SuSE 9.3: Fixing MultiMedia Support
From SUSE Wiki
Introduction
SuSE Linux is one of the better desktop Linux distributions on the market today, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for the new Linux user as well as seasoned veterans. One thing that puzzles many users is the lack of proper multimedia support in SuSE. Novell apparently had some doubts as to the legality of the mp3 format (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mp3#Licensing_and_patent_issues) so unfortunately left out the codec to play back this file format. Thankfully they've included an update which saves the day.
There is simpler way, by just installing MultiMedia Option Packs provided by Novell/SuSE, but if you want to have maximum available multimedia support in your SuSE 9.3, then follow the instructions.
Procedure
1. Remove "Crippled/Not Fully Functional" multimedia apps and libraries
a. Run Yast -> Software -> Install/Remove Software
b. Remove all Multimedia apps and libraries that you installed while doing a 9.3 setup, i.e Kaffeine, Mplayer, xine-lib, and other codecs
2. Install available Multimedia Option Packs from YOU
Click on SuSE Watcher and launch YOU, or alternatively open the main SuSE menu, select YaST -> Software -> Online Update. (enter root password when asked)
Next you will need to select few packages:
Multimedia-Option-Pack-1 Multimedia-Option-Pack-2 Multimedia-Option-Pack-3 Multimedia-Option-Pack-4
You can opt for only Option-Pack-1, but it will be better to install all of them, and later remove apps that you do not require. The other Multimedia Pack Options install additional applications and plugins, if required.
Click accept, and you're done with Option Packs
3. Enabling Audio and Video Support
For this we will need to download few files from Packman's Repository/Web-Site and install them manually. The Package Index can be found at: http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=index
Now we will need to download the following (select your architecture/platform - i586, i686 or x86-64)
A) Libraries/Codecs
a. xine-lib (libxine1) - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=124 b. w32codec-all - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=046 c. divx4linux - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=120 d. xvid - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=172 e. a52dec - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=140
B) DVD Support
a. libdvdcss - http://download.videolan.org/pub/libdvdcss
Select the latest version, then rpm (redhat is OK), and then libdvdcss-x.x.x-x.i386.rpm (where x.x.x-x - is the version numbers)
C) Media Players (select what you prefer)
a. Kaffeine (For KDE) - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=325 b. Totem (For Gnome) - http://packman.links2linux.org/index.php4?action=582 c. Mplayer - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=128 d. Xine-UI/Player - http://packman.links2linux.org/?action=125
I personally prefer to use Kaffeine and Mplayer for Video/DVD, and Amarok/XMMS - for Audio
Now install the downloaded files, starting with Codecs and DVD support, and then the players, using the follwong command:
# rpm -Uhv package_name_here.rpm
Alternative installation using APT/Synaptic
Alternatively, if you have APT/Synaptic installed and running, you can install them using apt/synaptic. This is way easier to handle as you will need to select the packages only and the rest is automated, and also than it's easier to manage newer versions in future. Follow the instructions in the apt on SuSE 9.3 article (http://susewiki.org/index.php?title=Apt_on_SuSe_9.3_X86_i586) that explains how to install it.
Though, you can add Packman's Repository address to your Yast Installation Source (instructions for this can be found in this wiki).
Well, that's about it. I hope I didn't miss anything.
