Are you tired of the limitations of your Samsung Smart TV’s built-in media player? Do you want to access a wider range of file formats and enjoy a more seamless viewing experience? Look no further than VLC, the popular media player that has been a favorite among PC users for years. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of downloading and installing VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, so you can unlock endless entertainment possibilities.
What is VLC and Why Do You Need It on Your Samsung Smart TV?
VLC (VideoLAN Client) is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of audio and video file formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, and more. It’s known for its versatility, ease of use, and ability to play files that other media players can’t. By installing VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, you’ll be able to:
- Play a wider range of file formats, including those that aren’t supported by your TV’s built-in media player
- Enjoy a more seamless viewing experience, with features like smooth playback and intuitive controls
- Access additional features like subtitle support, audio filters, and more
Is VLC Available on Samsung Smart TV?
Unfortunately, VLC is not available on the Samsung Smart TV app store by default. However, there are a few workarounds that you can use to install VLC on your TV. We’ll explore these methods in more detail below.
Method 1: Installing VLC Using the Samsung Smart Hub
The Samsung Smart Hub is a platform that allows you to access a range of apps and services on your TV. While VLC isn’t available on the Smart Hub by default, you can use a workaround to install it. Here’s how:
- Press the “Smart Hub” button on your remote control to access the Smart Hub dashboard
- Navigate to the “Apps” section and select “Search”
- Type “VLC” into the search bar and select the “VLC” app from the results
- If the app is available, you’ll be able to download and install it directly from the Smart Hub
Note that this method may not work for all Samsung Smart TV models, as the availability of VLC on the Smart Hub can vary depending on your region and TV model.
Alternative Method: Sideload VLC Using a USB Drive
If you’re unable to find VLC on the Smart Hub, you can try sideloading it using a USB drive. This method requires a bit more technical expertise, but it’s a great way to install VLC on your TV if it’s not available through the Smart Hub. Here’s how:
- Download the VLC APK file from the official VideoLAN website
- Transfer the APK file to a USB drive
- Insert the USB drive into your TV’s USB port
- Navigate to the “Settings” menu on your TV and select “Security”
- Enable “Unknown sources” to allow your TV to install apps from external sources
- Navigate to the “My Apps” section and select “Install”
- Select the VLC APK file from the USB drive and follow the prompts to install it
Important Note:
Sideloaded apps may not be optimized for your TV’s hardware and software, which can affect performance and stability. Additionally, sideloading apps can potentially void your TV’s warranty, so proceed with caution.
Method 2: Using a Streaming Device to Access VLC
If you’re unable to install VLC directly on your Samsung Smart TV, you can use a streaming device to access it. Here are a few options:
- Google Chromecast: You can install the VLC app on your Android device and use Chromecast to stream it to your TV
- Amazon Fire TV: You can install the VLC app on your Fire TV device and access it directly on your TV
- Roku: You can install the VLC app on your Roku device and access it directly on your TV
These methods require a separate device, but they’re a great way to access VLC on your TV if you’re unable to install it directly.
Benefits of Using a Streaming Device
Using a streaming device to access VLC offers a few benefits, including:
- Access to a wider range of apps and services
- Improved performance and stability
- Ability to access VLC on multiple devices
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while installing or using VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:
- Check that your TV is connected to the internet and that your internet connection is stable
- Ensure that you have the latest version of the VLC app installed
- Restart your TV and try reinstalling the app if you encounter any issues
Common Error Messages
If you encounter any error messages while installing or using VLC, here are a few common ones to look out for:
- “App not available”: This error message may indicate that VLC is not available on the Smart Hub or that your TV is not compatible with the app
- “Installation failed”: This error message may indicate that there’s an issue with the APK file or that your TV’s security settings are preventing the installation
Conclusion
Installing VLC on your Samsung Smart TV can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort. With VLC, you’ll be able to access a wider range of file formats, enjoy a more seamless viewing experience, and access additional features like subtitle support and audio filters. Whether you use the Smart Hub, sideload the app using a USB drive, or use a streaming device, there are plenty of ways to get VLC up and running on your TV.
What is VLC and why do I need it on my Samsung Smart TV?
VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play a wide range of audio and video formats. It is a popular choice among users due to its versatility and ability to play files that other media players may not support. Having VLC on your Samsung Smart TV can enhance your viewing experience by allowing you to play various file formats that may not be supported by the TV’s built-in media player.
With VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, you can play videos and music from external devices, such as USB drives or network-attached storage devices. You can also stream content from the internet using VLC’s built-in streaming capabilities. Additionally, VLC provides features such as subtitle support, audio and video filters, and playback controls that can enhance your overall viewing experience.
Is VLC available for download on all Samsung Smart TV models?
VLC is available for download on most Samsung Smart TV models, but the availability may vary depending on the TV’s operating system and model year. Generally, VLC is available on Samsung Smart TVs running on the Tizen operating system, which is used on most Samsung Smart TVs from 2015 onwards. However, it’s always best to check the Samsung Apps store on your TV to see if VLC is available for download.
If VLC is not available for download on your Samsung Smart TV, you may want to consider checking for updates to your TV’s operating system or firmware. Sometimes, updates can add new features and apps, including VLC. Alternatively, you can also consider using a different media player app that is available on your TV.
How do I download VLC on my Samsung Smart TV?
To download VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, follow these steps: Go to the Samsung Apps store on your TV, search for “VLC”, and select the VLC app from the search results. Click the “Download” or “Install” button to start the download process. Once the download is complete, click the “Open” button to launch the VLC app.
After launching VLC, you may need to configure some settings, such as selecting the default language and setting up any external devices you want to use with VLC. You can also explore the app’s features and settings to customize your viewing experience. If you encounter any issues during the download or installation process, you can refer to the Samsung Apps store’s support resources or contact Samsung customer support for assistance.
Do I need to create an account to download VLC on my Samsung Smart TV?
No, you do not need to create an account to download VLC on your Samsung Smart TV. VLC is a free and open-source app, and you can download it directly from the Samsung Apps store without creating an account. However, if you want to access some of VLC’s advanced features or customize your viewing experience, you may need to create a free account on the VLC website.
Creating a VLC account can provide you with additional benefits, such as access to exclusive features, priority customer support, and the ability to sync your settings across multiple devices. However, this is optional, and you can still use VLC on your Samsung Smart TV without creating an account.
Can I use VLC to play content from external devices on my Samsung Smart TV?
Yes, you can use VLC to play content from external devices on your Samsung Smart TV. VLC supports a wide range of file formats and can play content from devices such as USB drives, network-attached storage devices, and even some smartphones and tablets. To play content from an external device, simply connect the device to your TV using a compatible cable or wirelessly using a technology such as DLNA.
Once you’ve connected the external device, launch VLC on your Samsung Smart TV and navigate to the “Media” or “File” menu. From there, you can select the external device and browse its contents to find the file you want to play. VLC will then play the file on your TV, using its built-in playback controls and features to enhance your viewing experience.
Is VLC available in multiple languages on Samsung Smart TV?
Yes, VLC is available in multiple languages on Samsung Smart TV. VLC is a global app with a large user base, and it supports many languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and many others. When you launch VLC on your Samsung Smart TV, you can select your preferred language from the app’s settings menu.
To change the language in VLC, go to the “Settings” or “Preferences” menu and select the “Language” option. From there, you can choose from a list of available languages and select the one you prefer. VLC will then display its menus and interfaces in the selected language, making it easier for you to navigate and use the app.
Can I update VLC on my Samsung Smart TV to the latest version?
Yes, you can update VLC on your Samsung Smart TV to the latest version. VLC is regularly updated with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, and you can update the app on your TV to take advantage of these updates. To update VLC, go to the Samsung Apps store on your TV and search for “VLC”.
If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button next to the VLC app. Click this button to download and install the latest version of VLC. Alternatively, you can also set your TV to automatically update apps, including VLC, when new versions are available. This way, you’ll always have the latest version of VLC on your Samsung Smart TV without having to manually check for updates.