Linux Distros and DVD Playback

Hi Guys

I'm trying to gather all the resources possible on DVD playback with respect to Linux distros. I already figured it out for Ubuntu and Kubuntu. I already found a resource for openSUSE 11.2 and now I'm trying to find one for the other distros like Fedora for example.

I know it all boils down to the pain of dealing with restricted formats. Nonetheless, most beginning Linux users are unaware that Linux does not automatically play restricted formats such as DVD and MP3. Now to make the process easier I'm compiling a list of resources that will provide feedback and possible solutions to the problem of playing DVDs on Linux.

Also I would like to invite everybody (Linux Users, part time or full time ) to share their experiences when it come to restricted formats. I'm going to start off with Ubuntu and openSUSE.

Ubuntu:
synaptic: ubuntu-restricted-extras
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs
www.ubuntuguide.org

Kubuntu:
synaptic: kubuntu-restricted-extras
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs
www.kubuntuguide.org

openSUSE:
http://opensuse-community.org/Restricted_Formats/11.2

LinuxMint: It is the same as Ubuntu (see Ubuntu above)

Fedora: (credit goes to lodore):
1.setup RPMFusion both free and non free sources.
2. add the livna repo (required for step 4)
3. open up the program you want to use to play the media for example rhythmbox and try to play the media. you will get a dialog that asks you to install the required restricted packages.
4. this step is needed only if you intend on watching commercial dvd's: Install libdvdcss (it may be listed as libdvdcss2 but i cant remember)
5. for decent dvd playback i reccomend installing vlc media player.

Mandriva (credit goes to GlobalForce):
http://wiki.mandriva.com/en/Playing_main_music_and_video_files

I'm pretty sure there are more and this is where you come in guys. HELP in fiding more resources for the other Distros.

Thanks.

 

Fedora:
1.setup RPMFusion both free and non free sources.
2. add the livna repo (required for step 4)
3. open up the program you want to use to play the media for example rhythmbox and try to play the media. you will get a dialog that asks you to install the required restricted packages.
4. this step is needed only if you intend on watching commercial dvd's: Install libdvdcss (it may be listed as libdvdcss2 but i cant remember)
5. for decent dvd playback i reccomend installing vlc media player.

 

@ lodore

I could not get anything concrete on Fedora. Thank you.

 

Find their "forbidden items" page and you'll find the rest of what you're after.

 

Is that what you are talking about: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/ForbiddenItems#DVD_Playback

It does not help much. That web page is actually a listing of what Fedora will not be able to do for you, especially when it come to restricted formats. After I read it I was beginning to think that it would have been impossible to play DVD on Fedora until I read lodore post.

Thanks

 

Explore the "third party repos" link near the top - rpmfusion and livna look familiar?

 

Two more majors worthy of becoming your first. Scroll to ripping, the 5.7 link - http://www.mepislovers.org/forums/user_manual8/index.html#section08-02

Drake - http://wiki.mandriva.com/en/Playing_main_music_and_video_files including a page you may have missed.

Most any distro can be configured to use these libraries. RIP plays'em straight up!

 

GStreamer has problems playing DVD menus, I find using Xine (Totem) or Mplayer as superior alternative for specifically playing DVDs.

 

This guy's got a neat project going - http://easylifeproject.org/ Other goodies - mjmwired and dnmouse.

 

Is the "easylifeproject" a safe repository or is it sponsored by Fedora?

Thanks.

 

Merely a script that configures the non-free repos for ya. You'll find (an outdated link) on their forums help page.