Are you looking for a way to compare videos or watch multiple video clips simultaneously? VLC media player, the popular open-source multimedia player, offers a simple and convenient solution. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of playing videos side by side in VLC, allowing you to effortlessly compare, analyze, or just enjoy multiple videos on your screen at the same time.
Downloading And Installing VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile and widely-used media player that supports playing various file formats, including videos. To play videos side by side in VLC, you first need to download and install the VLC Media Player software. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Visit the official VideoLAN website at www.videolan.org.
2. Click on the “Download VLC” button, which will redirect you to the downloads page.
3. Choose the appropriate version of VLC for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
4. Click the download link to start downloading the installation file.
5. Once the download is complete, locate the file and double-click on it to begin the installation process.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install VLC Media Player.
7. After installation, launch VLC Media Player by double-clicking the desktop shortcut or searching for it in the Start menu.
Now that you have VLC Media Player installed on your computer, you can proceed to the next steps to learn how to play videos side by side in VLC.
Opening Multiple Videos In VLC Media Player
When it comes to playing videos side by side in VLC Media Player, the first step is to open multiple videos simultaneously. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Launch VLC Media Player on your computer.
2. Go to the “Media” tab located at the top left corner of the player.
3. Click on “Open Multiple Files” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut key “Ctrl + Shift + O.”
4. In the “Open Media” window that appears, click on the “Add” button to browse and select the first video you want to play side by side.
5. Repeat the above step to add the second video. You can add as many videos as you want to play side by side.
6. After adding all the videos, click on the “Play” button. VLC will start playing all the videos simultaneously, but they will be displayed in separate windows by default.
Opening multiple videos in VLC Media Player is the crucial first step to play videos side by side, and with these steps, you’ll be ready to proceed to the next part of the process.
Adjusting The Layout For Side-by-side Display
Adjusting the layout for side-by-side display is an essential step to play videos side by side in VLC Media Player effectively. Once you have opened multiple videos in VLC, follow these simple steps to adjust the layout:
1. In the VLC menu bar, click on “Window” and then select “Tile” or “Tile Vertically.” This action will automatically arrange the videos in a side-by-side layout.
2. If the videos do not fit perfectly side by side, manually resize each video window by dragging the edges until they are aligned symmetrically.
3. To make the text and icons smaller or larger, navigate to VLC’s “Preferences” and click on the “Interface” tab. Here, you can adjust the “Interface Size” to your preferred scale.
4. In case the videos are too small to view comfortably, you can enable the “Zoom” feature by right-clicking on each video and selecting “Video” > “Zoom” > “1x.” This option will magnify the video content for better visibility.
By following these simple steps, you can adjust the layout for side-by-side display in VLC Media Player and enjoy an enhanced viewing experience with two videos playing simultaneously.
Synchronizing The Video Playback
Synchronizing the video playback is essential when playing videos side by side in VLC to ensure both videos are aligned perfectly. Here are the steps to synchronize the video playback:
1. Start by opening the two videos you want to play side by side in VLC Media Player. Go to “Media” in the menu bar and select “Open Multiple Files” or simply press “Ctrl+Shift+O” on your keyboard.
2. In the “Open Media” window, click on the “Add” button to browse and select the videos you want to play.
3. Once the videos are added to the playlist, click on the “Play” button at the bottom right corner of the window to start both videos.
4. To synchronize the videos, pause both videos at the desired starting point by clicking the pause button, or you can press the spacebar on your keyboard.
5. Now, click on “Playback” in the menu bar and select “Sync Playback” or press “Ctrl+K” on your keyboard.
6. In the synchronization settings, adjust the values in the “Audio/Video desync (ms)” box until the videos are perfectly synchronized. Positive values delay the playback, while negative values speed it up. Use trial and error to find the perfect synchronization.
7. Once you’ve achieved synchronization, click the “Close” button to save the changes.
Now you can enjoy watching videos side by side in VLC Media Player with synchronized playback for an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
Changing The Aspect Ratio For Better Viewing Experience
Changing the aspect ratio in VLC Media Player is essential when playing videos side by side to ensure a better viewing experience. The aspect ratio determines the width and height proportions of the video, and adjusting it correctly can prevent distortion and improve visual quality.
To change the aspect ratio in VLC:
1. Open both videos you want to play side by side in VLC Media Player.
2. Right-click on one of the videos and select “Tools” from the context menu.
3. In the Tools menu, choose “Effects and Filters” or press Ctrl+E.
4. In the “Video Effects” tab, select the “Crop” tab.
5. Under the “Geometry” section, you will find the “Aspect ratio” option.
6. Adjust the aspect ratio by either selecting one of the predefined ratios or manually entering custom values.
7. Click “Close” to save the changes.
By changing the aspect ratio to match the original videos’ dimensions, you can ensure that the side-by-side display remains accurate and preserves the intended visual quality. Experimenting with different aspect ratios may be necessary to find the perfect balance between screen space and video clarity.
Enabling Subtitles For Both Videos
Enabling subtitles in VLC Media Player allows you to add text captions to your videos, enhancing the viewing experience. Here’s how you can enable subtitles for both videos when playing them side by side:
1. Launch VLC Media Player and open the first video you want to play.
2. Right-click on the video screen, go to Subtitle, and select Add Subtitle File.
3. Choose the appropriate subtitle file and click Open. The subtitles will now be applied to the first video.
4. Repeat the process for the second video by opening it in VLC Media Player and adding the respective subtitle file.
5. Once both subtitle files are added, right-click on the first video screen and navigate to Subtitle. Ensure that the appropriate subtitle track is selected for the first video.
6. Similarly, do the same for the second video. Right-click on its screen, go to Subtitle, and select the relevant subtitle track.
7. Now, both videos will display subtitles simultaneously. You can adjust the subtitle font, size, and position by going to Tools > Preferences > Subtitles/OSD in VLC Media Player.
By following these steps, you can enjoy watching your videos side by side in VLC Media Player with synchronized subtitles.
Troubleshooting Common Issues While Playing Videos Side By Side In VLC
Playing videos side by side in VLC can sometimes present a few challenges. However, you can easily troubleshoot and resolve common issues with little effort. One common problem users face is that the videos do not play simultaneously or one of the videos freezes while the other continues playing. To fix this, make sure the “Sync Playbacks” option is enabled in the “Window” menu of VLC. If the videos still do not sync, try converting the videos to the same format using a video converter tool before playing them in VLC.
Another issue you may encounter is audio synchronization problems. If the audio of one video is delayed or out of sync, you can use the “Track Synchronization” feature in VLC to manually adjust the audio delay and align it with the video. This can be accessed by navigating to the “Tools” menu and selecting “Track Synchronization.”
Furthermore, if VLC crashes or freezes when playing videos side by side, it could be due to outdated codecs or an incompatible video format. Ensure that you have installed the latest version of VLC and update your codecs if necessary. Additionally, try converting the video files to a compatible format using a reliable video converter.
By troubleshooting these common issues, you can enjoy seamless playback of videos side by side in VLC and enhance your multimedia experience.
FAQ
FAQ 1: Can I play multiple videos side by side in VLC?
Yes, VLC allows you to play multiple videos side by side. By following the step-by-step guide provided in the article, you can easily achieve this feature.
FAQ 2: Is VLC available for both Windows and Mac?
Yes, VLC is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. You can download the VLC media player from their official website and install it on your respective device.
FAQ 3: What are the system requirements to run VLC media player?
VLC media player has relatively low system requirements. It can run on various operating systems, including Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10), macOS, Linux, and more. However, it is recommended to have a moderately capable computer to ensure smooth playback.
FAQ 4: Can I adjust the size and position of the side by side videos in VLC?
Yes, VLC provides options to adjust the size and position of the side by side videos. By using the “Adjustments and Effects” feature, you can resize, move, or position the videos according to your preference. The article provides detailed instructions on how to accomplish this.
Final Words
In conclusion, VLC media player offers a simple and effective way to play videos side by side. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, users can easily set up the player to display multiple videos simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for comparing videos, analyzing differences, or simply enjoying a split-screen viewing experience. With VLC’s user-friendly interface and versatile capabilities, video playback customization becomes effortlessly accessible to all users. So, whether you are a professional seeking to analyze media content side by side or a casual viewer wanting to explore a unique viewing experience, VLC is an excellent choice.