If you find yourself struggling to play DVDs in Ubuntu 13.10 after installing, here’s the reason why. You see, Ubuntu is always shipped with some limitations when it comes to playing DVDs and other media. For legal reasons, Canonical, the parent company of Ubuntu leaves out these packages and programs that are required to play DVDs and most media in Ubuntu.
I am not going to tell you what the reasons are, but here’s how to get these packages in Ubuntu so you can play and watch commercial DVD as well as other encrypted media.
There are many options available to you. You could install free versions of these packages or get some paid versions if you want to help those behind the efforts of making Ubuntu media friendly.
Another method that’s no longer available was to use Medibuntu repositories to install these packages which will allow you play DVDs. Now, Medibuntu has stopped support for Ubuntu 12.10 and up.
So, to play DVDs again in Ubuntu, follow the steps below.
Purchase Fluendo DVD Player – this program is designed to help Ubuntu users play commercial DVDs. It supports full DVD playback, full screen and support for subtitles.
If you don’t want to buy software that allows you to play DVDs, install these free tools.
Press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below.
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras
Next, run the commands below.
sudo apt-get install libavformat-extra-53 libavcodec-extra-53 libdvdread4
Finally, run the commands below and you’re done.
sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh
You may have to restart your computer. After that, insert your DVD and try again. If all of the above steps fail, run the commands below to install VLC Player.
sudo apt-get install vlc
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enable DVD playback in Ubuntu 13.10?
To enable DVD playback in Ubuntu 13.10, you can install the necessary packages by running commands in the terminal as outlined in the article.
What are the legal reasons for the limitations on DVD playback in Ubuntu?
Canonical, the parent company of Ubuntu, excludes packages and programs required for DVD playback due to legal constraints.
Is there a way to play commercial DVDs in Ubuntu without purchasing software?
Yes, you can use free tools like ubuntu-restricted-extras, libavformat-extra-53, libavcodec-extra-53, and libdvdread4 to enable DVD playback.
What is the alternative method to Medibuntu repositories for playing DVDs in Ubuntu?
Since Medibuntu no longer supports Ubuntu 12.10 and up, an alternative method is to purchase the Fluendo DVD Player for full DVD playback.
How can I install VLC Player in Ubuntu for DVD playback?
To install VLC Player for DVD playback in Ubuntu, run the command 'sudo apt-get install vlc' in the terminal.
Do I need to restart my computer after installing DVD playback packages in Ubuntu?
It is recommended to restart your computer after installing DVD playback packages in Ubuntu to ensure proper functionality.
What steps should I take if I encounter issues playing DVDs in Ubuntu after installation?
If you encounter issues playing DVDs in Ubuntu after installation, try installing VLC Player as an alternative playback solution.
Are there any subtitles support options available for DVD playback in Ubuntu?
Yes, the Fluendo DVD Player provides support for subtitles along with full DVD playback and full-screen viewing.