In case you don't know, FFmpeg is a command line tool for encoding and converting a numerous video and audio formats. x264 is a free software library (also command line) for encoding video streams into the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format.
FFmpeg and x264 in the Ubuntu repository does not support some encoders, formats, and codecs (which are restricted).
There is a quick way of enabling the restricted encoders but it will not work for all of them. In Ubuntu Karmic, run the following command in a terminal:
For Karmic, the libfaac codec has been disabled in the "extra" (formerly known as unstripped) libraries because it is considered non-free. The only way to get it is to compile ffmpeg yourself.
FFmpeg and x264 in the Ubuntu repository does not support some encoders, formats, and codecs (which are restricted).
There is a quick way of enabling the restricted encoders but it will not work for all of them. In Ubuntu Karmic, run the following command in a terminal:
sudo apt-get install ffmpeg libavcodec-extra-52For Karmic, the libfaac codec has been disabled in the "extra" (formerly known as unstripped) libraries because it is considered non-free. The only way to get it is to compile ffmpeg yourself.
FakeOutdoorsman @ ubuntu forums has posted a great tutorial for compiling the ffmpeg and x264 yourself for Ubuntu Karmic, Jaunty and Intrepid. You can find this great how-to, HERE.
After enabling the restricted formats, you can use these additional resources for using FFmpeg:
- ffmpeg Cheat Sheet - 19 Best Practices
- Audio / Video Encoding Guide
- And an amazing script which can do all the converting for you (as long as the format you want to convert into is supported by ffmpeg): Audio / Video / Image / Text / ISO Converter Nautilus Script
