This will update your package list and fetch the latest package information.
If you encounter issues with a specific application, especially browsers, you might need additional packages. For example, for Chromium-based browsers, you may need to install chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra , and for Firefox, ffmpeg and libavcodec-extra are often required for full codec support.
Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu) segregates certain codecs into a package called ubuntu-restricted-extras . However, this does not always include full HEVC support. For MKV playback, we need to enable a more comprehensive package set.
: If you use VLC Media Player (highly recommended for its native HEVC support), ensure the following plugin is installed: sudo apt install vlc-plugin-libde265
Change it from Disable to or choose your specific graphics driver (e.g., VAAPI). Click Save and restart VLC. Conclusion install hevc codec for mkv video on linux mint link
sudo apt update
First, update your package list to ensure you are installing the latest versions:
If your video playback still suffers from stuttering or high CPU usage, you can offload the decoding process to your GPU. This is known as hardware acceleration. By default, your CPU handles all the decoding work, which can be very taxing for high-resolution or high-bitrate HEVC videos. Offloading this task to your GPU can significantly improve performance and battery life.
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt install intel-media-va-driver vainfo
To play HEVC (H.265) encoded MKV videos on Linux Mint, you need to install the correct multimedia codecs or use a media player with built-in support. The Direct Solution
Linux Mint Codecs Guide
If you prefer to use Linux Mint’s default media player (often or Celluloid ) or want to ensure your web browser can play H.265 web streams, you need to install the system codecs. Step 1: Install Multimedia Codecs This will update your package list and fetch
sudo apt install libde265-0 libheif-examples
Linux Mint is a fantastic, user-friendly operating system. However, due to licensing restrictions, it doesn't always come with proprietary media codecs out of the box. If you've tried playing a high-efficiency video coding (HEVC/H.265) video inside an MKV container—a common format for 4K movies—and encountered a black screen or errors, you need to install specific codecs.
If you prefer using a graphical interface instead of the command line, use the built-in Software Manager. Open the (Mint Menu). Search for and launch Software Manager . Type mint-meta-codecs into the search bar. Click on Multimedia Codecs from the results. Click the Install button and enter your system password. Method 3: Use Players with Built-In HEVC Decoders