[SOLVED] How can I watch .MOV files?

[crutch145]

When I try to watch .MOV files, mplayer gives an error that says: The following plugins are required:
* MPEG-4 AAC decoder
* H.264 decoder

Do you want to search for these now?

When I click Search, it comes back and says Could not find plugin in any configured software source. Is anyone else able to watch .mov files in Fedora 16? I find it difficult to believe that this is not possible.

[smr54]

Hrrm, did you install mplayer from the rpmfusion repos? I've never had it have a problem with anything, assuming I had non-free enabled.

You might try installing vlc as well. It's also known for handling all sorts of codecs without problems.

[crutch145]

I don't recall installing mplayer, I just recently installed Fedora 16 and it appears that it just came with it. I will give VLC a try.

[smr54]

Hrrm, I would first make sure I had the rpmfusion repos installed. (Look in /etc/yum.repos.d and see if there's anything marked rpmfusion.) If not, go to rpmfusion.org and follow their instructions to install it.


I would do this (check that it is installed, and if not, install it) before installing mplayer. There are various other plugins that handle many file formats, but not as many as can be handled by the rpmfusion versions of these two programs.

[crutch145]

I installed VLC and it plays the .MOV without issue. Do you know how I can make VLC the default media player? That way I don't have to right click on the file and select Open with VLC.

[smr54]

Sorry, I use more minimal window managers without desktop icons, so I usually just run the command and the file, that is, mplayer (or smplayer or vlc) myvideo.avi, rather than clicking on it. I'm sure there's a way though, I'm just not really familiar with Gnome--hopefully, someone who knows will answer this shortly.

[SomeDamFool]

Right click a mov file and choose properties. To right of file type click the edit file type button. All your players should be listed there, move VLC to the top of the list to make it the default player for mov files. If VLC isn't listed you can add it.
Mike