Netflix Error F7031-1111 - DRM not reporting missing video codec "mp4a.40.5"
Hi,
I tried to use Netflix on Mozilla Firefox 56.0 (64Bit) on (fresh installed) Ubuntu Desktop 17.10 (Intel 64Bit). The DRM plugin reported a missing codec, but the error message was only visible on the Web Developer's Web Console (CTRL+SHIFT+k for me).
The DRM plug-in should report the missing codec visibly in the UI! And potentially link to a document explaining what packages to install to add the missing codec.
Web Console error message: The video on this page can’t be played. Your system may not have the required video codecs for: video/mp4;codecs=avc1.640028, audio/mp4; codecs="mp4a.40.5"
The Netflix webpage reported error id: f7031-1111
The solution for me was to run "sudo apt-get install vlc". Then restart Firefox and it worked. I did not bother to identify the package/library that provides the appropriate codec, yet. I will file a bugzilla to Ubuntu, too, such that they add the appropriate package dependency (if possible).
Feel free to contact me, if you have further questions.
Kind Regards, Jochen
Modified by debug
All Replies (5)
Did you use the Ubuntu provided version of Firefox or did you download a fresh Mozilla build from mozilla.org? I never use the distro provided version since it's not in "pure" form and updates are delayed at Canonical's discretion or whoever maintains that branch.
I used the package provided by Ubuntu, but deinstalled the "Ubuntu addon" via "sudo apt-get purge xul-ext-ubufox". But the package is still from Ubuntu. I don't expect the packaging to make a difference here, as the error by the DRM module is only logged to the "Web Console".
If you want me to reproduce the problem with another build please point me to the instructions / repository to use.
A Mozilla provided build would be better to use to see if you can reproduce the error there. These repo builds aren't very reliable in my opinion. You can download the latest stable release from https://getfirefox.com. Also, install ubuntu-restricted-extras if you haven't.
Make sure you have the latest version of FFmpeg and have all libav files installed (libav-tools)
Hey, core-el thanks for pointing out what packages are exactly required.
Usability issue: Firefox does not report the error "codec is missing". Firefox does not report any error at all (except on invisble Web Console).
It took me 10min research to find why the Netflix error occurred... I already fixed the playback problem when I reported the ticket.
Firefox should report the missing codec prominently as that is the root cause that needs to be fixed manually!
Modified by debug