Install audio and video codecs in ubuntu
I already did a piece on medibuntu here, but in this post I’ll explain how to install the audio and video codecs for ubuntu.
For Ubuntu 9.04 “Jaunty Jackalope”:
Open up a terminal (applications -> accessories -> terminal) and copy/paste this code:
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/jaunty.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list && wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add – && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y ubuntu-restricted-extras non-free-codecs w32codecs totem-mozilla libdvdcss2
(if you use 64bit, replace w32codecs with w64codecs)
For Ubuntu 8.04 “Hardy Heron”:
Open up a terminal (applications -> accessories -> terminal) and copy/paste this code:
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list && wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add – && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y ubuntu-restricted-extras non-free-codecs w32codecs totem-mozilla libdvdcss2
(if you use 64bit, replace w32codecs with w64codecs)
For Ubuntu 8.10 “Intrepid Ibex”:
sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/intrepid.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list && wget -q http://packages.medibuntu.org/medibuntu-key.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add – && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y ubuntu-restricted-extras non-free-codecs w32codecs totem-mozilla libdvdcss2
(if you use 64bit, replace w32codecs with w64codecs)
————–
Install a different media player (optional)
The default media player (totem) is good, but I like vlc media player better, especially for watching a dvd.
In a terminal
sudo apt-get install vlc
If you are looking for a better audio player, I suggest either exaile or bmpx.
You now have 99% of the codecs in the world installed on your system.
Looking for real player? click me.
Linux Owns 
Very helpful, thanks 🙂
ThanX U 4 The Help
I get this when message at every step.
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock – open (11 Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
What does it mean.
Please clarify.
This most likely means you have another package manager running or still open (synaptic, add remove, update manager, …).
Close it and the error will disappear.
Thanks so much, This was Extremely helpful.
Peace Y
great help thanks
Thanks for the guidance. Unfortunately I still can’t get audio with the video. I’ve loaded VLC via Vine and this is the only way I cam currently play a video and hear the soundtrack. Any further suggestions?
Andy
No, sorry.
Well, that worked beautifully for me! Thanks 🙂
At the end of step 1, it asks if I want to install x-ttcidfont-conf. Do I? I use the Gnome desktop and never directly go into X.
————message——————
Msttcorefonts uses defoma Msttcorefonts uses the DEbian FOnt MAnager (defoma). If you wish to use the fonts provided by this package under the X Window System, you must configure it to use defoma fonts.
The easiest way to do so is to use the x-ttcidfont-conf package. For more information, install the x-ttcidfont-conf package and consult its documentation under /usr/share/doc/x-ttcidfont-conf.
For uses of msttcorefonts not related to the X Window System (e.g. printing) this is not required.
I followed the instructions but i get a screen which says package configuration (some sort of license agreement and terms).
How can i get past the screen and how i can make sure that the codecs are installed?
Please help as i am new to ubuntu
is almost imposible for me to make the dvd player work i only get sound but no image,a+nd i have tryied everything and by the way you never put the codecs for the 64 bit version
sri!
Press the “tab” key to get past the java license agreement and use the arrow keys agreeto the terms… had the same problem, hope this helps.
Um…How many codecs, I’m up to 327 now?
i manage to install all the codecs but the problem i’m having now is the audio is not working. did i miss anything? what can i do to make sure the audio is working?
thanks very much, worked great!
Hi,
I am also using a 64 bit machine and it doesn’t work:
E: couldn’t find package w64codecs
I followed the instructions but i get a screen which says package configuration (some sort of license agreement and terms). But i closed it out. and now i have all these errors and i saw if you pressed tab and what not to fix it it will be fine but i cant get back to that point.
Unfortunately, in Jaunty I am seeing
gpg: can’t open `–’: No such file or directory
?
Unfortunately, in Jaunty I am seeing too
gpg: can’t open `–’: No such file or directory
why?
I am noob
You should be aware that they’ve changed the syntax in which you would normaly add keys etc.
just go to the medibuntu page to do it the newer proper way.
Hi. Ubuntu 8 is what iam using but update codecs for c++ are not seen available on the site. lets have the full codes to write uonce and run the program. Hope you’ll do it for us. if possible, i can get them from my email.
long live ubuntu.
obrigado
teste
this is way difficult for me, when will we see akk these things automated like Windows
gpg: can’t open `–’: No such file or directory
ubuntu@ubuntu:~$
Is there a new version of codecs to be installed? If so where can I go?
just replace long dash with a regular short one (-):
1. copy & paste
2. left arrow until you reach the long dash & replace
3. while you are at it, if you use 10.04 (lucid), replace jaunty with lucid.
that’s it. it should work now.
its very useful for me… thanx
sir, plzzzzzzzz tell me the site where i can download the audio and video codecs for ubuntu linux or tell me the procedure,who can i play my audio and video files in ubuntu linux…thanxxx in advace…..
Like I said go to the medibuntu website. There is now a new way to do this!!!!
who can i play my audio files in ubuntu linux….bbyeee
the prices of Pioneer dvd players are dropping these days and they are quite a bargain;*”
Hey,
anyone got this for 10.04???
Thanks!!!
I couldn’t get it to wok on windows XP, I guess I have a codec problem, these stuff can be very difficult for me, will try to search for a solution
I get this when message at every step.
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock – open (11 Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
The link for 32bit version codecs is not working anymore. Do you know where I can get the codecs?
Thanks!!! Rock and roll.
hi!,I like your writing so much! proportion we keep
in touch more approximately your article on AOL?
I require an expert on this house to solve my problem. May be that’s you!
Looking ahead to see you.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing issues with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else having the
same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!