes via
Options > Advanced
.
2. Video Preview on the Seekbar
- Enable this feature through
Options > Tweaks > Show preview on seek bar
.
3. Playback Rate Adjustment
- Access via
Menu > Play > Playback rate
. - Playback speed can be customized to smaller increments (
Options > Playback > Speed step
). - The internal audio renderer offers automatic pitch correction for customized speed settings.
4. Bookmark Playback Position
- MPC-HC can remember where you left off:
Options > Player > History
. - Use Ctrl + Mouse Scrollwheel to skim through videos efficiently.
- Navigate between files using PageUp/PageDown keys.
- Customize end-of-file actions under
Options > Playback > After Playback
. - Utilize the A-B repeat function for looping segments with markers set by pressing [ and ].
5. Video Manipulation
- Manipulate video by using the
Menu > View > Pan&Scan
options or corresponding hotkeys.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Actions
- Personalize your keys with options found under
Options > Player > Keys
.
7. Stream Content from YouTube and Other Sites
MPC-HC can stream videos directly by following these steps:
- Place
yt-dlp.exe
oryoutube-dl.exe
in your MPC-HC installation folder. - Open website URLs through
Menu > File > Open File/URL
. - Download videos with
Menu > File > Save a copy
. - Access various YDL configuration options via
Options > Advanced
.
8. HDR Video Playback
- Support for HDR playback can be achieved by using madVR or MPC Video Renderer.
- Select the renderer from
Options > Playback > Output
.
9. Subtitles Downloading
- Easily search for subtitles both automatically and manually (press D) via
Options > Subtitles > Misc
.
In addition to these exciting features, MPC-HC has received numerous bug fixes and improvements over the years, contributing to enhanced performance and stability. Support for various codecs has been updated, including CUE sheets and WebVTT subtitles.
Latest Updates: MPC-HC 2.5.0 Changelog
- Updated LAV Filters to version 0.80-1-gb9116.
- Updated MPC Video Renderer to version 0.9.9.2400.
- Implemented several minor fixes and enhancements.
Call for Graphics Designers
The MPC-HC team is embarking on a project to redesign the toolbar, which will feature customizable layouts and additional buttons. Existing custom toolbar designs will not be supported in the future. Graphics designers looking to contribute are encouraged to review this dedicated information page.
Download Information
You can download the latest version of MPC-HC (2.5.0) from the following links:
- MPC-HC 2.5.0 (x64) | Standalone | ~20.0 MB (Open Source)
- MPC-HC 2.5.0 (x86) | Standalone
For more information, visit the MPC-HC Home Page.

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