The deb-multimedia repository is an excellent way to get the latest multimedia software on any Debian release. As an added bonus, it comes with a lot more programs that aren’t available in the default repositories. In case you were wondering about stability, the repo is owned and maintained by a Debian developer, so everything is stable and compatible.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- How to Import the Repository Key
- How to Add and Enable the Repo
- How to Install VLC
- How to Install Kodi
- How to Install FFmpeg
- How to Install DeaDBeeF
- How to Install libdvdcss2
- How to Install Handbrake
Software Requirements and Conventions Used
Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
---|---|
System | Debian 10 Buster |
Software | deb-multimedia repository |
Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
Conventions |
# – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
How to Import the Repository Key
Before you can add the repository, you’re going to need to import its GPG key to verify your downloads. The repository owner supplied a convenient .deb
package that you can just install. Now, there is a way to pull it through the repository, but that requires that you enable unsigned packages. Instead, just grab it with wget
.
$ cd ~/Downloads
$ wget https://www.deb-multimedia.org/pool/main/d/deb-multimedia-keyring/deb-multimedia-keyring_2016.8.1_all.deb
Now, you can use dpkg
to install the package.
# dpkg -i deb-multimedia-keyring_2016.8.1_all.deb
How to Add and Enable the Repo
You can enable the repository by creating a file at /etc/apt/sources.list.d/multimedia.list
. Place the following in the file.
deb https://www.deb-multimedia.org buster main non-free
Save the file and exit. Now, update Apt to include the repository.
# apt update
You also probably want to run an upgrade now too. Chances are, the versions of some packages are newer on deb-multimedia.
# apt upgrade
How to Install VLC
The latest versions of VLC are available in deb-multimedia. Simply install it with Apt.
# apt install vlc
How to Install Kodi
Kodi is available in the default Debian repos, but it usually lags behind. The version available in deb-multimedia is usually the latest. Install it with Apt.
# apt install kodi
Deb-multimedia also contains tons of Kodi plugin packages. Check out the package lists to see if there’s anything else that you’d like to add.
How to Install FFmpeg
At release, FFMpeg in the default repositories is going to be pretty close to the latest, but as time goes on, it’ll definitely fall behind. The version in deb-multimedia will be kept updated. Install it with:
# apt install ffmpeg
Again, deb-multimedia comes with a more complete library of codecs, plugins, and additional support. If you need any FFmpeg related packages, check the package lists to see if there’s anything you need.
How to Install DeaDBeeF
DeaDBeeF is one of the most popular and beloved music players for Linux. Strangely, it’s not available in the default Debian repos. That’s alright. Deb-multimedia has you covered. Install the latest version with Apt.
# apt install deadbeef
How to Install libdvdcss2
Libdvdcss is an interesting case. It’s an open source library required to crack DVD encryption and play most DVDs. However, due to the hazy legal nature of cracking that encryption, it’s not provided by Debian. That’s not a problem, though, because deb-multimedia has an updated version readily available.
# apt install libdvdcss2
How to Install Handbrake
If you’re planning to edit DVD files or rip your DVD library, Handbrake is an excellent way to do that. Before you get started, remember that you’ll need libdvdcss2 before you can read many DVDs, so install that first. Then, you can install the graphical version of Handbrake simply with your package manager.
# apt install handbrake-gtk
Conclusion
There are so many more fantastic options to explore in the deb-multimedia repository, but you should have a head start by now. Remember that compatibility shouldn’t be an issue here, and this is a great way to run Debian Stable and still have access to the latest multimedia software.