Running .dat files in linux and using vlc

.dat files which are generally vedio files are played easily in windows media player, but in linux not all players support .dat files.

We can use one of the following methods to run a .dat file

1. using vlc
vlc by default throws error when we try to run a .dat file.

File reading failed: VLC could not read the file.

To run a .dat in a vedio cd file using vlc do the following

open vlc media-> open Disc Under Disc Selection : Select the SVCD/VCD Change Disc Device to /dev/sr0 or levae it blank click on play

The file in the cd should start playing automatically.

2. We can use the gxine player to run .dat file

$ sudo apt-get install gxine

Once the installation is done a new player called "gxine" will appear under sound and video menu which will directly play the .dat file with out any problems.

3. We can install windows media player using wine and run the .dat file from the windows media player.