Can't play videos

dcrick · 11-07-2020, 01:49 AM

Hello, I just recently installed Ubuntu 20.04 on my laptop. How do I play videos.

berndbausch · 11-07-2020, 03:45 AM

This might help: https://help.ubuntu.com/stable/ubunt...utorun.html.en.

ondoho · 11-07-2020, 05:46 AM

I'm sure the menu offers suitable software, already installed.
I'd look for something labeled "Video" or "Media".

wpeckham · 11-07-2020, 06:01 AM

What kind of videos do you want to play?
What have you tried that did not work?

Soadyheid · 11-07-2020, 09:59 AM

Might help if you elaborate. What sort of videos are we talking? DVDs, BlueRays, MP4, YouTube, Netflix?

Play Bonny!

ofbarea · 11-09-2020, 01:48 PM

In general I do the following on my PCs
Note: I'm using Lubuntu, but it will be the same for Ubuntu

- First start updating your distribution:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

- then Install misc. multimedia codecs:
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras -y

You will need to accept the accept the terms and conditions and hit ENTER on the "Ok".

- Install multimedia player, I use VLC:
sudo apt install vlc

Then reboot.

- For playing Netflix you can follow this guide, that will allow you to use Firefox for Netflix:
https://linuxconfig.org/watch-netfli...-linux-desktop

ondoho · 11-10-2020, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ofbarea

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras -y

Don't use apt with the '-y' (meaning say YES to everything) option until you're 100% sure you know what you're doing.
You might be, but I'm sure OP isn't.

RoyWhitt · 11-12-2020, 02:05 AM

The problem may be that the drivers for the video card were not installed, as they are proprietary. Try looking for free drivers for your video card.

adrian-jaramillo · 11-17-2020, 07:02 PM

Depends.

If we are talking about "online videos", use an Internet browser. My recommendation is Firefox.

If we are talking about "offline videos" (those who are stored in your disks), use proper software. My recommendation is VLC.

Here below you can go and check how to download both softwares for Ubuntu, but most likely, at least you'll have Firefox pre-installed.

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html