mpv-android

MPV-Android is a free, open-source media player for Android that delivers a powerful, no-frills video and audio playback experience. Built on the robust mpv engine, this application is designed for users who demand extensive format support, high-performance rendering, and deep customization. It foregoes a flashy interface in favor of providing granular control over playback, subtitles, and audio, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who want to play virtually any file type with precision.

Hardware and Software Decoding Configuration

Users can configure the decoding method to optimize performance and battery life for their specific device. Within the app's settings, one can choose between hardware decoding, which leverages the device's dedicated media processor for efficiency, or software decoding, which uses the device's CPU for broader compatibility with unusual codecs. This setup is crucial for playing high-resolution files smoothly. After selecting a preferred method, the change is applied immediately to all subsequent video playback within MPV-Android, ensuring an optimized viewing experience.

Customizable Gesture and Key Bindings

The app offers extensive control over its input scheme, allowing users to remap on-screen gestures and hardware key actions to specific functions. One can assign a double-tap to pause, a swipe to adjust volume, or a long-press to toggle subtitles. To set this up, a user navigates to the input section in the settings and defines new key or gesture values. This customization tailors the MPV-Android interface to individual preferences, creating a more intuitive and efficient navigation system without any on-screen buttons cluttering the view.

Advanced Subtitle Synchronization and Styling

This function provides precise control over subtitle tracks, far beyond simple on/off toggling. If subtitles are out of sync, a user can access the subtitle menu during playback to manually shift them forward or backward in milliseconds for perfect timing. Furthermore, MPV-Android allows for on-the-fly styling changes, such as modifying font size, color, and background. These adjustments are made through the subtitle menu and are applied instantly, ensuring readability and a personalized viewing experience without needing to pre-edit external subtitle files.

Network Stream Playback from URL Input

Beyond local files, MPV-Android can directly play media from network streams. A user initiates this by selecting "Open URL" from the main menu and pasting a direct link to a video or audio stream. The app then handles the connection and buffers the content, rendering it exactly like a local file. This workflow is ideal for playing streams from internet radio stations or video feeds that provide a direct link, leveraging the powerful playback engine of MPV-Android for a seamless experience.

Audio Channel and Device Selection

For content with multiple audio tracks or complex surround sound, this feature is essential. During playback, a user can open the audio menu to see all available tracks and switch between them, such as selecting a director's commentary. MPV-Android also allows users to specify which audio output device to use, such as routing sound to a connected Bluetooth speaker or headphones. This selection is made from the audio settings menu, giving users complete command over their listening experience.

Creating and Loading Custom Configuration Scripts

Power users can create a plain text configuration file to define default settings and behaviors for the app on launch. This file, typically named `mpv.conf`, can include commands to set a default decoder, aspect ratio, or subtitle language. A user places this file in a specific directory on their device's storage. Upon startup, MPV-Android automatically loads and applies these predefined instructions, allowing for a highly personalized and consistent media environment without manually adjusting settings for each new video.