[Deaf-lug] Playing back DVDs under Ubuntu

Sat Jun 28 18:20:04 BST 2008

It used to yes. I have not tested it recently (all movies I rip are to a 
format with subtitles "burnt-in" so I never miss out on them).

I've not tested it with a DVD but last time I used a DVD with Totem, it 
did not work and thus it's a bug to be fixed ASAP.

VLC on the other hand plays DVD's just fine along with subtitles etc. 
Mplayer too.

For MPEG2 streams off digital TV's (I have a MythTV server) - I've just 
tested a clip in Totem and yes it's not showing the subtitles. However I 
remember the GStreamer MPEG2 codec have a bug in that it doesn't show 
subtitles - the developers are aware of it and is working on it but it's 
still annoying nonetheless.

Paul Johnston wrote:
> Are you saying Totem picks up subtitles stream ok for you?
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: JGJones <mailinglist at gwallgofi.com>
> To: deaf-lug at mailman.lug.org.uk
> Sent: Saturday, 28 June, 2008 2:20:43 PM
> Subject: Re: [Deaf-lug] Playing back DVDs under Ubuntu
> 
> Although you did pay for them, welcome to the world of DRM - Digital 
> Rights Management (although it's more commonly referred to as Digital 
> Restriction Management) - the media companies want to restrict YOU in 
> how you use your media which you paid for.
> 
> This is their stupid attempts to encrypt your DVD's etc to prevent you 
> copying YOUR media etc.
> 
> This means it requires a library to decrypt DVD's which is not available 
> freely - it is actually illegal in countries such as USA. As Ubuntu is 
> free, it cannot include these codecs by default especially in countries 
> such as USA.
> 
> Windows XP can't read original DVD's either unless you paid for a DVD 
> player software (which Windows Media Player can make use of). Vista 
> include the decryption codecs so it can.
> 
> Totem doesn't read subtitles? I'm interested in hearing more about that 
> - I believe there's a bug in the GStreamer backend (which Totem relys 
> on) in that it doesn't read subtitles in a MPEG2 stream. I'll better 
> check that out and see if it's fixed or not and if it's not reported, 
> report it as a bug. You're correct to expect Totem to read it, and it 
> not doing so is a failure on Ubuntu's part.
> 
> Paul Johnston wrote:
>> Hi Joe,
>> Thanks for this.  2 questions still remain
>> 1) Why can't Ubuntu play original DVDs?  I paid for them after all.
>> 2) The copies have been made already and is recognised by Totem.  But Totem does not detect the subtitle stream - why?  Standalone DVD players and Windows Media player can.  I shall see if VLC is better in that respect.
>> Cheers,
>> Paul
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----
>> From: JGJones <mailinglist at gwallgofi.com>
>> To: deaf-lug at mailman.lug.org.uk
>> Sent: Friday, 27 June, 2008 7:16:44 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Deaf-lug] Playing back DVDs under Ubuntu
>>
>> Paul,
>>
>> You'll need the libdvdcss2 to decrypt the original DVD's - the copies 
>> where you've ripped them works because the DRM in them have been removed.
>>
>> Best way to get them...
>>
>> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu
>>
>> Install the medibuntu repository
>>
>> The guide there really does cover it all very well.
>>
>> FYI - I've found that Totem doesn't really play DVD's that well so I 
>> highly recommend you get VLC which you can install in Ubuntu easily 
>> enough - it's by far the best media player in that it play everything 
>> where Totem fails (I prefer Totem as it's a simple player...I just want 
>> to watch but for those times where it fails...you're better off with VLC)
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Paul Johnston wrote:
>>> Meant to change the subject.  Apologies for giving the impression of hijacking the "thread".
>>> Cheers,
>>> Paul.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----
>>> From: Paul Johnston <gingerdeafman at yahoo.co.uk>
>>> To: deaf-lug at mailman.lug.org.uk
>>> Sent: Friday, 27 June, 2008 3:12:12 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Deaf-lug] Laptops
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> Long time no speak.  I have neglected my laptop with Ubuntu installed lately and returned to it only recently.
>>> What do you use to play DVDs?  Including films bought from shops.
>>> I find my case strange.  My laptop won't play original DVDs.  Plays copies ok (cracked using a decrypter software) only that the media player in Ubuntu (Totem) does not recognise the subtitle stream.  This stream is definitely on the DVD and is recognised by stand alone DVD players.  Weird, so I could be imagining all this.  Will try again and confirm.
>>> Can anyone explain this?  Surely Ubuntu should be able to play original DVDs at least, cos I bought them in the first place?  Or do I have to pay extra for the codecs or similar?
>>> Cheers,
>>> Paul.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----
>>> From: Fintan Gaughan <fgaughan at gmail.com>
>>> To: deaf-lug at mailman.lug.org.uk
>>> Sent: Friday, 27 June, 2008 1:01:27 PM
>>> Subject: [Deaf-lug] Laptops
>>>
>>> Now that I got my bonus from work I want to treat myself to a laptop
>>> so I can take it to local LUG.
>>>
>>> problem is which to go for?
>>>
>>> Dell laptop are likley to be linux compatable and I have been fixing
>>> peoples high end laptops and before
>>> giving it back i run a live ubuntu distro and everything works.
>>>
>>> Shops wont let me run a live distro before I buy and beside being
>>> rural I always buy online.
>>>
>>> any recomendations?
>>>
>>> buget under £300 cheaper the better really. (if i get it any cheaper
>>> id like to get a nintendo wii )
>>>
>>> I dont do games (yeah i know nintendo wii but its for kids) , but like
>>> to watch mythtv or dvds from laptop
>>>
>>>
>>> Fintan
>>>
>>
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