Live Streaming Breaks Up in Ubuntu
It's frustrating when live streams break up or have problems when you're using Linux. Some of these problems are caused by issues specific to the Ubuntu distribution, while other causes lie in network connectivity or your computer. With some troubleshooting, fix the stream breaking up to go back to enjoying your viewing in peace.
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Network
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One source of trouble with live streaming is with your network. First power-cycle your modem and router, if you’re using one. Unplug the modem, and wait five seconds. Then plug in both the router and modem. If this doesn’t solve the break up of what you're streaming live, try loading other web pages or media. Also try downloading and uploading files. If other networked items load and stream correctly, then the problem is with the media you’re trying to stream, especially if many people are trying to stream from the same source. However, if you’re having trouble streaming other media, your Internet service provider could be throttling your bandwith. Contact your ISP for information and resources for streaming media with their networks.
Flash Plugin
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If your network is fine and your ISP isn’t throttling your bandwith, another problem for Ubuntu users is Gnash, an open-source implementation of Flash shipped with Ubuntu, since many live-streaming applications are browser-based. Uninstalling Gnash and installing Adobe Flash solves streaming problems in most cases. To uninstall Gnash, open Synaptic, the package manager. Then search for “gnash.” Right-click on each result, and select “Mark for Removal.” When finished, click “Apply.” From Adobe.com download the most recent package of Adobe Flash. Select the package ending in “tar.gz,” which is a package designed to run on different Linux distributions. Close any running Web browsers, and then unpack the file and copy the file named “libflashplayer.so” to “.mozilla/plugins” in your home directory. If you don’t see the “.mozilla” directory, type Ctrl-H. If you don't already have a plug-ins directory, create one by right clicking in the directory and choosing “Create Folder.” Name the directory “plugins,” in lower-case. Then copy libflashplayer.so into the new plug-ins folder. Although Flash is installed in the Mozilla directory, it will be available for all browsers for your user account.
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Audio Synchronization Bug in VLC
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If you're using Ubuntu 10.10 and VLC 1.1.4 to stream media, then the problem might not be the stream breaking up, but an audio synchronization bug. VideoLAN, the developer of VLC, recommends you upgrade both Ubuntu and VLC at the same time. Ubuntu releases many security updates, so check frequently to keep your operating system updated. To upgrade without reinstalling, you need to update to Ubuntu 11.04. Open the Update Manager from the Administration menu, then install any updates. Once your computer is updated, the next release shows up the next time you run Update Manager. Once you Ubuntu 11.04 is installed and updated, you'll be offered an upgrade to 11.10 through the Update Manager.
Low-Latency Kernel
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Especially in older computers, using a low-latency kernel can help streaming applications, especially applications with audio. A low-latency or “real time” kernel speeds up the time it takes to process and create audio signals and prevent audible clicks when playing multimedia files. To install a low-latency kernel using apt, type “sudo apt-get install linux-lowlatency linux-headers-lowlatency” in a terminal. Or if using Synaptic, search for “linux-lowlatency” and “linux-headers-lowlatency”. Right-click on both, then pick “Mark for Installation.” Then reboot your computer and pick the low-latency kernel from the GRUB boot menu.
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