Screenbox: Modern VLC Alternative with Chromecast & PIP Mode

VLC has been at the top for quite some time regarding media players. Its open-source status, compatibility with almost all audio and video formats, and adaptability have made it a favorite among millions.

Still, Screenbox, a newcomer, shows that innovation continues relentlessly. Built on the VLC framework, this modern media player provides a new, intuitive experience optimized for Windows users. Let’s delve into Screenbox’s features to discover why it’s the preferred choice for users seeking a blend of practicality, design, and powerful functionality.

Screenbox: A Modern Take on Media Playback

Despite VLC’s power, its outdated interface can be overwhelming for some. Here we have Screenbox, an open-source media player that aims to offer a modern take on VLC’s powerful features. It’s free and open-source.

Using LibVLCSharp and UWP, Screenbox offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience that’s both quick and efficient.

Key Features: Simplicity Meets Functionality

Screenbox doesn’t merely focus on aesthetics; the app offers a wealth of features without being overly complex. Here’s a glimpse of what it has to offer:

1. Sleek, modern, and beautiful:

The media player is created with Microsoft’s Fluent Design language. Input text: You can expect a modern, responsive user interface that is designed specifically for Windows.

2. Intuitive Gesture Control:

Scrolling across videos and controlling the volume is now straightforward. Gestures allow for effortless control and a more satisfying viewing experience.

3. Easy Window Resizing with Hotkeys:

Customize the player to fit your workflow in no time. Ideal for focused viewing or multitasking, hotkeys (number rows 1-4) provide instant window resizing

4. Keyboard Shortcuts Inspired by YouTube:

Commonly used shortcuts make navigating the app much easier. With a minimal learning curve, you’ll be using Screenbox like a pro if you’re familiar with YouTube.

5. PIP Mode:

Experience seamless multitasking with picture-in-picture mode. Keep watching your movie as you work or browse the web. To maximize efficiency without sacrificing fun, try using the Picture-in-Picture mode, which separates videos into a resizable window.

6. Capture Frames:

Preserve Memorable Moments: Take images of the scenes that captivate you. Frame capture is a great tool for capturing individual video frames and saving them as high-quality photos.

7. Support for Chromecast:

Quickly and easily stream to a big screen: Transfer media to devices that support Chromecast. Effortlessly switch between PC and TV watching, perfect for group viewing.

8. Network Media Playback:

Access and play media files from your local network. Screenbox allows you to browse shared files and stream content, making it easier to manage your home media.

9. Lightweight and Cross-Device Compatibility:

Screenbox takes advantage of UWP’s efficiency to provide flawless playback on low-end hardware, and it works with Windows 10 (1903+), Windows 11, and Xbox consoles. Its compact design and lightweight make it perfect for extended use because it minimizes resource consumption.

 

Screenbox vs. VLC: A Balanced Comparison

Feature	Screenbox	VLC
Interface	Fluent Design, minimalist	Dated, cluttered
Platform Support	Windows/UWP-focused	Cross-platform
Gesture Controls	Yes	No
Chromecast Integration	Native support	Requires plugins
Updates	Regular via Microsoft Store	Manual downloads

Download Screenbox

Microsoft Store: Download directly from the Microsoft Store: Microsoft Store Link

Winget: For command-line enthusiasts, installation via Winget is lightning-fast:

winget install screenbox -s winget

For more details about the app, visit the developer’s GitHub page.

Conclusion: Is Screenbox Worth the Switch?

Screenbox is a great media player for Windows users who want a sleek, user-friendly interface with the stability of VLC.

Gesture support, Picture-in-Picture mode, and Chromecast integration are just a few of the innovative features that make this tool amazing for both entertainment and productivity. On top of that, the media player will always be available to everyone because it is free and open-source.