How to Play a M3U Stream with VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile and powerful media player that supports various streaming protocols. If you have a direct link to a video stream and want to play it with VLC Media Player, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install VLC Media Player
Download VLC Media Player:
Go to the official VLC website: VLC/Download
Choose the version appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
Click on the download link and save the installer file to your computer.
Install VLC Media Player:
Locate the downloaded installer file and double-click it to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 2: Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC Media Player:
After installation, open VLC Media Player. You can find it in your applications folder or by searching for it in your operating system’s search bar.
Step 3: Open the Network Stream
Access the "Open Network Stream" Option:
In the VLC Media Player window, click on the "Media" menu located in the upper left corner of the screen.
From the drop-down menu, select "Open Network Stream" (or "Open Network" in some versions).
Enter the Stream URL:
A dialog box will appear. In the "Network" tab, you will see a field labeled "Please enter a network URL."
Paste the link ABOVE into this field.
Play the Stream:
Click on the "Play" button to start streaming. VLC Media Player will connect to the stream and begin playing it.
Step 4: Handling Stream Interruptions
Check for Interruptions:
If the stream interrupts or stops every 20 to 30 seconds, this may be due to network issues or stream instability.
Enable Looping:
To mitigate interruptions, you can use VLC’s loop feature to automatically restart the stream. Here’s how:
While the stream is playing, click on the "View" menu at the top of the VLC window.
Select "Advanced Controls" to display additional control buttons.
Locate the loop button (an icon with two arrows forming a circle) in the additional control buttons. It’s usually located near the play/pause buttons.
Click on the loop button to enable looping. By default, this will loop the entire stream or the current playlist.
Position Looping:
If you need to loop a specific portion of the stream:
Pause the stream at the beginning of the section you want to loop.
Click the loop button to activate the loop function. You may need to manually stop and start the stream if it pauses, but VLC will automatically loop the content once the loop is set.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If the Stream Does Not Play:
Ensure that the URL is correct and accessible. Check if there are any typos or errors in the URL.
Verify your internet connection to ensure it’s stable.
Some streams might require specific network settings or additional plugins. Check if there are any special instructions provided with the stream link.
Update VLC Media Player:
Ensure you are using the latest version of VLC Media Player. You can check for updates by going to the "Help" menu and selecting "Check for Updates."
Additional Tips
Save the Stream:
If you wish to save the stream for offline viewing, you can use the "Convert / Save" feature in VLC. After opening the network stream, go to "Media" > "Convert / Save," and follow the instructions to save the stream.
Adjust Playback Settings:
VLC offers various playback settings and options. You can adjust volume, subtitle settings, and video quality through the "View" and "Tools" menus.
By following these steps, including using the loop feature to handle interruptions, you should be able to play the video stream using VLC Media Player smoothly.
Updated M3U Link: 21/8/2024
Send email: info@1fakt.com if link not working!