This guide will demonstrate how to install VLC Media Player on Fedora Linux using the command-line terminal, utilizing DNF with RPM Fusion or Flatpak with Flathub.
VLC Media Player stands out as a versatile and robust multimedia solution, accommodating a wide array of audio and video formats. Its reputation is built on reliability, extensive format support, and user-friendly features, making it a preferred choice for users seeking a comprehensive media experience.
Below are some key highlights of VLC Media Player:
- Extensive Format Support: VLC is renowned for its ability to play nearly any multimedia file format, as well as DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: VLC ensures a consistent user experience across different devices and is available for multiple operating systems.
- Advanced Playback Controls: Users gain precise control over media playback with features like speed adjustments, subtitles, and audio synchronization.
- Streaming Capabilities: VLC can stream media over networks and convert media files to different formats.
- Customization Options: The player offers a range of skins and extensions, allowing for personalization and enhanced functionality.
- Interactive Interface: Despite its vast capabilities, VLC maintains an intuitive and accessible user interface, catering to both novice and advanced users.
- No Spyware or Ads: VLC is committed to user privacy with no spyware, ads, or user tracking.
- Community Support: Being open-source, VLC benefits from a vibrant community that contributes to its development and ensures swift updates and feature enhancements.
These features underscore VLC’s status as a powerful and adaptable media player, ready to meet the diverse needs of its user base.
Now, let’s move on to the technical how-to, starting with the installation steps.
Install VLC Media Player on Fedora Linux via RPM Fusion
Update Fedora Before VLC Media Player Installation
Ensuring your system is up-to-date before installation is crucial to avoid potential conflicts. For best practices, use the following terminal command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshImport RPM Fusion For VLC Media Player on Fedora
First, import the RPM Fusion repository to install the VLC media player on Fedora. This third-party source operates with the dnf package manager, which Fedora users favor. RPM Fusion offers both “free” and “non-free” repositories.
Execute the command below in the terminal to import the RPM Fusion repository:
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpmYou can add the non-free repository, though it’s not required for installing VLC media player. Consider importing it if you’re open to using proprietary software later on.
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpmInstall VLC Media Player via DNF Command
To install the VLC media player, use the following dnf install command.
sudo dnf install vlcInstall VLC Media Player on Fedora Linux via Flatpak and Flathub
Fedora’s pre-installed Flatpak package manager offers a great way to install the latest VLC media player version. Flatpak runs applications in secure, isolated containers, letting users get the newest VLC version easily without dependency issues. Using Flathub, a well-known third-party repository, provides direct access to the latest VLC and other Flatpak apps. This approach offers more regular updates than Fedora’s standard repositories, ensuring users quickly enjoy VLC’s latest features and enhancements.
Ensure Flathub Is Enabled For VLC Media Player Installation
For VLC Media Player installation via Flatpak, enable Flathub first. Execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall VLC Media Player via Flatpak Command
To install the VLC media player using Flatpak, run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLCNote: If the previous command fails, yielding an error message like “error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub’,” use the following command. You might need to do this if your system hasn’t enabled the Flathub repository or if it becomes disabled.
flatpak remote-modify --enable flathubLaunch VLC Media Player on Fedora
With the installation of the VLC media player complete, you can launch the application using one of two methods.
CLI Commands to Launch VLC Media Player
The first method is to launch it directly from your current terminal session by typing the following command:
vlcFlatpak users can launch VLC media player by running a specific command in the terminal, enabling them to start the program directly from the command line.
flatpak run org.videolan.VLCGUI Path to Launch VLC Media Player
For most users of the desktop GUI application, you can launch the VLC media player by navigating to the following path in your system’s application menu:
Activities > Show Applications > Media Player
First-Time Tips with VLC Media Player on Fedora
Now that you have successfully installed VLC Media Player on Fedora, here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your new media player:
General Tips for VLC on Fedora
- Check Privacy and Network Access Settings: Upon the first launch, VLC will prompt you to configure your privacy and network access settings. Make sure to review these settings to allow or restrict VLC from fetching media information online.
- Explore the Preferences: Dive into the ‘Preferences’ section under the ‘Tools’ menu to familiarize yourself with VLC’s extensive customization options.
- Adjust Interface Settings: Customize the interface by choosing different skins or creating your own to enhance your user experience.
- Use the Help Resources: Access the ‘Help’ menu to find useful resources, documentation, and support forums specific to VLC on Linux.
Customization Tips for an Enhanced Experience
- Install Additional Plugins: Enhance VLC’s functionality by installing plugins available for Linux users, which can be found on the VLC website or through Fedora’s package manager.
- Configure Audio and Video Effects: Under the ‘Tools’ menu, use the ‘Effects and Filters’ option to adjust audio and video settings, including equalizer, spatializer, and video effects.
- Manage Playlists Efficiently: Learn to create, save, and manage playlists for a seamless media consumption experience.
- Adjust Subtitle Settings: If you watch content with subtitles, explore the subtitle synchronization and display settings to optimize your viewing experience.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficient Use
- Spacebar: Play/Pause media playback.
- F: Toggle full-screen mode.
- Ctrl + E: Access the adjustment and effects settings.
- M: Mute the audio.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
- Network Stream Playback: Use the ‘Media’ menu to open network streams and play media from URLs directly in VLC.
- Convert Media Files: Utilize VLC’s built-in converter under the ‘Media’ menu to convert media files to different formats.
- Capture Screenshots: Take snapshots of your favorite scenes directly from the video playback using the ‘Video’ menu or a keyboard shortcut.
- Stream Content: Explore VLC’s capability to stream content to other devices on your network through the ‘Stream’ option in the ‘Media’ menu.
Exploring these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to take full advantage of VLC Media Player on Fedora, enhancing your multimedia experience with this powerful, versatile tool.
Additional VLC Media Player Management Commands with Fedora
Remove VLC Media Player
To uninstall VLC media player, use the command below if you installed it with the DNF package manager.
sudo dnf remove vlcIf you installed VLC using Flatpak, use the following command instead:
flatpak remove --delete-data org.videolan.VLCThe “–delete-data” option deletes all user data related to VLC media player, including configuration files and preferences. Think carefully before using this command.
Conclusion
Throughout this guide, we’ve walked you through installing VLC Media Player on Fedora, delved into first-time tips to kickstart your experience, and shared some customization tricks to make the most out of this versatile media player. Whether you’re tweaking settings, mastering shortcuts, or exploring advanced features, VLC offers a rich, user-centric media experience. As you continue to explore, remember that VLC’s flexibility is its strength—so don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor the player to your preferences. Happy viewing and listening, and here’s to many enjoyable media moments with VLC on Fedora!