Using Remmina VLC Plugin on Ubuntu

2 min read 09-11-2024

Remmina is a powerful remote desktop client for Linux, supporting multiple remote desktop protocols. One of its useful features is the ability to use the VLC plugin, which allows users to stream multimedia content over the remote connection. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and use the Remmina VLC plugin on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Ubuntu installed: Any modern version should work fine.
Remmina installed: If you don't have it installed, you can do so by running:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt install remmina
```
VLC media player: Ensure VLC is installed, which can be done via:
```
sudo apt install vlc
```

Installing the VLC Plugin for Remmina

To enable VLC streaming capabilities in Remmina, you need to install the VLC plugin. Follow these steps:

Open a terminal and run the following command:
```
sudo apt install remmina-plugin-vlc
```
Verify installation: After installation, you can check the plugins available in Remmina by launching it and navigating to Preferences > Plugins. Ensure that the VLC plugin is listed.

Configuring Remmina with VLC

Once the VLC plugin is installed, you can set up a connection to utilize its streaming capabilities.

Step 1: Create a New Connection

Launch Remmina from your applications menu.
Click on + to create a new connection.

Step 2: Set Connection Properties

In the new connection window, fill in the required fields:

Name: Give your connection a descriptive name.
Protocol: Select the protocol you want to use (e.g., RDP, VNC, etc.).
Server Address: Enter the address of the server you want to connect to.
Username and Password: Enter your credentials if needed.

Step 3: Enable VLC Streaming

Scroll down to the Advanced tab.
Look for the option labeled VLC streaming and enable it by checking the box.
Optionally, you can specify additional parameters if required for the stream.

Step 4: Save and Connect

Click on Save to store your connection settings.
Select your new connection and click Connect to start the remote session.

Using VLC During the Remote Session

Once connected, you can use VLC to play media files:

Open VLC media player on your remote server.
Use the Open Network Stream option to play media from a URL or local files.
Control the playback as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Errors: Ensure that your server is reachable and that the necessary ports are open.
Performance Issues: Streaming video can be bandwidth-intensive. Ensure you have a stable and fast connection.
VLC Not Responding: If VLC crashes, try restarting the application or checking for updates.

Conclusion

Using the Remmina VLC plugin on Ubuntu enhances your remote desktop experience by allowing you to stream multimedia content effortlessly. By following the above steps, you can easily set up and utilize this feature, providing greater flexibility for your remote sessions. If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or check the Remmina documentation for more support.