Among the many features VLC brings to your Mac HTPC is the ability to create and save video playlists to control playback of more than one file at a time. And its compatibility with almost any format allows mixing more than one file type not a problem, unlike some other programs (iTunes, I’m looking in your direction…). Best of all it’s simple: just load up the playlist, save it if you like, and press play when you’re ready to watch!
With a little imagination, this feature can be a huge advantage in a HTPC environment. I use it on a regular basis in a variety of situations and I thought I’d share a couple of the most common.
TV Programmer: With the state of network television’s quality, watching reruns of “classic” shows is a no-brainer. Since I’ve backed up a bunch of my favorites from DVD sets to a HD, I routinely “program” my own night of TV shows.
Check out how the line-up I’ve created below…
…blows away anything CBS, NBC, ABC, et al could throw at me! And the lack of commercials is just icing on the cake. I also will often load a whole series into the playlist and just choose “Random” for a customized marathon.
Movie Night: Enhance watching a DVD/HD movie at home by throwing in trailers and even a THX trailer before the main feature. I load up the appropriate material in advance and, when I click “Play”, I may as well be at the theater.
Wall Candy: A few years ago, I was in a bar and they were projecting “The Matrix” sans sound onto a wall. I’ve always loved great cinematography and found the idea AWESOME.
With a wall-mounted LCD, I decided to give it a try and use playlists to create the same feeling at my house. Coupled with good music, movies like “2001″ and “Blade Runner” are truly pieces of art. So creating a playlist of stunning films before a party can really enhance a home’s decor.
Combining Multi-Segment Series: Limited-run series or shows that don’t require sequential viewing are another great candidate for playlists…and “Plant Earth” is a perfect example.
As I’ve said before, VLC’s importance in a Mac-based home theater enviornment cannot be measured. Its flexibility and feature set continually amaze me. And playlists are just another area in which it truly has no peer.
