Watching DRM'd Media on Linux: A Comprehensive Guide
Accessing Streaming Services on Linux
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is now commonplace across various media platforms. While services like Netflix, Amazon Video, and Hulu, as well as physical media such as DVDs and Blu-rays, typically function seamlessly on most operating systems, Linux users often encounter additional hurdles.
Achieving compatibility on Linux frequently necessitates extra configuration. This complexity arises because DRM technologies often lack native support for the Linux operating system.
The Challenges with DRM and Codecs
Even when downloading video files, Linux users may face difficulties. This is often due to patent restrictions that prevent Linux distributions from incorporating the necessary codecs.
However, solutions are available to overcome these obstacles and enjoy a wide range of streaming content on Linux systems.
Getting Streaming Services to Work
Here’s a breakdown of how Linux enthusiasts can enable access to popular streaming platforms on their machines.
- Netflix: Utilizing a web browser with HTML5 support is generally the most straightforward approach.
- Amazon Video: Similar to Netflix, accessing Amazon Video through a modern web browser is typically sufficient.
- Hulu: Hulu can also be accessed via compatible web browsers on Linux.
- DVDs and Blu-rays: Playback of these physical media formats may require installing additional software and codecs.
Successfully navigating these requirements allows Linux users to enjoy their preferred streaming services without significant complications.
Despite the inherent challenges, accessing DRM-protected content on Linux is achievable with the right approach and tools.
Netflix
Watching Netflix on Linux is achievable without resorting to complex workarounds. However, a prerequisite is the installation of Google Chrome for Linux, which then serves as the platform for accessing your desired shows.
Traditionally, the Firefox web browser has been incompatible, as has the Chromium browser itself.
Recent developments have expanded viewing options, though. Opera for Linux, built upon the Chromium foundation, now provides support for Netflix streaming.
Therefore, users who prefer to avoid Google's browser can utilize Opera as an alternative.
The Role of Encrypted Media Extensions
The restriction stems from Netflix's utilization of both HTML5 video and Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) for Digital Rights Management (DRM).
Not all browsers natively incorporate EME support. Consequently, employing Chrome represents a relatively minor concession to enable seamless Netflix playback.
This DRM technology is essential for protecting copyrighted content.
Amazon Instant Video
Previously, accessing Amazon Instant Video presented challenges for some users. The platform initially relied on Adobe Flash, which necessitated the installation of an older HAL compatibility library due to its Digital Rights Management (DRM) requirements.
Furthermore, Flash didn't consistently deliver optimal video quality. Amazon subsequently promoted the use of the Silverlight player as an alternative.
However, Microsoft’s Silverlight lacked native support for Linux operating systems. Consequently, users were required to employ a Wine-based wrapper to run the Windows version of Silverlight.
Current Compatibility
Fortunately, these complexities appear to be resolved. Amazon now provides an HTML5-based video player, enhancing accessibility.
Amazon confirms that this player is compatible with Google Chrome on Linux. Similar to Netflix, Firefox is not currently a supported browser.
To stream Amazon Instant Video on a Linux system, simply launch the website within the Google Chrome browser. Compatibility with Opera may also be possible.
HTML5 support has greatly simplified the viewing experience for Linux users.
The transition away from Flash and Silverlight has removed significant hurdles.
Users can now enjoy Amazon Instant Video with greater ease and improved video quality.
Hulu
Related: Methods for Viewing Hulu on Ubuntu and Other Linux Systems
Currently, Hulu has not implemented an HTML5-based player. Furthermore, the "Hulu Desktop" application, which previously provided official Linux support, is no longer available.
Hulu continues to depend on Adobe Flash, employing an older DRM system that isn't natively compatible with contemporary Linux distributions. Consequently, accessing Hulu requires the installation of HAL compatibility files, following the outlined instructions for proper functionality.
This method is exclusively supported by Mozilla Firefox, which utilizes the legacy NPAPI version of Flash. Adobe now only provides security updates for this version.
The newer PPAPI-based Flash plug-in included in Google Chrome is incompatible with Flash’s established Linux DRM technologies.
It is anticipated that Hulu will eventually transition to HTML5. Until then, viewers can utilize Chrome for Netflix and Amazon content, while reserving Firefox for Hulu.
DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
DVDs and Blu-rays present unique challenges when played on Linux systems, unlike standard audio CDs. This is due to the inclusion of Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies designed to restrict playback on unauthorized devices.
Fortunately, enabling DVD playback on Linux is generally straightforward. Nearly all video DVDs can be played within the VLC media player after installing the libdvdcss library. This library bypasses the DVD's DRM, allowing for seamless playback.
However, Blu-ray playback is more complex. While older Blu-rays utilizing AACS encryption are often compatible with VLC, newer discs employing BD+ encryption can pose difficulties.
Watching Blu-rays on Linux is still achievable, but often requires a workaround. The MakeMKV application can be used to "stream" the Blu-ray content. It's important to note that this method isn't guaranteed to function with every Blu-ray disc.
Understanding the DRM Differences
The differing levels of DRM protection between DVDs and Blu-rays explain the varying degrees of difficulty in achieving playback on Linux. DVDs primarily use CSS encryption, which libdvdcss effectively circumvents.
Blu-rays, on the other hand, employ both AACS and BD+ DRM schemes. While AACS is often manageable, BD+ presents a more significant hurdle, requiring the use of tools like MakeMKV to access the content.
Steps for DVD Playback
- Install the libdvdcss library using your distribution’s package manager.
- Insert the DVD into your drive.
- Open the DVD in VLC media player.
Following these steps should allow you to play most DVDs without further configuration.
Blu-ray Playback Considerations
Successfully playing Blu-rays on Linux often depends on the specific disc and its DRM implementation. MakeMKV can convert the Blu-ray into a more compatible format.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of MakeMKV can vary, and some Blu-rays may still be unplayable due to particularly robust DRM measures.
Downloaded Video Files
Related: Why Ubuntu Doesn't Come With Support for MP3s, Flash, and Other Multimedia Formats
Many users prefer to bypass Digital Rights Management (DRM) by directly downloading or ripping video files for playback on their computers. However, even this approach can present challenges, often stemming from issues beyond technical DRM restrictions.
Due to existing patent regulations, Linux distributions are often unable to natively include the necessary codecs required for playing a wide range of audio and video formats. Operating systems cannot simply incorporate software for H.264 playback without incurring licensing fees.
Acquiring these codecs is possible, but typically requires a deliberate effort on the user’s part to install them. This isn't an uncommon situation.
If you’ve previously installed VLC media player on Windows or macOS, you’ve already obtained these codecs, as VLC bundles them within its distribution. VLC, being hosted in France, operates under different legal constraints than Linux distributions originating in the US or other regions.
Therefore, mirroring the experience on Windows and macOS, the most straightforward solution is to install VLC and utilize it for video playback.
Should you desire the codecs independently, obtaining them on most Linux distributions remains relatively simple. Ubuntu, for instance, prompts users during initial setup regarding codec inclusion. Other distributions may offer installation through a few clicks.
If your specific distribution doesn't provide this option, a quick online search will readily yield instructions tailored to your chosen Linux environment.
The landscape has become less complex over time. Services like Netflix and Amazon generally function seamlessly within Google Chrome, and Hulu is anticipated to follow suit. Installing the necessary video codecs on contemporary Linux distributions is now easier than in the past.
While Blu-ray playback remains a persistent difficulty and is likely to continue as such, physical media is steadily declining in importance. These solutions aren't ideal in terms of convenience, but they represent the current state of affairs – and they generally perform as expected.
Image Credit: Bert Heymans on Flickr