FunOS

HandBrake is one of the most popular open-source video transcoding tools available today. It allows users to convert video files from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs. On FunOS, HandBrake can be easily installed using either the Ubuntu repositories or the HandBrake PPA. This guide will walk you through both installation methods step by step.

What is HandBrake?

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that helps you convert videos from one format to another while maintaining high quality. It supports a wide variety of input and output formats, allowing you to optimize videos for playback on devices such as computers, smartphones, or TVs. With built-in presets, advanced encoding options, subtitle support, and batch processing features, HandBrake is a must-have tool for users who frequently work with multimedia files.

How to Install HandBrake on FunOS

Method 1: Installing from the Ubuntu Repositories

Step 1: Open a Terminal

You can open the Terminal using one of the following methods:

• Click Menu in the left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 2: Update the Package List

Before installing HandBrake, update the package list to ensure you have the latest information about available packages:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install HandBrake

Now install HandBrake using the following command:

sudo apt install handbrake

Step 4: Reload the Menu

After the installation is complete, reload the menu so that HandBrake appears in the application list:

• Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
• Click Reload menu.

Method 2: Installing from the HandBrake PPA

Step 1: Open a Terminal

You can open the Terminal using one of the following methods:

• Click Menu in the left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 2: Add the HandBrake PPA

This PPA is maintained by Panda Jim:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/handbrake

Step 3: Update the Package List

After adding the PPA, update the package list again:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install HandBrake

Then, install HandBrake from the newly added repository:

sudo apt install handbrake

Step 5: Reload the Menu

Once the installation is complete, reload the menu to make the new application visible:

• Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
• Click Reload menu.

Launching HandBrake

To launch HandBrake, click the Menu button in the lower-left corner, then navigate to the Multimedia category. You’ll find HandBrake listed there and ready to use.

How to Uninstall HandBrake on FunOS

If you no longer need HandBrake or want to reinstall it cleanly, you can easily remove it from FunOS. The uninstallation process differs slightly depending on how you installed the application—either from the Ubuntu repositories or from the HandBrake PPA.

Uninstall HandBrake Installed from the Ubuntu Repositories

Step 1: Open a Terminal

You can open the Terminal in one of the following ways:

• Click Menu in the left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 2: Remove HandBrake

Run the following command to remove HandBrake completely:

sudo apt remove --purge handbrake

Step 3: Remove Any Unused Dependencies

To clean up any unused packages left behind by the uninstallation, run:

sudo apt autoremove --purge

Step 4: Remove User Data (Optional)

If you want to delete your personal HandBrake configuration and settings, remove the application’s configuration folder:

rm -rf $HOME/.config/ghb

Step 5: Reload the Menu

Finally, reload the menu to ensure the HandBrake entry is removed:

• Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
• Click Reload menu.

Uninstall HandBrake Installed from the HandBrake PPA

Step 1: Open a Terminal

You can open the Terminal using one of these methods:

• Click Menu in the left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T

Step 2: Remove HandBrake

Run the following command to remove HandBrake:

sudo apt remove --purge handbrake

Step 3: Remove Any Unused Dependencies

Clean up any packages that are no longer required:

sudo apt autoremove --purge

Step 4: Remove the HandBrake PPA

If you installed HandBrake using the PPA, you can remove it with:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/handbrake

Step 5: Update the Package List

After removing the PPA, update your package list:

sudo apt update

Step 6: Remove User Data (Optional)

To delete user-specific HandBrake configuration files, run:

rm -rf $HOME/.config/ghb

Step 7: Reload the Menu

Reload the menu to remove HandBrake from the application list:

• Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner.
• Click Reload menu.

Conclusion

HandBrake is a powerful video transcoder that offers great flexibility for converting and compressing video files. On FunOS, you can install it easily using the Ubuntu repositories for stability or the HandBrake PPA for newer versions. Likewise, uninstalling HandBrake is straightforward, allowing you to clean up your system completely if you no longer need it. Whether you’re managing videos for personal projects or professional purposes, HandBrake remains an essential tool for anyone who works with multimedia files.