Playing DVDs on Ubuntu: A Complete Guide

You may have encountered the frustrating situation of trying to play a DVD on your Ubuntu system and finding it just won’t work. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Although Ubuntu is a robust and versatile operating system, it doesn’t come pre-installed to play commercial DVDs. This is mainly due to two main reasons: the lack of necessary codecs and DVD copy protection.

Why doesn’t Ubuntu play DVDs directly?

The main reason Ubuntu doesn’t play DVDs upon installation is the deliberate omission of certain essential components, primarily for legal and distribution reasons. These components fall into two main categories:

• Video codecs: DVDs use specific video and audio formats that require additional software, known as codecs, to decode and play correctly. Ubuntu, in its basic installation, does not include these codecs to avoid licensing and global distribution issues.
• CSS Copy Protection: Most commercial DVDs come protected with an encryption system called CSS (Content Scramble System). This protection is designed to prevent illegal DVD copying, but it also prevents playback on systems that lack the necessary software to decrypt it. Therefore, even if you have basic video codecs, CSS protection could prevent playback.

Installing the codecs and libraries needed to play DVDs on Ubuntu

Fortunately, solving this problem is quite simple, and there are straightforward methods for installing the necessary components to play DVDs without problems in Ubuntu. Below, we present two methods for installing the essential libraries: using the Ubuntu Software Center and through the Terminal.

Method 1: Installation via the Ubuntu Software Center

This method is the most user-friendly for users less familiar with the command line. Simply follow these steps:

1. 1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center: You can find it by searching for “Software” in the Ubuntu applications menu.
   2. Find the necessary libraries: In the Software Center search bar , enter the following package names one by one and press Enter after each search:
      • libdvdcss(to recognize DVDs with CSS protection)
      • libdvdread4(to read DVDs)
      • libdvdnav4(for DVD menu navigation)

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1. Install each library: Once you find each package, click on it and then click the “Install” button. You may be asked for your user password to confirm the installation. Enter your password and wait for the process to complete for each library.

It is important to install all three libraries to ensure proper DVD playback and navigation.

Method 2: Installation via Terminal

For more advanced users or those who prefer the speed of the command line, the Terminal offers an efficient way to install the necessary libraries. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Open Terminal: You can open TerminalCtrl by pressing the + Alt+ keys Tsimultaneously.
   2. Run the installation command: Copy and paste the following complete command into the Terminal and press Enter:

echo 'deb http://download.videolan.org/pub/debian/stable/ /' | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/libdvdcss.list && echo 'deb-src http://download.videolan.org/pub/debian/stable/ /' | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/libdvdcss.list && wget -O - http://download.videolan.org/pub/debian/videolan-apt.asc | sudo apt-key add - && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2 libdvdread4 libdvdnav4 libavcodec-extra-53 libavformat-extra-53 libavutil-extra-51 libpostproc-extra-52 libswscale-extra-2 ubuntu-restricted-extras gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly libdvd-pkg

1. Enter your password: You’ll be prompted for your user password to run the command sudo(which allows you to perform actions with administrator privileges). Note that when you type your password, no characters will appear in the Terminal; this is normal. Type your password and press Enter.
2. Wait for the installation: The Terminal will download and install the necessary libraries. This process may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection. You may be asked to confirm some options during the installation. Use the Tab key to navigate between options and the spacebar to select, if necessary.

Once the installation is complete by either method, your Ubuntu will be ready to play DVDs.

Playing DVDs with VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is an extremely popular and versatile free and open-source multimedia player available for Ubuntu and other operating systems. It’s highly recommended for playing DVDs thanks to its support for a wide range of formats and codecs, including those required for CSS-protected DVDs .

If you don’t have VLC installed, you can easily install it from the Ubuntu Software Center by searching for “VLC” or using the Terminal with the command sudo apt install vlc.

To play a DVD with VLC:

1. Open VLC Media Player: Search for “VLC” in the Ubuntu applications menu and open it.
2. Open the DVD: If VLC doesn’t automatically play the DVD when you insert it, go to the “Media” menu and select “Open Disc.”
3. Select DVD: Make sure “DVD” is selected and click “Play.”

VLC should start playing your DVD without any problems.

Playing DVDs with Totem Media Player

Totem Media Player , also known as “Movie Player,” is the default media player on many Ubuntu distributions. While it may be less comprehensive than VLC in some respects, it’s also capable of playing DVDs once the necessary codecs and libraries are installed.

To play a DVD with Totem:

1. Open Totem Media Player: Search for “Movie Player” or “Totem” in the Ubuntu applications menu and open it.
2. Open the DVD: If Totem doesn’t play the DVD automatically, go to the “Movie” menu and select “Open.”
3. Select the DVD: In the window that opens, locate your DVD drive in the left column and select it. Then, click “Play.”

Totem should start playing the DVD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it legal to install these codecs and libraries to play DVDs?

In most countries, personal use of codecs to play DVDs you’ve purchased legally is considered legal. However, the legality of circumventing copy protections like CSS may vary by jurisdiction. We recommend you educate yourself about the copyright and intellectual property laws in your country.

Do I need to reinstall these codecs if I upgrade Ubuntu?

In general, installed libraries should be maintained during system updates. However, in some cases, after a major update, it may be necessary to verify that the libraries are still installed or reinstall them if necessary.

Can I use other players besides VLC and Totem?

Yes, there are other media players available for Ubuntu that can also play DVDs once the necessary codecs are installed . Some examples include MPV, SMPlayer, and others. The key is to make sure you have the libdvdcss, , libdvdread4and libdvdnav4.

Does this method work for all types of DVDs?

This method should work for the vast majority of standard commercial DVDs. However, some DVDs with very specific copy protection or unusual formats may present problems even with these libraries. In these cases, you may need additional software or specific information for that type of DVD.

Conclusion

Playing DVDs on Ubuntu doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps to install the necessary codecs and libraries, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite DVD movies using players like VLC or Totem. Remember that installing these libraries is a one-time process, and once completed, you’ll be able to play DVDs on Ubuntu without any major issues. Enjoy your movies!