Classic media player gets quiet update
Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC) remains one of the most reliable open-source media players for Windows, nearly two decades after its debut. The software began as a lightweight alternative to Windows Media Player, created by a developer known as Gabest. It included built-in support for DVD playback, subtitles, and a wide range of video and audio formats.
Development halted, then revived by the community
The original project officially ended in July 2017 with version 1.7.13, as the team lacked resources to continue. A community-driven fork, maintained by a developer identified as clsid2 on GitHub, later took over. This version focuses on bug fixes, updated internal libraries like LAV Filters and MediaInfo, and compatibility with modern Windows systems.
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Updates arrive several times a year, though less frequently than those of mainstream players. Recent builds have improved AV1 and HEVC playback, along with general stability. The fork maintains the original philosophy: a no-frills, efficient player that prioritizes performance over flashy features.
The software’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Unlike many modern players, it doesn’t require additional codec packs for most formats. LAV Filters, bundled with the player, handle H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1, and high-resolution audio and video files without extra setup. Hardware acceleration is supported through DXVA2, D3D11, and Intel QuickSync, reducing CPU strain during high-definition or 4K playback.
Its longevity stems from adaptability. The clsid2 fork introduced useful updates, such as improved subtitle handling. Small improvements matter most to users. The player remembers playback positions, letting viewers resume videos where they left off. It also allows quickly seeking through a video with Ctrl + Mouse Scrollwheel.
MPC-HC vs. MPC-BE: A fork in the road
MPC-HC isn’t the only descendant of the original Media Player Classic. MPC-BE, another community fork, takes a different direction. While MPC-HC retains its lightweight design, MPC-BE modernizes the interface with dark themes, more customization, and broader codec support. The trade-off is slightly higher resource usage due to added features and UI elements.
For those who prefer MPC-HC’s simplicity, the clsid2 fork includes modern touches without straying far from the original vision. The player now defaults to MPC Video Renderer (MPCVR) on most systems, replacing the older EVR-CP renderer. MPCVR supports Dolby Vision, though users can still opt for madVR if installed separately. The installer remains basic, but the K-Lite Codec Pack provides a more user-friendly setup, including automatic file associations.
Customization stands out as a key feature. Users can adjust the seek bar height and toolbar button size. Subtitle support is robust, with options for automatic searches and manual adjustments. Playback speed can be fine-tuned in small increments, and the internal audio renderer includes automatic pitch correction to avoid distortion when adjusting speed.
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The interface may look outdated, but its functionality remains strong. Keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls are highly customizable. Advanced features like looping video segments, rotating or flipping the display, and quick navigation between files in a folder make it popular among power users who value efficiency over aesthetics.
Despite its age, the software continues to evolve in ways that matter to its audience. The clsid2 fork’s updates aren’t flashy, but they ensure the player stays viable for those who want a fast, lightweight option without unnecessary bloat. For software nearly abandoned, it has remained relevant by focusing on what it does best: playing media reliably with minimal fuss.
