Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, released in 2011, was Apple’s first download-only operating system, marking the beginning of the end for physical media support. Apple removed native VCD playback from QuickTime X, meaning VLC Media Player 2.2.8 is the best solution for playing VCDs on Mac OS X 10.7 through 10.7.5.
What You’ll Need
1. A Compatible Mac Running Mac OS X 10.7 (10.7 – 10.7.5)
Any Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion through 10.7.5 can play VCDs with VLC Media Player 2.2.8.
Supported Mac OS X 10.7 Versions:
- Mac OS X 10.7 (Initial Release, July 2011)
- Mac OS X 10.7.1 (August 2011)
- Mac OS X 10.7.2 (October 2011, iCloud Added)
- Mac OS X 10.7.3 (February 2012, Security Fixes)
- Mac OS X 10.7.4 (May 2012, Graphics Fixes)
- Mac OS X 10.7.5 (September 2012, Final Version with Gatekeeper)
Compatible Mac Models:
- MacBook (2008-2012)
- MacBook Pro (2008-2012)
- MacBook Air (2008-2012)
- Mac mini (2009-2012)
- iMac (2008-2012)
- Mac Pro (2008-2012)
2. A Working Optical Drive
- Most Macs running Mac OS X 10.7 do not have internal optical drives.
- Use a compatible external USB or FireWire CD/DVD drive.
3. A Video CD (VCD)
We at HD DVD Revived offer VCDs made to order, ensuring they’re in perfect condition.
- Pressed fresh for every order
- Always in like-new condition
- Pricing starts at under $10 per set
4. VLC Media Player 2.2.8 (Required for Playback on Mac OS X 10.7 – 10.7.5)
Since QuickTime X does not support VCD playback, you must use VLC 2.2.8.
Download VLC 2.2.8 here:
👉 VLC 2.2.8 Download
How to Play a VCD on Mac OS X 10.7 – 10.7.5
Step 1: Install VLC 2.2.8
- Download VLC 2.2.8 using the link above.
- Open the DMG file and drag VLC into your Applications folder.
Step 2: Insert the VCD
- Insert the VCD into your optical drive.
- The disc should appear on your desktop as “Video CD”.
Step 3: Open VLC and Start Playback
- Open VLC Media Player from the Applications folder.
- Click File → Open Disc.
- Select Video CD from the options.
- Click Play, and enjoy your movie!
✔ VLC fully supports VCD menus, subtitles, and better playback stability.
Troubleshooting & Tips
1. VCD Not Playing in VLC?
- Make sure you have installed VLC 2.2.8, as newer versions may not work properly on 10.7.
- Try opening the DAT file manually from the MPEGAV folder on the VCD.
2. No Sound?
- Check System Preferences → Sound to ensure the correct output is selected.
- Some older VCDs use MPEG-1 Layer II audio, which VLC should support.
3. Mac Won’t Recognize the VCD?
- Some external USB drives may not properly read VCDs—try an internal drive.
- Restart your Mac and reinsert the VCD.
Get Your VCDs Made Fresh from Us!
At HD DVD Revived, we specialize in keeping classic formats alive.
- We press every VCD to order, meaning you get a brand-new disc, never second-hand.
- Pricing starts at under $10 per set, making it an affordable way to enjoy VCDs on vintage Macs.
- Guaranteed perfect condition, unlike old stock that may be scratched or worn.
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion removed Apple’s native support for VCD playback, but VLC Media Player 2.2.8 remains the best solution. Ensure you use the correct VLC version to avoid compatibility issues.
Enjoy the VCD experience with us at HD DVD Revived—your home for fresh-pressed retro video formats! 🎥🍿