Monday, May 31, 2010

FFMPEG Missing Codec Error

Recently a reader asked me a question about a missing codec error while using ffmpeg to convert a video.
Here's the error message;
It seems your FFMPEG (libavcodec) installation lacks the following encoder:
MPEG AAC Audio.

I initially told him to make sure he has the AAC audio codec installed. Then I tried a conversion and got a similar message. I know I had everything installed so it was time to investigate.

Didn't take me long to find out that the ffmpeg including the unstripped version from the restricted repo's is lacking certain codecs due to licensing B.S.
So what do we do?
I read many articles talking about compiling your own ffmpeg with the missing codecs. Now I'm not against doing that but I was hoping for something easier. LOL!

Then I found this page;
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1117283

It has a comprehensive tutorial on how to compile your own ffmpeg.
And it also contains a quick 2 copy and paste terminal commands that will download and install the unstripped ffmpeg.
Just make sure that you pick your correct version of Ubuntu when using either option.

Many thanks to FakeOutdoorsman for his excellent tutorial on fixing this.

Linux!
There are so many ways around the B.S!

Enjoy!

2 comments:

rokytnji said...

Been doing the medibuntu dance and the restricted-extras shuffle for a while now Taz. I think since Mepis 6.5 and Suse 9. Codecs have come a long way now with Ubuntu 10.04 64bit and AntiX 8.5 Debian Squeeze/Sidux

TaZMAn said...

Hi Rok!

I quit using Medibuntu around the Gutsy era because they said they would no longer be needed due to Ubuntu carrying the restricted codecs.
Glad that Medibuntu is still around as it is needed.

Ohhh.... I remember the days that even providing a link to a certain DVD lib would get you a nasty-gram from the MPAA. The 2600 magazine got sued for printing the source code!!

What?!!!
Only MS and Apple users are allowed to watch DVD's on their pc's?
Shows you how scared some companies are of Linux users. It's because we have freedom. They don't want that.

Yep! Linux has come a long way.

Unfortunately there are certain companies around that keep developing proprietary codecs and lock downs because they want to see Linux gone.

That ain't happening!
LOL!!