Tag: VCD playback on macOS 10.13 High Sierra

Watching VCDs on Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion – macOS 12 Monterey (10.8 – 12.6.5)

Posted on by hddvdsupport

Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion through macOS 12 Monterey represents a long stretch of Apple’s evolution towards a more modern, streamlined macOS experience. QuickTime X does not support VCD playback in any of these versions, so VLC Media Player 3.0.9.2 is the best way to watch VCDs on these macOS versions.

What You’ll Need

1. A Compatible Mac Running macOS 10.8 – 12.6.5

Any Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.8 through macOS 12 Monterey can play VCDs with VLC Media Player 3.0.9.2.

Supported macOS Versions:

  • Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (July 2012 – Final 10.8.5 in 2013)
  • OS X 10.9 Mavericks (October 2013 – Final 10.9.5 in 2014)
  • OS X 10.10 Yosemite (October 2014 – Final 10.10.5 in 2015)
  • OS X 10.11 El Capitan (September 2015 – Final 10.11.6 in 2018)
  • macOS 10.12 Sierra (September 2016 – Final 10.12.6 in 2019)
  • macOS 10.13 High Sierra (September 2017 – Final 10.13.6 in 2020)
  • macOS 10.14 Mojave (September 2018 – Final 10.14.6 in 2021)
  • macOS 10.15 Catalina (October 2019 – Final 10.15.7 in 2022)
  • macOS 11 Big Sur (November 2020 – Final 11.7.x in 2023)
  • macOS 12 Monterey (October 2021 – Final 12.6.5 in 2023)

Compatible Mac Models:

  • MacBook (2009-2019)
  • MacBook Pro (2009-2021)
  • MacBook Air (2009-2021)
  • Mac mini (2010-2020)
  • iMac (2009-2021)
  • Mac Pro (2010-2019)

2. A Working Optical Drive

  • No Macs after 2012 have built-in optical drives.
  • Use a compatible external USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt CD/DVD drive.

3. A Video CD (VCD)

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  • Pressed fresh for every order
  • Always in like-new condition
  • Pricing starts at under $10 per set

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4. VLC Media Player 3.0.9.2 (Required for Playback on macOS 10.8 – 12.6.5)

Since QuickTime X does not support VCD playback, you must use VLC 3.0.9.2.

Download VLC 3.0.9.2 here:
👉 VLC 3.0.9.2 Download

How to Play a VCD on macOS 10.8 – 12.6.5

Step 1: Install VLC 3.0.9.2

  1. Download VLC 3.0.9.2 using the link above.
  2. Open the DMG file and drag VLC into your Applications folder.

Step 2: Insert the VCD

  1. Insert the VCD into your optical drive.
  2. The disc should appear on your desktop as “Video CD”.

Step 3: Open VLC and Start Playback

  1. Open VLC Media Player from the Applications folder.
  2. Click File → Open Disc.
  3. Select Video CD from the options.
  4. 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 3.0.9.2, as newer versions may not work properly on older macOS versions.
  • 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 or another external drive.
  • Restart your Mac and reinsert the VCD.

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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 modern and vintage Macs.
  • Guaranteed perfect condition, unlike old stock that may be scratched or worn.

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Final Notes

Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion through macOS 12 Monterey removed all native support for VCD playback, but VLC Media Player 3.0.9.2 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! 🎥🍿