VLC for the iPad!

I received word yesterday that the world famous VLC media player is headed for the iPad as early as next week!

For those who don't know, VLC is a free, open-source media player from VideoLAN which is currently available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, GNU, BeOS and BSD. It's main strength is it's ability to play just about any video format, without the need to install additional codecs.

As VLC is open-source the development team at Applidium have taken the code and ported it to the iPad. They have released the following statement:

"You wish you could play a video file on your iPad, no matter its format? So did we. That’s why we ported the famous VLC Media Player to the iPad.

Very soon, you’ll be able to download VLC for free on the AppStore. Supporting nearly every video format.

Info: The application is currently being reviewed by Apple for acceptance on the AppStore."

As long as they have done a good job porting VLC's functionality and Apple don't decide to reject the app (always a possibility), then we could be on to a real winner as it would allow any video format to be played on your iPad. To get ready for the launch, Applidium are offering to give five lucky people a sneak peek of VLC for iPad. To be in with a chance of winning, simply follow Applidium on Twitter. For more information on VLC and the iPad port, I suggest you head over to VideoLAN and Applidium.

UPDATE - Wired have managed to get their hands on with the VLC for iPad and first impressions are positive:

"There are a few other iPad apps that will play AVI and DIVX files, among other formats, but VLC plays files that the others wouldn’t even open. And so far it appears not to drain the battery significantly more than the iPad’s hardware-assisted video-player (VLC uses software decoders for much of its work). I’m 15 minutes into Truffaut’s 400 Blows and the battery is still at 100%."

The lack of hardware decoding is a little disappointing as it means that HD content probably won't play smoothly. However the app seems polished and offers wide video format support, which in itself is a major achievement. For a sneak peak of VLC for iPad in action, check out the video below:

The only thing standing in our way now is the Apple stamp of approval. Everyone, cross your fingers!