default-programsvlc
I can't seem to set VLC media player as the default video player. I have gone to System Settings → System Info → Default Applications, and changed "Video" to VLC media player.
However, all movies still open with Movie Player (Totem) by default. The video default application setting appears to have no effect. I have tried changing the setting and logging out/rebooting, but it doesn't appear to work.
Is there some command-line magic that can work on this?
All the applications that are listed in Preferred Applications are registered in
/usr/share/gnome-control-center/default-apps.
To add VLC to the list of media players,
Create a file called vlc.xml in /usr/share/gnome-control-center/default-apps:
Hit Alt+F2 and run the following command:
gksu gedit /usr/share/gnome-control-center/default-apps/vlc.xml
Copy and paste the following in that file:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE default-apps SYSTEM "gnome-da-list.dtd">
<default-apps>
<media-players>
<media-player>
<name>VLC</name>
<executable>vlc</executable>
<command>vlc</command>
<icon-name>vlc</icon-name>
<run-in-terminal>false</run-in-terminal>
</media-player>
</media-players>
</default-apps>
There's yet another GUI solution, which might come handy for you ;)
Try opening the properties (right click -> Properties) of the file type you want to be always played by VLC.
Choose the Open with tab and either choose from a list or add one (by choosing from an extended program list or simply typing vlc as the command)
... and click on Set as default
Best Answer
Go to System Settings → System info → Default Applications, and set it there. It works in Ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot).
In Ubuntu 13.04 (Raring Ringtail) and later, it's found in System Settings → Details → Default Applications.