Netflix and video support

#1

In order to watch Netflix and some YouTube videos, you must have H.264 decoder support. Unfortunately, the H.264 decoder is not free, and therefore is not pre-installed in the free downloadable version of Endless OS.

Starting from Endless OS version 3.0, Endless OS supports the ability to purchase and install new decoders (codecs) that can support playback of the following media:

  • Most .mov / .mp4 / .m4a files (MPEG 4 video and AC3/MP3 audio decoders)
  • Most .avi / .divx (H.264 video and AAC audio)
  • Web sites with embedded HTML5 video and audio content (Youtube, Netflix, etc)

To purchase and install the codecs, follow these easy steps:

  • Go to https://endlessm.com/ to purchase the codecs upgrade.
  • After purchase, you will be given a file to download.
  • The browser on Endless OS will automatically launch the file to install the upgrade on your OS.
  • Reboot Endless to use the upgraded codecs.

Computers with Intel, AMD or other X86 CPU can support Netflix after installing the codec upgrade, but Endless Mini and other computers with ARM CPUs can’t support Netflix due to digital rights management.

Note: As a US company, Endless must pay patent license royalties to 3rd party license agencies when the above codecs are installed on Endless OS. These costs are included when you buy a system from Endless, and they are covered by the the $3 upgrade charge if you have downloaded Endless OS for free

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#2

What kind of videos are supported?

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#3
#4

@rbchandler You can find out more about supported formats here on our FAQ page.

To summarize the relevant FAQ, Endless OS supports free-of-patent video formats like:

  • OGG Vorbis (.ogg)
  • OGG Theora
  • VP8/VP9 (.webm)
  • PCM (.wav)
  • MP3 (.mp3)
#5

There is a way around for watching mp4 videos without purchasing the codes for VLC.

First of all this OS is for many people with limited internet access or limited income or have no
way to pay online with debit/credit/ppl. The idea of purchasing a separate license is not funny !
Why don’t get some donors like Bill Gates to pay for the codec (kidding)

Now, Endless OS 3+ has Google Chrome, this is not just an web browsing app but more than that.
All you need is to open mp4 files with Google Chrome. This is as far as I believe is not illegal since
Google Brothers paid for it !

Follow three steps to open mp4 with Google Chrome :

  1. Right click your video file and select " Open with other application"
  2. Below Recommended Application box select and click " View All Application"
  3. Find “Google Chrome” and select by clicking

Finally press select to start the video. The player is very basic, so …

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#6

Here is how the Google Chrome Player looks like :

#7

Yes, that is legal. Google has indeed paid for the distribution of the codec within Chrome.

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#8

Good to know … I was little worried about the license, maybe with next Chrome/EndlessOS update this workaround will be turned down !

#10

4 posts were split to a new topic: Distributing codecs outside of US?

#11