VLC can play Blu-ray discs on Mac, but it requires some additional steps and files to be able to decrypt and decode the data streams from the disc. By default, VLC doesn’t have the necessary keys and AACS dynamic library to play Blu-ray movies directly from the disc on macOS.
To enable Blu-ray playback on Mac using VLC, you need to download the required keys and AACS dynamic library. These files are not included with VLC due to legal restrictions, but you can obtain them from a third-party website.
One website where you can download the necessary files is http://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name/. On this website, you can find the keys database and the AACS dynamic library for macOS.
Once you have downloaded these files, you need to place them in the appropriate directories on your Mac. The AACS dynamic library should be placed in the following directory: “/usr/lib”. However, please note that starting from macOS 10.15 (Catalina), the “/usr” directory is protected by the system and cannot be modified without disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP). Disabling SIP is not recommended unless you know what you’re doing.
After placing the AACS dynamic library in the correct directory, you need to download the keys database and place it in the appropriate location. The exact location depends on the version of VLC you are using. For VLC 2.0.x, the keys database should be placed in the following directory: “/Library/Preferences/aacs/”. For VLC 3.0.x, the keys database should be placed in the following directory: “/Users/[your_username]/Library/Preferences/aacs/”.
Once you have placed the keys database in the correct directory, you can launch VLC and insert the Blu-ray disc into your Mac. VLC should now be able to recognize and play the Blu-ray disc.
It’s worth mentioning that the process of playing Blu-ray discs on Mac using VLC is not as straightforward as playing other media formats. This is due to the encryption and DRM protection applied to Blu-ray movies. The additional steps and files are required to bypass this protection and enable playback.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that the availability and legality of downloading the necessary files may vary depending on your country and local laws. It’s always recommended to ensure that you are complying with the applicable copyright laws when playing Blu-ray discs on your Mac.
VLC can play Blu-ray discs on Mac, but it requires downloading the necessary keys and AACS dynamic library from a third-party website. These files need to be placed in specific directories on your Mac to enable Blu-ray playback in VLC. However, it’s important to consider the legal aspects and ensure compliance with copyright laws when playing Blu-ray movies on your Mac.