The VLC media player has equipped advanced technology, VLC hardware acceleration. When the concept was first thrown out, it had quite a considerable impact on the digital market. One of the common uses is to save more battery life as some users may have experienced this feature. However, some individuals found the hardware acceleration error when switching to software decoding VLC videos. So in this article, a general view of the VLC hardware acceleration will be given as well as some suggestive constructive tips.

Part 1: About Hardware Acceleration

To kick off the hardware acceleration, there is some basic information about the mechanism to stream media files. Media data are wrapped into multiple formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, or others under various compressing codec systems. When the media content is brought to play by media software on computers, the software has to apply the method called “software decoding” to unfold those compressed videos. During this decoding process, the player program may need some help from the computer physically. In other words, the computer will provide the processor which is also the CPU to deal with some heavy work.

However, the computer central processor is actually not that good at coping with codec math. Compared to CPU, GPU that stands for the graphics processor has a better layout in terms of optimizing the encoding and decoding parts for video files. Although GPU can only make the procedure accelerate for limited kinds of video formats, it performs way faster than CPU when it comes to deal with codec math. Accompanying this is the most advantage of operating this function is the minimum electricity cost, which can make your computer battery last longer and keep it running much more efficiently. So what VLC hardware acceleration is going to do is to hand over the job from CPU to GPU for smooth playback. If you want to keep your battery running more efficiently in the long term, then VLC hardware acceleration is definitely something you would like to use on a regular basis.

Along with points mentioned above, it should also be aware that what specific video formats the VLC hardware acceleration can support. Principally, most H.264 videos can be supported for this feature. Also, most player programs like VLC with hardware acceleration function are disabled by default. Hence, the feature of most player programs should be activated manually. The following guide will show you in detail on how to activate VLC disable hardware acceleration.

Part 2: How to Enable Hardware Acceleration in VLC Media Player

While there are only a few player programs around that support the hardware acceleration, VLC is one of them as an open-source player applications. Earning popularity at a rapid pace after releasing, the VLC media player does have its own skills handling videos and soundtracks. When the platform system starts to get cranky or any VLC runtime errors, you can make VLC disable hardware acceleration back again.

Step 1. Download the VLC media player online and install it properly.

The VLC is a cross-platform program that can also carry out tasks on Linux and Mac, pick up the version to match your system.

Step 2. Open the VLC media player and navigate to "Preferences".

From the main interface, you will see a top menu bar where the "Tools" button is lined. Click on it to draw out the dropdown menu. At the bottom of the tool menu, the "Preferences" is right there waiting for you.

Step 3. Go inside of the "Input / Codecs” label.

Click on the "Preferences" to enter the further settings panel. The "Simple Preferences" window is arranged by several essential genres including Interface, Audio, Video, Subtitles, Input/Codecs, and Hotkeys. The VLC hardware acceleration feature is set within the Input/Codecs settings. So simply tap the cone icon of the "Input / Codecs”.

Step 4. Now, it is time to turn the VLC hardware acceleration on.

Look down the menu tabs, there are a couple of sections from codecs, optical drive, files, to network. The VLC hardware acceleration option is hiding in the codecs section that commonly sits on the top. Check closely under the codecs title for the "Hardware-accelerated Decoding” item. The box next to this option is "Disable" by default. Put the cursor onto the option and tap this multi-choice menu to select "Automatic".

Step 5. Apply the VLC hardware acceleration.

Don't forget to hit the "Save" button to save the configurations. Shut down the VLC media player and start it again to play videos.

Part 3: Possible Hardware Acceleration Errors in VLC

You may wonder why the VLC disable hardware acceleration even though the feature will bring so much convenience. The concern is natural as no one wants the incompatibility issue to happen in any scenario. And the VLC hardware acceleration is involved with hardware functionality that runs the entire operating system, so be careful with it. To be more precise, users with outdated computers are more likely to face risks of performing VLC hardware acceleration due to the older buggy drivers.

Although VLC disable hardware acceleration for certain worries, inevitably, VLC hardware acceleration failures cannot be eliminated. While running the process, you may want to pay attention to potential errors. According to a group of VLC users who have tried the VLC hardware acceleration but end up with disabling this function, there might be some unknown reasons to come across the hardware acceleration error switching to software decoding VLC. The trouble seems hard to fix, but it is not unfixable. Under this situation, taking another top VLC media player alternative can solve it thoroughly.

Part 4: Another Player with Hardware Acceleration

Ranking the top of the list of player applications to be recommended, Leawo Blu-ray Player would be the one I would like to introduce first, not only for its same feature as VLC hardware acceleration, but also for its talent to decode video and audio of all kinds. The inner VLC hardware acceleration alternative technology can be easily found and employed through an intuitive and welcoming interface layout. Aside from its powerful hardware acceleration, this professional video player offers supreme playback for all H.264 videos. It never stops catching up with innovative technology so as to offer better and better visual effects. Along with other files of AVI, MPEG, WMV, MKV, MP4, M4A, RMVB, NSV, WTV, it is able to deliver 4K movies without single frame loss. That means this program can double the best parts of benefiting from the hardware acceleration functionality.

What's more, each adjustable setting are included by sides of videos, audio, and subtitles during playback. Users are given free controls in 360 degrees. If you need to play disc content from Blu-rays and DVDs, the inbuilt decrypting procedure is able to make all discs available regardless of disc managements like region codes. Now let's start.

Step 1. Download and install the free Leawo hardware acceleration player on Windows or Mac.

Each version is available for downloading online.

Step 2. Launch Leawo Blu-ray Player and import source videos.

In the interface, there will be a big green "Open File" button to call out a folder viewer. You can also drag the media files into the window and release them simply. This app will recognize and pick up any formats and begin to playback immediately.

Step 3. Find the gate to the system settings.

There are a few ways to approach the playback parameters panel. Look down to the right corner of the screen and search for a gear image which is representing the software settings. Or you can right-click on the streaming area to view a menu with "Player Settings" then select this option. This right-click menu can be shown from another drop-down button next to the "X". And the most direct method is using the hotkey of F5 to pull out the next page.

Step 4. Enable hardware acceleration.

When the Blu-ray player settings page comes up, the framework separates the menu on the left. Choose the "Playback" title from the left column. Now you can see the "Allow hardware acceleration" item on the right extending content. Just tick the round button align with the "Allow hardware acceleration" and you are all set.

Part 5: Conclusion

The VLC hardware acceleration indeed provides a possibility for protecting the computer battery and improving playback stability. But the hardware acceleration error switching to software decoding VLC could also be following after. If you have been bothered by the VLC disable hardware acceleration issues, you should definitely get the Leawo Blu-ray Player instead.

Needless to resolve any hardware acceleration error switching to software decoding VLC, the steps above will assist to make things clear and simple. It is gifted with a huge array of practical bonus features such as screenshot snapper and remote support. On top of that, the additional Power Manager will be capable of boosting the battery durability helpfully. Meanwhile, the background and languages are all personalizable to your most-liked design. Furthermore, there is a chance to upgrade to an advanced edition with the ability to transfer Blu-ray/DVD to MKV with original quality preserved.