diff --git a/youtube_dl/downloader/hls.py b/youtube_dl/downloader/hls.py
index 3650d715ee..8be4f42490 100644
--- a/youtube_dl/downloader/hls.py
+++ b/youtube_dl/downloader/hls.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ class HlsFD(FileDownloader):
         tmpfilename = self.temp_name(filename)
 
         ffpp = FFmpegPostProcessor(downloader=self)
-        if not ffpp.available():
+        if not ffpp.available:
             self.report_error('m3u8 download detected but ffmpeg or avconv could not be found. Please install one.')
             return False
         ffpp.check_version()