After installing the Ubuntu 10.04,some extra softwares i.e is not installed by default(Due to license problem) is necessary to install.. like adobe flash player, and library for playing encrypted dvd.
In general all the commercial DVDs use CSS(Content Scramble System),a digital right management(DRM) scheme which uses a proprietary 40 bit stream cypher algorithm.The CSS key sets are licensed by DVD copy control association to manufacturers so that they can incorporate them into their products like DVD movie releases,players and driver softwares.CSS key is nothing but a combine term for all the keys such as authentication keys,disc keys,player keys,title keys etc.
Due to this reason ubuntu can’t ship css library so it is not able to play encrypted DVD by default.
Hence in order to play dvd you have to install the libdvdcss2 or libdvdcss library(A free software library,part of Video Lan project for accessing and unscrambling DVD;encrypted with CSS).In ubuntu 10.04 you have to install libdvdread4 package.you can to install it by either command line or using synaptic manager.
Using Command Line
step1 : Open the terminal(CTRL+ALT+T).
step2 : First, run the command
sudo apt-get install libdvdread4 (It may be installed,if so then move to next step).
step3 : Next, run this command :
sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh
step4 : Now remove the dvd fr0m the tray and insert it again.Now Mplayer will open it automatically(If no then check the options).You can also play with VLC player.
step5 : That’s all…enjoy.I hope you are playing your dvd..if no then you may leave a comment about the problem.
Using Synaptic Package Manager(Recommended for older version)
step1 : Go to System->Administration->Synaptic Package Manager.
step2 : search for ubuntu restricted extras.
step3 : check the box for installation.
step4 : Install the restricted packages by clicking on Apply changes.
step5 : Installation will complete and then you would be able to play you dvd well.
step6 : that’s all…
Great post man, you really did save me a lot of time!
Thank you very much, I am new to ubuntu and beginning to like it. This tip save me a whole lot a time. Thanks again.
I followed this guide exactly and every time I try to play a DVD it still says I need the DVD source plugin. Is there something extra I need to install??
I have the same problem on a completely fresh install of 10.04.
Ubuntu offers to run Totem “Movie Player” upon insertion of the DVD. A pop-up offers to find plugins to be able to play “DVD source”. This, despite the fact that I’ve already installed the libdvdread4 package and run the shell script as instructed. The search, however, doesn’t find any plugins that can play the DVD. The movie player doesn’t seem to have any idea that the decryption libraries have been installed.
I installed VLC and it is able to play the DVD fine. I’ve never liked the Totem player and have often had problems with it. I think it’s junky and I don’t know why the Ubuntu team makes it the default player, because it does not provide a good user experience with its problematic usage…
Thanks for the clear explanation – worked immediately and I can watch the dvd with using Ubuntu and VLC now!
I am happy to know that!
Still not working here. Installed the package, ran the script, checked for libdvdcss2 being installed, rebooted, still won’t play DVD’s. :\
thanks for the great, clear explanation!
Thank You!
Thanks, it helped. Know i can watch Avatar 🙂
Thanks David…Have Fun!!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, i have tried a lot of things, but only here i found the answer!
Thanks a million, I have been trying to do this for months for my 3 laptops and this is the first time I have actually found an answer that works!!
I’m very grateful.
Thanks for great tip,
Cheers,
George
Welcome George! …and thanks for appreciation.
did alll that and it says file or directory not found
Terminal instructions worked perfect. Thanks!
If you are “copy and paste”ing make sure you get all of the text including the sudo
Thank you: sorted my problem in one swoop :o)
You rock – ran the commands and now the movie plays.
awesome thanks for that my movies now play
Works for ubuntu 11.10 as well 🙂 Good for using Handbrake.
you saved my life. i was trying to watch matrix
Bravo, it works
I followed the steps and got the DVD working, my daughter loves it. Thanks for your help.
Thanks heaps, works with 12.04 as well