Desktop Linux

master_kernel · Moderator Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 66

The big question: What codecs to include in this distribution, if any.

Some codecs are illegal in the U.S. because they are copyrighted. For this reason, Ubuntu classifies non-free codecs as "dirty" and "ugly". However, these codecs allow people to play some of the most popular multimedia out there (i.e. mp3, dvds, etc.)

Please post your opinion on this topic.

master_kernel
_________________
master_kernel

SamFisher47 · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:18 pm Post subject:

I think we should create two distro releases: one with and one without the copyrighted/illegal codecs. Many people are annoyed at not having out-of-the-box DVD playback and mp3 playback on Ubuntu, so perhaps give the user the choice to download a distro with or without the appropriate codecs. That means we are not infringing any copyright provided we put up a notice saying that 'downloading this iso file may infringe upon certain codec copyrights in your country. Please check your country's stance on the use of these codecs.'

Is that good?
_________________
--SamFisher47

Watch our progress in LFS: http://desktop-linux.org/forum/lfs-project-status-monitor-t113.html

Interested in contributing to a developing Desktop Linux Project? Skilled in coding, developing Linux distributions, art, website design?
Tell us: http://desktop-linux.org/forum/how-can-you-help-t4.html

Siberian Fox · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:20 pm Post subject:

Here in the USA,I can legally download the new OpenSuse 10.3 with MP3 support not enabled by default, but when playing mp3s I just hit install codec. I suppose we can use that.
_________________

master_kernel · Moderator Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 66

SamFisher47 · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:31 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I think that sounds good, master_kernel
_________________
--SamFisher47

Watch our progress in LFS: http://desktop-linux.org/forum/lfs-project-status-monitor-t113.html

Interested in contributing to a developing Desktop Linux Project? Skilled in coding, developing Linux distributions, art, website design?
Tell us: http://desktop-linux.org/forum/how-can-you-help-t4.html

Siberian Fox · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:10 pm Post subject:

It sounds great!
_________________

AndrewTheArt · Alpha Project Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 26

Is it just me or does it make a lot more sense to simply have an option to install the codecs or not within one distribution? A simple message along the lines of the one above (mentioning the liabilities) would be more efficient, save us time in producing a whole separate ISO, etc.