Watch Amazon Instant Video on Linux - A Simple Guide
Accessing Amazon Instant Video on Linux
Initially, it might be assumed that Amazon Instant Video would function seamlessly on Linux systems due to its reliance on the Adobe Flash plug-in. However, this is not always the case, though functionality can be achieved with some adjustments.
The following instructions were tested utilizing the most recent Firefox version on Ubuntu 14.04. While these methods are generally applicable across various browsers, they are not effective in Chrome.
Browser Compatibility
Chrome users are advised to switch to Firefox for accessing Amazon Instant Video using the methods described below. This ensures compatibility and a functional viewing experience.
Important Note: Amazon has since introduced an HTML5 player for Instant Video.
HTML5 Player Availability
Currently, the HTML5 player is exclusively supported on Google Chrome for Linux. If you are using Chrome on Linux, Amazon Instant Video should operate without requiring any additional configuration, as per Amazon’s documentation.
For users preferring Firefox, or those encountering issues with the HTML5 player, the Flash-based method remains a viable option.
These adjustments allow for a functional Amazon Instant Video experience on Linux, despite initial compatibility challenges.
Viewing Amazon Instant Video within Firefox
Related: Addressing Outdated Flash Player Issues When Using Firefox on Linux!
The core issue stems from the Flash plug-in’s compilation against an older version of the HAL library. While active updates for Linux Flash have ceased, accessing Amazon Instant Video remains achievable.
However, the workaround detailed below proves ineffective in browsers like Chrome, which utilize the Pepper-based Flash plug-in. Users attempting playback will encounter a blank screen.
Initially, ensure the Adobe Flash browser plug-in is installed if it isn't already present. Most Linux distributions do not include this plug-in by default. For Ubuntu users, locate and launch the Ubuntu Software Center, search for "Flash," and proceed with the installation of the Adobe Flash plug-in package.
Upon browser restart and revisiting the Amazon Instant Video page, the video may briefly appear to initiate playback. Subsequently, an error message will display, indicating the need for a Flash player or browser update to continue video playback.
The underlying cause is the Flash player’s dependency on an older version of HAL – a system now superseded by the modern udev system – for Digital Rights Management (DRM) purposes.
Related: A Guide to Installing Software From Sources Outside Ubuntu's Official Repositories
Ubuntu user Michael Blennerhassett maintains a "Zombie HAL" Personal Package Archive (PPA) that delivers a HAL version compatible with current Ubuntu installations, specifically to resolve this issue. Users of other Linux distributions will need to locate a suitable HAL version for their respective systems.
To implement this solution, open a Terminal window – accessible via the Ubuntu icon in the Dash, followed by typing "Terminal" and pressing Enter – and execute the following commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mjblenner/ppa-hal
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install hal
Following browser restart and a return to the Amazon Instant Video page, the video should now load and play correctly within Amazon Instant Video’s Flash-based player.
Regrettably, this fix will not extend functionality to Google Chrome or other browsers employing the Pepper-based Flash plug-in. The video player will continue to display a black screen.
Enhance Your Viewing Experience with the Silverlight Player
Amazon provides a recommendation to utilize their Silverlight-based player over the Flash alternative. According to their official support documentation, "The Silverlight player is suggested for viewing Amazon Instant Video, as it is optimized for compatibility with our service and generally delivers superior playback quality."
While Microsoft no longer offers support for the Silverlight browser plugin on Linux systems – a situation with a complex history – the "Pipelight" software provides a workaround. It allows the execution of the Windows Silverlight plugin within a Linux web browser, leveraging the Wine Windows compatibility layer. This method previously proved popular for Netflix users before the platform transitioned to native HTML5 video and remains a viable option for accessing Amazon Instant Video.
It’s important to note that this solution is not compatible with Google Chrome, as the browser has discontinued support for NPAPI plugins.
Installing Pipelight is a straightforward process, and it will automatically handle the download and installation of Silverlight. To begin, open a Terminal and execute the following commands sequentially:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pipelight/stablesudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install pipelightsudo pipelight-plugin --updatesudo pipelight-plugin --enable silverlight
Upon launching your browser after installation, Pipelight will initiate the automatic download and installation of Silverlight, enabling access to Silverlight video content online.
Before proceeding, navigate to the amazon.com/video/settings page and confirm that your account preferences are configured to prioritize Microsoft Silverlight over Flash.
Related: How to Change Your Browser's User Agent Without Installing Any Extensions
Despite these steps, Amazon may still direct Linux browsers to the Flash content. The platform identifies Linux systems and consequently delivers the Flash plugin version. To access the Silverlight plugin, modification of your browser’s user agent is necessary. This will effectively mislead Amazon into believing you are using a Windows operating system, triggering the delivery of the Silverlight player instead of the Flash version.
For Firefox users, the User Agent Switcher add-on is recommended. After installation, activate the add-on and select a Windows-based web browser from the toolbar. An "Internet Explorer" default option is often sufficient, though "Firefox on Windows 7" might be preferable. (Remember to disable this setting when not using Amazon Instant Video to ensure proper website functionality.)
With the Windows user agent enabled, you should now be able to access Amazon Instant Video pages and receive the Silverlight content. The Silverlight plugin will operate through Wine in the background, but the output is directed to a native plugin within your browser, minimizing any potential performance impact. Numerous users have reported near-flawless functionality.
Ultimately, a transition to HTML5 video, similar to Netflix, would resolve these issues and allow for seamless video playback in modern web browsers without the need for plugins. This represents the long-term solution.
Currently, these methods may also prove effective for other websites utilizing older, DRM-protected Flash or Silverlight video players.