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Asked: 2024-09-24T14:00:01+05:30 In:

What are the steps to watch MP4 videos on an Ubuntu system?

I’ve been trying to get MP4 videos to play on my Ubuntu system, but it feels like I’m hitting a wall. I mean, I know it’s supposed to be a smooth experience on Linux, but I’m running into some hiccups. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t seem to figure out what exactly needs to be done.

So, here’s the deal: I downloaded a couple of movies in MP4 format thinking I could just double-click and enjoy a nice night in. But, surprise, surprise! I get the dreaded “no suitable decoder” message, and I’m left staring at a frozen screen while the movie won’t play. Not cool, right?

Now, I’ve heard from friends that there are certain video players or codecs that are essential for playing MP4 files on Ubuntu. I really don’t want to have to spend hours researching or experimenting with different software. Is there a straightforward way to get this sorted without diving too deep into the technical rabbit hole?

I’m also a bit wary of downloading random applications since I’ve had my fair share of malware scares back in the day. Are there any recommended media players that people have had good experiences with? VLC seems to pop up a lot in discussions. Is that the best option, or is there something else out there that might be better?

Also, if there are steps involved in installing and setting up everything, could you break it down for me? Like, what packages do I need to install, and how do I even go about that? If any of you have gone through this and can share your journey, I’d really appreciate it! It’s just frustrating because I thought this would be easier.

So, come on, fellow Ubuntu users, help out a fellow geek here. How do I get my MP4 videos to play without pulling my hair out? Any tips or step-by-step guides you can share would be immensely helpful. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers

    1. To play MP4 videos on your Ubuntu system, you generally need to ensure you have the right codecs installed, as many Linux distributions don’t include certain proprietary codecs by default. The easiest way to achieve this is by installing VLC, a widely recommended and versatile media player that supports a wide range of formats, including MP4. To install VLC, open your terminal and input the following commands: sudo apt update to refresh your package list, and then sudo apt install vlc to install the player. Once VLC is installed, you should be able to open and play your MP4 files simply by right-clicking the video, selecting “Open With,” and choosing VLC.

      If you prefer to use the default media player or another option such as MPV, you may need to install additional codecs. You can do this by installing the ubuntu-restricted-extras package, which includes the necessary codecs for media playback. Just run sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras in the terminal. After installation, try playing your MP4 files again with your chosen media player. This should resolve the “no suitable decoder” issue. Since both VLC and MPV are highly regarded in the community, you can feel safe using them without worrying about malware. If you encounter any further issues, checking your system’s updates and possibly exploring alternative media players can be a good next step.






    2. Fixing MP4 Playback on Ubuntu


      How to Play MP4 Videos on Ubuntu

      Sounds like you’re having a rough time getting those MP4s to play. No worries! You’re not alone; this can be a common issue on Ubuntu due to missing codecs.

      Recommended Media Player

      VLC is definitely the way to go here. It’s open-source, reliable, and handles almost any video format you throw at it, including MP4. Plus, it’s well-established, so you shouldn’t have to worry about malware. Just stick with the official repositories for downloads!

      Installing VLC and Necessary Codecs

      Here’s a super simple step-by-step guide:

          1. Open your terminal. You can usually find this in your applications menu.
    
    2. Update your package list to ensure you have the latest info:
       sudo apt update
    
    3. Now, install VLC and the necessary codecs:
       sudo apt install vlc ubuntu-restricted-extras
    
    4. If prompted, you might need to accept some terms (like for the codecs).
    
    5. Once it's done, you should see VLC in your applications menu. Launch it, and drag your MP4 files into the window, or use the 'Media' menu to open files.

      What if it Still Doesn’t Work?

      If you try playing videos and it’s still a no-go, make sure your video drivers are up to date or try reinstalling VLC:

          sudo apt remove vlc
    sudo apt install vlc

      Final Thoughts

      Hopefully, that gets you all set up! VLC is pretty robust, so it should handle most video formats and codecs without any fuss. If you have further questions or run into more issues, feel free to ask the community for specific help. Enjoy your movie night!


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