Users are encouraged to donate and contribute towards the open source software.

The VideoLAN project have officially announced the premier release of the Goldeneye branch of VLC 1.0.0. Many analysts have been looking forward to what the new version of the open source software will deliver. Well, according to their website, all questions have been answered as new features that are included are:

• Free, Open Source and cross-platform
• Independant of systems codecs to support most video types
• Live recording
• Instant pausing and Frame-by-Frame support
• Finer speed controls
• New HD codecs (AES3, Dolby Digital Plus, TrueHD, Blu-Ray Linear PCM, Real Video 3.0 and 4.0, …)
• New formats (Raw Dirac, M2TS, …) and major improvements in many formats…
• New Dirac encoder and MP3 fixed-point encoder
• Video scaling in fullscreen
• RTSP Trickplay support
• Zipped file playback
• Customizable toolbars
• Easier encoding GUI in Qt interface
• Better integration in Gtk environments
• MTP devices on linux
• AirTunes streaming
• New skin for the skins2 interface

Seeing as the software is open source and free, the developers are literally pleading for donations as a result of the credit crunch. Be friendly and come and donate a couple of dollars to the VLC cause here.

Having already tried out the new platform, I for one have enjoyed using it already as I feel the new features make a huge difference in the quality and interface, making watching movies on your desktop much more enjoyable!

Have you tried out the new VLC media player on your desktop or laptop? If so, feel free to comment below on your feelings towards the new revamped software.