Question about using VLC download for Chrome

Si_Clist

I have a bunch of .wmv files that I need to convert to .mp4 so I can play them on my Chromebook, so I just downloaded VLC for Chrome.  When I open it, all I get is a plain white screen with the VLC traffic-cone thingy in the middle of it.  There's no apparent means of doing anything to make something happen, so what am I missing here?  Did I do something wrong?

Neil_Jones

VLC is a Player, not a converter, or at least not in its default state.

https://www.appgeeker.com/how-to/convert-wmv-to-mp4-mac.html - see number 5.

Alternatively:

https://www.alphr.com/vlc-chromebook/ - VLC should be able to play WMV files on the Chromebook without any conversion needed.  If you think you need to be converting the files you're doing something wrong.

Si_Clist

Thanks.  Point taken about conversion.  It must be me though: I downloaded the version of VLC referred to in your second link (above), but I'm still stuck with a plain white screen, the VLC traffic cone, and no apparent way of doing anything!

At least now I've established that I'll be happy with just a way of watching .wmv videos on a Chromebook without loss of quality.

flaneurs_lobster

Si_Clist said:

 It must be me though: I downloaded the version of VLC referred to in your second link (above), but I'm still stuck with a plain white screen, the VLC traffic cone, and no apparent way of doing anything!

It's not just you, ditto here on an Acer Chromebook 14.

EDIT : The VLC app installed from Play Store does play the (only) .wmv file I have on the Chromebook.

cx6

do you have access to eg a windows pc? if do, install sourceforge's avidemux, load each video and just save each in  
mp4 format and then copy the 
mp4s onto chromebook

[Deleted User]

Si_Clist said:

I have a bunch of .wmv files that I need to convert to .mp4 so I can play them on my Chromebook, so I just downloaded VLC for Chrome. 

Did you download VLC for Chrome from the Chrome Web Store or the VLC Android version from Google Play Store?

I suggest the later will work if you haven't tried it already.

Si_Clist

[Deleted User] said:

... I suggest the later will work if you haven't tried it already.

And indeed it does!  Thank you very much indeed for solving the mystery.