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VLC 3.0.0, released on 8 February 2018, was the first version of the “Vetinari” branch. VideoLAN introduced hardware-accelerated high-resolution decoding, HDR features and Chromecast streaming, alongside major network, Blu-ray and immersive-audio improvements. These were capabilities described for specific hardware and output paths—not a guarantee that every computer could smoothly play every 8K file or that every modern Chromecast setup is compatible.
When did VLC 3.0 “Vetinari” arrive?
VideoLAN announced VLC 3.0.0 on 8 February 2018 and identified it as the first release of the Vetinari branch, named after Discworld’s Lord Patrician. The official tag announcement is available at VideoLAN’s 3.0.0 announcement.
The original release page, VLC 3.0 Vetinari, presented the update as a broad playback and streaming release rather than a single-format upgrade.
What did VLC 3.0 add?
| Feature | What VideoLAN stated | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware decoding | Enabled by default, including paths for high-resolution H.264 and H.265 playback. | Actual results depended on the computer, decoder hardware, driver and operating system. |
| 4K and 8K | 8-bit and 10-bit H.264/H.265 decoding could allow 4K60 or even 8K decoding with little CPU consumption. | This was a capability claim in the release announcement, not an independent benchmark or universal playback guarantee. |
| HDR | Support for 10-bit video, HDR, HDR tone-mapping and HDR10 through Direct3D11 on Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. | HDR behavior varied by platform and display-output path. |
| Chromecast | Streaming to Chromecast through VLC’s renderer framework, including formats the receiver did not natively support. | The 2018 announcement does not promise compatibility with every later receiver, network or configuration. |
| Network browsing | Browsing SMB, FTP, SFTP and NFS locations. | Access still required a reachable share and valid permissions. |
| Disc and immersive media | Blu-ray Java menus, 360-degree video, 3D audio and Ambisonics. | Experience depended on the source, hardware and selected output route. |
Does VLC 3.0 support HDR?
Yes, but “HDR support” in VLC 3.0 describes several related capabilities rather than one identical feature on every platform. VideoLAN listed 10-bit and HDR support, HDR tone-mapping and HDR10 output through Direct3D11 when running Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
How the HDR path varied
- Windows: the release specifically identified HDR10 support through Direct3D11 with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
- OpenGL output: VideoLAN described HDR tone-mapping improvements.
- Other platforms: the release listed broader color-space and codec support, but did not establish an identical HDR output path for every operating system.
Your display, graphics driver, operating-system HDR settings and VLC output module all affect whether HDR is passed through, tone-mapped to SDR or displayed incorrectly. The release notes therefore should not be read as “HDR works everywhere.”
Can VLC 3.0 play 8K video?
VLC 3.0 was designed to make 4K and 8K decoding practical when suitable hardware acceleration was available. VideoLAN said that hardware decoding was enabled by default and that 8-bit and 10-bit H.264/H.265 decoding could support “4K60 or even 8K decoding with little CPU consumption.”
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
That statement describes a supported decoding capability, not a measured result for every system. Smooth playback still depended on the codec profile, bitrate, chroma format, frame rate, storage or network speed, graphics hardware and driver. An older computer could therefore struggle with an 8K file even though VLC 3.0 included the relevant decoder path.
Hardware-acceleration routes named by VideoLAN
- Windows: DxVA2 and D3D11.
- Android: MediaCodec.
- macOS and iOS: VideoToolbox.
- Linux: VA-API.
These routes explain why the same file can perform differently across devices: VLC can only benefit from acceleration that the operating system, driver and hardware expose for that codec and resolution.
Rank #3
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
Can VLC 3.0 stream to Chromecast?
Yes. VLC 3.0 added Chromecast streaming through its renderer framework. VideoLAN also stated that VLC could stream formats a Chromecast device did not natively support, allowing VLC to act as the playback source and send a converted stream to the receiver.
The announcement does not specify a universal success rate, current receiver models, router requirements or behavior with every later Chromecast-generation device. In practice, the computer or phone running VLC and the receiver must be able to discover each other on the local network, and transcoding a difficult file can still depend on the source format and host hardware.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Local playback versus casting
- Local playback: VLC decodes the file and displays it on the same computer or mobile device.
- Chromecast playback: VLC sends media to a separate receiver, potentially converting formats the receiver cannot decode itself.
You do not need a Chromecast to use VLC; it is an additional output option.
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Network sources
VLC 3.0 added browsing for SMB, FTP, SFTP and NFS locations, making network-share media easier to locate from within the player.
Best Value
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Blu-ray and home-theater playback
The release included Blu-ray Java menu support and HDMI passthrough for HD audio formats including E-AC3, TrueHD and DTS-HD, subject to the capabilities of the operating system, receiver and HDMI chain.
360-degree and 3D audio
VideoLAN listed 360-degree navigation, 3D audio and Ambisonics support for compatible content and output equipment.
Usability, security and format coverage
Other listed changes included subtitle resizing, secure password storage, additional codecs and additional streaming protocols.
Which operating systems did the original VLC 3.0 page list?
The following versions are historical release-page information from 2018, not a statement of VLC’s current support policy:
| Platform | Versions listed for VLC 3.0.0 |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows XP through Windows 10 RS3 |
| macOS | macOS 10.7 through 10.13 |
| iOS | iOS 7 through 11 |
| Android | Android 2.3 through 8.1 |
| Other systems | GNU/Linux and *BSD |
Those version ranges establish the platforms targeted by the original 3.0.0 release. They should not be used to infer which operating systems a current VLC build supports.
Quick Recap
What should you expect from VLC 3.0’s headline features?
- For 8K, check whether your system exposes hardware decoding for the file’s H.264 or H.265 profile; the announcement’s “4K60 or even 8K” wording is not a performance benchmark.
- For HDR, verify the operating system, GPU driver, display and VLC output module rather than assuming identical behavior across platforms.
- For Chromecast, treat casting as a renderer feature whose success depends on the receiver, local network and any conversion VLC must perform.
- For network shares and Blu-ray menus, confirm permissions, connectivity and the capabilities of the rest of your playback chain.
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