VLC Media Player is one of the most versatile and popular open-source video players available today. It’s free, fast, and supports nearly all video and audio formats without the need for additional codecs. However, playing encrypted or commercial Blu-ray discs on VLC isn’t as straightforward as inserting a DVD. To watch Blu-ray videos, particularly those that are commercial or encrypted, a bit of manual configuration is needed. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of playing Blu-ray discs using VLC so that even complex Blu-ray setups become manageable.
TL;DR
VLC can play Blu-ray discs with the right configuration. You’ll need to download and place specific files—KEYDB.cfg and libaacs.dll—into particular folders on your system. This process allows VLC to bypass certain encryption mechanisms found on Blu-ray discs. Ensure your VLC version is up-to-date and your Blu-ray drive is correctly connected.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Blu-ray on VLC
1. Ensure You Have the Latest Version of VLC
Before attempting to play a Blu-ray disc, it’s important to make sure you’re using the latest version of VLC Media Player. Newer versions offer better support for Blu-ray functionalities and bug fixes.
- Visit the official VLC site: https://www.videolan.org
- Download and install the latest version compatible with your operating system.
2. Understand the Limitations
It’s crucial to understand that not all Blu-ray discs will work out of the box. That’s because many commercial Blu-rays are protected by AACS (Advanced Access Content System) and BD+ encryption. VLC does not include these decryption keys by default due to legal restrictions.
However, you can manually add support for these formats by downloading a few additional files.
3. Download the Required Files
To enable Blu-ray playback, you need two specific components:
- KEYDB.cfg – This file contains the decryption keys necessary for processing encrypted Blu-ray discs.
- libaacs.dll (for Windows) or libaacs.dylib (for macOS) – This is the AACS library that enables decoding of encrypted content.
Step-by-Step:
For KEYDB.cfg:
- Visit: https://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name/files/KEYDB.cfg
- Download the KEYDB.cfg file.
For libaacs.dll:
- For Windows, download from: libaacs.dll
- For macOS, download the corresponding .dylib file from the same source (choose appropriate architecture: x86_64 or ARM64).
4. Place the Files in the Correct Location
Once downloaded, you need to place these files in specific locations depending on your operating system.
Windows Users:
- Place KEYDB.cfg in:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\aacs\ - If the folder doesn’t exist, create it manually.
- Place the libaacs.dll file in the main VLC directory:
C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\
macOS Users:
- Place KEYDB.cfg in:
~/Library/Preferences/aacs/ - Copy the libaacs.dylib to:
/usr/local/lib/
Linux Users:
- Place KEYDB.cfg in:
~/.config/aacs/ - Ensure libaacs.so is in your VLC library path. You may need to install the appropriate package from your distro’s repository.
5. Insert Your Blu-ray Disc and Launch VLC
Now that the proper files have been configured, insert your Blu-ray disc into your Blu-ray drive.
Open VLC and go to:
- Media > Open Disc…
- In the “Disc” tab, check Blu-ray and make sure your Blu-ray drive is correctly selected.
- If the disc has a menu, you can select No disc menus to go straight to the movie.
- Click Play.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Playback Does Not Start
If VLC crashes or fails to play the disc, double-check the following:
- The libaacs.dll or .dylib file is in the correct directory.
- The KEYDB.cfg file is up-to-date and placed in the proper location.
- VLC is updated to the latest version.
- Your Blu-ray drive is functioning properly and recognized by the operating system.
Missing Menus or Navigation Problems
Many Blu-rays use Java-based menus, which VLC (at the time of writing) does not support. Use third-party tools like MakeMKV to rip the main movie files instead, if full navigation is required.
Region Code Errors
If you get an error related to region coding, your disc may not be playable unless you switch the region of your Blu-ray drive. Be cautious—most hardware allows only a limited number of changes to the region code.
7. Using Alternatives When VLC Fails
In cases where VLC is unable to decode your Blu-ray disc even after proper setup, you might want to consider using third-party software that is specifically tailored for Blu-ray playback.
Some reliable alternatives include:
- MakeMKV: Used to convert Blu-ray discs into MKV format which is easily playable via VLC.
- Leawo Blu-ray Player: A free alternative that supports Blu-ray and DVD playback with menus.
- PowerDVD: A commercial solution that provides full support for Blu-ray menus and bonus content.
Using MakeMKV in tandem with VLC offers a viable middle ground—rip once, watch freely.
8. Legal Considerations
Decrypting Blu-ray discs may fall into a legal gray area depending on your country’s copyright laws. While backing up media for personal use is legal in some regions, it may violate copyright protections elsewhere.
Always ensure you’re complying with local laws and using only legally purchased content.
Final Thoughts
Although playing Blu-ray discs in VLC requires a few extra steps, the process isn’t overly complex. By downloading the necessary configuration files, placing them in the correct folders, and configuring VLC properly, you can unlock Blu-ray playback with confidence. The added effort can make VLC an even more powerful media player, capable of handling today’s demanding video formats.
In a world filled with digital streaming, Blu-ray still offers unmatched quality for cinephiles and collectors. Thankfully, with tools like VLC and a bit of patience, accessing that quality is entirely possible.