The abundance of versatile audio and video players can make it difficult to decide on a particular piece of software that will serve as the default playback device for viewing movies and listening to music. One of the biggest names in the business that used to set the bar for the rest of the pack is Winamp and it still offers one of the easiest ways to play any kind of multimedia file.
The installation process allows you to configure many of the program's features, including file associations (you can tweak this later as well), but it also grants you the possibility to select which components you wish to deploy on your computer. It's worth mentioning the fact that the installer comes bundled with third-party software that can modify some settings on your system, so extra care is required during the setup process.
The user interface retains the attributes that made Winamp one of the most popular applications all over the world: strategically positioned buttons to allow effortless control over the multimedia files listed in the adjacent playlist window. It benefits from the same “Modern” skin support we've seen since version 3.0, along with support for dozens of color themes for even greater personalization.
Winamp is compatible with the majority of multimedia files out there and during our tests we didn't encounter any problems while playing all the files we had on our computer. On top of that, it provides access to a huge Shoutcast Radio Stations collection, so listening to good music is a matter of just a few clicks.
Extensive audio and video customizations are available, including an equalizer, over 100 visualizations and a handy playlist editor. With Winamp you can also organize and manage all your songs and movies thanks to the built-in 'Library'.
Aside from the multimedia player capabilities, Winamp can also burn selected audio files to a blank CD and can rip audio discs in several formats, including AAC, MP3, WMA and WAV.
Last but not least, Winamp can easily be converted into a real portable media player manager, as it can detect connected gadgets to allow you to transfer music in a matter of seconds.
Still one of the most popular multimedia players on the market, Winamp supports an impressive range of formats, sports a well-organized interface and is loaded with features and customization, attributes that help it stand out as one of the top choices in this particular software category.
The Winamp application was developed to be more than just a player. It's your window to the multimedia world. From MP3s to streaming video, Winamp is the one place you go to feed your audio/video habit.
Here are just some of the hot, new things you can do with the latest version of Winamp:
- Winamp can use both Modern and Classic skins, so you can be both hip and retro at the same time.
- Winamp gives you easy and organized access to your favorite media. That's what you call mass media.
- Winamp can play a huge variety of audio and video formats right out of the installation.
- You get access to hundreds of free audio and video channels in the Media Library. This ain't your father's library.
- Winamp can burn your music to Audio CDs. Burn baby burn!
- Winamp makes it easy to create and manage your favorite songs through playlists. Yes, you can be your own DJ.
- Winamp allows you to extend its functionality through the use of 'plug-ins' Its like the Mr. Potato Head of music.
- Winamp can manage all of your portable media players and devices. Plug in, turn on, tune in, drop out..
- Winamp allows you to alter the sound of your music through a built-in Equalizer. An audio receiver right on your computer.
- Winamp allows you to watch visual effects that are driven from your music with Visualizations. From flaming fireballs to screaming strobe effects, it's all there.
Winamp Main Window:
- Winamp 5.5 features our new Bento Skin that's easier to use and more powerful than ever.
- Easily access the Media Library, Playlist Editor, Video, Visualizations, Media Monitor Browser, EQ, Skin Options and Color Themes all from one single user interface.
- Includes over 20 color themes that suit nearly every mood or occasion!
- Winamp 5.5 carries forward the unobtrusive 'Window Shade' mode.
Winamp Playlist Editor
- Drag and drop media directly into a Playlist from Windows Explorer or the Media Library
- Jump directly to an item within the list by double clicking it or selecting the item and pressing Enter
- Sort Playlists by title, file name, or path and file name
- Easily Open and Save Playlists from the Manage Playlist button
Winamp Library
- Organize and find your favorite songs and videos in ONE place
- Rip your favorite music CDs into AAC, MP3, WMA, WAV or FLAC (Ripping limited to ~6x speeds for free users. MP3 encoding is only available in Winamp Pro)
- Burn your favorite music compilations to Audio CD (limited to 2x speed for free users)
- Media Library 'Smart Views' allow you to easily create rule based lists of your media
- Easily modify your music collections tags (Artist, Album, Genre, Title, etc.)
- Download and view cover art for all of your albums
Online Services
Easily tune into user created Internet TV and Radio stations
Over 10,000 SHOUTcast Radio stations and 250 Internet TV channels to choose from
Bookmark your favorite stations and channels for future access
Hundreds of Winamp Music and AOL Videos for your viewing pleasure
Other integrated features include: In2TV, Games, Winamp Remote, and more.
- Now Playing
View album art, artist biographies, discographies
Keep track of your favorite artists by browsing fan sites and news articles presented in the client
Easily purchase your favorite CDs, memorabilia, or just sell your own
- Download or subscribe to music and video podcasts via the Podcast Directory
- Easily manage all of your Portable Media Players. Winamp natively supports the following devices:
iPod (Original, Shuffle, Nano & Classic, but NOT iTouch or iPhone)
Creative Nomad/Zen/MuVo
PlaysForSure (P4S) devices
USB Thumbdrives
ActiveSync devices
Winamp Browser
- Browse any website in the Bento Browser
- Easily add and customize your own favorite links
- Use the Media Monitor to list and download music from MP3 Blogs
- Use the Smart Search to search for skins, plugins, concerts, videos..
- Quick access to Help & Support, and more
Winamp Video
- Play many major video formats (AVI, NSV, WMV, MPG, etc.) with ease
- Easily resize video playback using the 1x, 2x, and Maximize window buttons
- Watch your favorite videos in Full Screen mode
- Quick access to dozens of Internet TV stations created by users
Winamp Visualizations
- Winamp 5.5 comes bundled with the latest version of the ground breaking AVS (Advanced Visualization Studio) and Milkdrop visualizers
- Enjoy over 100 bundled visualization presets created by users
- Switch between presets manually or sit back and watch your presets on Random
- Easily jump to Full Screen mode
- Download new visualizations and presets from Winamp.com
Winamp Equalizer
- Shift the sound from both speakers to left or right using the Balance slider
- Enable Cross Fading to transition the audio smoothly from one song to another
- Select from the dozens of EQ presets to tune the sound
- Create your own EQ settings and save them for future use