Compiling ffmpeg with mp3 support on Ubuntu

The Flashvideo module in Drupal uses ffmpeg to convert uploaded video to Adobe Flash Video format (.flv).

However, we’re using Ubuntu based servers and Ubuntu has a strict policy not to include non-free software. This means that the ffmpeg version in the repositories is not built with essential functionality, like mp3 support for audio conversion.

Solution: compile from source:

1. enable universe and multiverse repositories

UbuntuGuide » general notes » how to add extra repositories

2. get your tools

sudo apt-get install checkinstall build-essential subversion

3. get the latest ffmpeg sources

cd /usr/local/src
sudo svn checkout svn://svn.mplayerhq.hu/ffmpeg/trunk ffmpeg

4. get the necessary dependencies

sudo apt-get install liblame-dev libfaad2-dev libfaac-dev libxvidcore4-dev liba52-0.7.4 liba52-0.7.4-dev libx264-dev

5. configure

./configure —enable-gpl —enable-pp —enable-libvorbis —enable-libogg
—enable-liba52 —enable-dc1394 —enable-libgsm —disable-debug
—enable-libmp3lame —enable-libfaad —enable-libfaac —enable-xvid
—enable-pthreads —disable-vhook

6. compile

make

7. go have a snack

8. create the .deb package

checkinstall

9. install the .deb package

dpkg -i [ffmpeg_your_version.deb]

10. rejoice