Cannot install Videolan VLC plugin in newer 64 bit versions of Firefox because the XPI is unsigned

I was unable to find a direct download to install the VLC plugin for Firefox. I prefer using the plugin because it is just about an all-in-one media plugin.

I finally found the XPI file at downloads.videolan.org and tried installing the XPI file directly in Firefox 48. The process went smoothly until the last step. Firefox said that it disabled the addon because it was unsigned.

This was a surprise, so I clicked on the link (support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/add-on-signing-in-firefox?as=u&utm_source=inproduct#firefox:win10:fx48) and saw an explanation on the Firefox website. Although a preference had been available, unsigned addons would automatically be disabled. I read that this said it applied to extension only. I used the option to add a comment, and explained the delima. I said that I would not report it as a bug in Firefox, because I was not sure if it was an issue with the addon.

Whether it is required or not, it would probably be best to include a signature. It might be possible to make the plugin available at addons.mozilla.org as well. There is a way to sort by operating system and version. This prevents installing and extension designed for a 64 bit Linux operating system on a 32 bit Windows. Meanwhile, I was unable to copy the files directly into the plugins folder to make the plugin work.

There is not a README file about the plugins in any of the downloads. I used the executable installer, downloaded the 7z file to look in that, and finally downloaded the XPI file and unzipped it as well.

I believe it's possible that Firefox has eliminated the blacklist for plugins and has replaced it with a whitelist only. I am not sure at this time. It probably would be a good idea for Videolan to hash out the details with Firefox to clarify the situation.