Using the optical drive to play DVDs on a Dell PC using the Ubuntu Operating System

The following article provides information about how to play your DVDs on the optical drive in a Dell PC using the Ubuntu operating system.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Optical Drive software
3. Setting up open-source Media Player software

Introduction

Ubuntu 16.04 does not play commercial DVDs without some setup and configuration having been done.

Ubuntu does not include the necessary libraries or codecs to decode DVDs by default. There are also issues due to legal and technical restrictions depending on the country you reside in. 

This guide takes you through the configuration and the players available. (It does not deal with region-specific discs.)

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Setting up the Optical Drive software

Purchase a commercial DVD decoder

You can purchase and install software application such as Fluendo . It works with Linux and should be legal to use in all countries.

Use Alternative Decryption Software

Caution: The use of the open-source decryption software is not permitted by law in some countries. Verify that you are within your rights to use the following software.

Using the Terminal (CTRL + ALT + T)

Experienced Linux and Ubuntu users may find it quicker and easier to install using the Terminal window.

Note: Remember when pasting into a Terminal window, use CTRL + Shift + V instead of CTRL + V. This also applies to copying and cutting.

1. Run the following command:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg

2. And confirm in order to install libdvdcss2.

Using the Software Center GUI (Graphical User Interface.)

1. Open the Software Center window from the Dashboard or Search.

2. Search for each of the libraries below and install them on your system:

   1. libdvd-pkg

   2. LibDVDCSS2Ubuntu uses this to recognize the DVDs

   3. LibDVDRead4Ubuntu uses this to read the DVDs

   4. LibDVDNav4Ubuntu uses this to navigate the DVDs

   5. gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad

      gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly

      Streaming media plugin sets

Note: The search option is usually in the top-right hand side corner of the Software Center window. The install option only appears once the library you searched for has been selected.

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Setting up open-source Media Player software

The two most common open source free media players available in Ubuntu are the VLC media player and the TOTEM media player.

TOTEM media player

This player is installed by default when you load Ubuntu. To open the player, launch it from the Dashboard or Search.

Note: If the DVD does not start automatically, you can click Movie and select Open. Pick your DVD from the left-hand column and click Play.

VLC media player

This player is open source and can be downloaded from the Software Center. To open the player, launch it from the Dashboard or Search.

Note: If the DVD does not start automatically, you can click File and select Open Disc and then click Play.

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Additional Information:

Note:
Software support is provided by Canonical through the following methods:

• Ubuntu Community Support - Ask Ubuntu
• Ubuntu Community Forums
• Search for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ubuntu

Technical Support is provided by Dell:

• Contact Us

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