on my core duo, intel crap gpu, winxp it did consume much more.

  test : old, low quality 480p divx

  version     |  cpu usage  |  comm.
  vlc 2.0.0f  |  ~ 15%      | half of it being system calls.
  vlc 1.1.11  |  > 1%       | smaller than one pixel in proc.exp graph

sad since vlc was usually the lightest ( sometimes trading quality for fluidity )

This is a bug then. Can you file a bugreport or mail me?

mail sent at gmail.

Sorry for not having filed anything, I'm still don't have this reflex...