Multimedia Fixes for Hardy and Intrepid!

Ah, multimedia...who doesn't enjoy a nice DVD movie, or a relaxing thrash metal/screamo CD...um...bad example...lol! Anyways, if you're a music/video lover like me, you'll probably be very, very disappointed when you first fire up Ubuntu.

This is because Ubuntu can't come bundled with mp3, DVD encoding/decoding/playing features by default due to copyrights and stupid laws. Anyways, this can easily be solved in a few steps...So come on, let's try it out shall we?...

First, once you have a fresh install of Ubuntu running, and you want mp3 and music playback in general you must make sure your sound and video cards are being used correctly. Once you have everything set, you should open Synaptic (System>Administration>Synaptic package manager". Then search for:

ubuntu-restricted-extras

Install it and then your music, java and flash should work. But DVDs are still missing, or at least they play choppy and gross...Don't panic! Since you already have Synaptic open search for:

libdvdcss2
libdvdread3

and install them. (A faster way to install these packages is by typing: sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras libdvdcss2 libdvdread3 in to a terminal.) Once you've installed those two, it might be a good idea to reboot the computer. Everytime you install or remove packages, programs and things that have something to do with configurations you must restart to avoid ugly messes.

Ok, now that your computer rebooted, it might be a good idea to install VLC via Synaptic. This little program can cover all your music, video, DVD needs in a neatly and smooth way.

These fixes work on both Hardy Heron and Intrepid Ibex, I've tested both versions and I can assure you these fixes work. But in case they don't just post as comment below and I'll be more than happy to help. So don't be shy!

Hope this helped someone! NOTE: I've covered all of this before, I just wanted to compile everything in a single post to help people find the answers to their questions quicker.
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Control the Action!

Hey guys! I thought I'd share this because it's one of my favorite things in Ubuntu. Have you ever wanted to have a multimedia controller for your PC, but didn't have the cash? Most of these controllers cost around $100+...not a very friendly price.

Well, what would you say if I tell you, you can use you Wii Remote as multimedia remote and a mouse at the same time? I know a lot of people who have a Wii...and if you're one of them you can use your Wiimote safely! It won't suffer any changes whatsoever! So are you interested?...

I'm not gonna reinvent the wheel here... I'll just list the items you need.

1. A computer running Ubuntu 8.04
2. A Wiimote
3. A Bluetooth USB dongle (if your computer doesn't have integrated Bluetooth already)
4. An Infrared light source.
5. A few minutes to read and follow the instructions
6. A lot of patience if something goes wrong!

Well, "how can I do that?" you might ask... Please read the incredible guide Rhubarb made in the Ubuntu Forums! I said I wasn't going to reinvent the wheel. He made a great job putting that guide together...and it's pretty easy to follow! So go for it! The risk is almost null!

If you don't have a Wiimote, you can buy one for around $40...a lot cheaper than a multimedia remote...

So if you have any questions or suggestions just post them here on the comments section or on the Ubuntu Forums! (You'll need an account to post there though...but it's FREE!).

Hope this was helpful!
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