mpv is an open source project that provides users with a command-line video playback software forked from the well known MPlayer and mplayer2 applications. It is very lightweight and runs on the GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows platforms.
Features at a glance
Key features include better support for MKV (Matroska) files, streamlined CLI options, GPU video decoding, high quality video output, precise seeking support, gapless audio support, better PulseAudio support, as well as an on screen controller.
In addition, it features better pause handling, VDPAU improvements, support for modifier keys, correct color reproduction, better handling of audio and video synchronization, high quality subtitles, as well as support for playing multiple files at the same time.
Another interesting feature of mpv is the ability to play video files a higher quality than many other open source multimedia player applications, simply because it relies on the FFmpeg’s hwaccel APIs (supporting VAAPI, VDA and VDPAU video decode acceleration).
Based on the highly acclaimed FFmpeg multimedia framework
The program is based on the highly acclaimed FFmpeg multimedia framework, specifically on the libavutil, libavcodec, libavformat, libswscale, libavfilter, and libavresample libraries. Because of this, it supports a wide range of video file formats, as well as audio and subtitle streams.
While it comes with some of the functionality included in the mplayer2 and MPlayer programs, mpv provides users with top-notch features, such as a clean terminal output with easy to remember and intuitive options, improved responsiveness, and OSS4 volume control.
It is also very important to mention here that the program uses an OpenGL-based video output that provides users with video scaling, color management, and many other top-notch functionality cherished by videophiles.
Bottom line
Summing up, while mpv might not have a graphical user interface with essential features like audio and video equalizers, it offers a very lightweight and high performance video player compatible with all Linux-based operating systems and desktop environments.
