Overview

If you've ever used VLC Media Player, you'll be slightly familiar with JuceVLC from the beginning, as this actually is VLC Media Player - except it has an on-screen UI. Essentially what you get with JuceVLC, is an alternative to Windows Media Player and other similar programs, so it all comes down to preference.

However, there are a few things about JuceVLC that could make a lot of people like it, but also some others that may make new users frustrated. Performance-wise the program was very functional, the videos looked great and there was a lot of settings I could tweak while the video was still playing. I was able to change the speed of the video, offset the audio or subtitles, and perform a few other actions rather easily with an on-screen menu.

JuceVLC is a program that I really enjoyed, but will some Interface woes be the cause of it's demise? Stay tuned...

Installation

The installation process for JuceVLC was very basic, just a download of an executable file that runs an install wizard. There's no bundled software or account registration required, and the entire process takes about 30 seconds with a decent PC. This program is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 Operating Systems.

Interface

So when I first opened JuceVLC after the installation, I was presented with a full screen window with some pretty ugly icons and a very strange interface. I was slightly confused, and a little worried at this point, but I worked my way through the interface and found a video file to open. From this point, I was able to go into a windowed mode and pull up a menu with a MUCH better UI.

Later I figured out that I could right-click (not left) anywhere on the screen to pull up the alternate menu at any given time. Honestly I would prefer they removed the initial interface completely, but at least not have it set as a default.

The on-screen menu while I was watching videos was very fast and responsive, and allowed me to perform a lot of fun and useful actions that affected the video's playback. Overall I was quite impressed by the interface, just not the initial one.

Pros

• On-screen UI that doesn't block your video
• Useful and fun settings to adjust while watching videos
• Good quality and speed when seeking through clips
• Great secondary UI
• Free!

Cons

• What seems to be the primary UI is very ugly and difficult to navigate with

Alternatives

VLC Media Player would definitely be something to take a look at if you're in the market for a free video player, essentially it is a bare-bones version of JuceVLC. Windows Media Player Classic has always been a favorite of mine, it seems to operate faster than the bulky players I'm seeing today. And of course there's always WMP 11.

Conclusion

When it's all said and done, I really like JuceVLC, and I'll definitely keep it on my computer for a while. That being said, I feel the initial UI could really throw off some basic PC users who wouldn't even think to try right-clicking on the screen, and would only stumble upon the alternate menu by accident. In reality, that's still a very minor issue because it can be fixed easily, still a fantastic program you should definitely try.