VLC player: set buffer - how it works

If a stream in the VLC Media Player does not run smoothly, you can set the buffer to regulate irregularities in the transmission. We'll show you how it's done.

Set the VLC buffer correctly - how it works

The buffer, or buffer in German, downloads content from the stream in advance and only plays it a few seconds later. This enables smooth streaming despite a slow internet connection.

• Open the VLC media player on your computer.
• Click on "Media" in the menu bar at the top left and select the "Stream" item below.
• A new window opens in which you switch to the "Network" tab above.
• Enter the URL of the stream here.
• Place a checkmark in front of the item "Show more options" at the bottom of the window. The window enlarges, so that further setting options are available.
• A default value of 300 milliseconds is set for "Caching". These 0.3 seconds are usually sufficient for a fast internet connection. However, if yours is too slow, you need to increase the value. Start with 1000 ms (see picture).
• Now click on the "Stream" button and then on "Stream" again so that it starts.
• If the transmission is still stalling, increase the value to 2000 milliseconds or higher. You can increase the buffer time until you can enjoy the stream smoothly.

The problem is not always your internet connection. If the server of the stream is overloaded, there is little you can do about it yourself. Read this practical tip to find out how to solve the problems of a slow Internet connection.

(Practical tip originally written by Tim Aschermann)