[svlug] Installfest

[Tim Utschig]

On Mon, Dec 05, 2005 at 03:31:36PM -0800, Ian Kluft wrote:
> It's available on DVD, now that we won the war to play DVD's on
> Linux.)

When did we win?

Sure we can play DVDs when we download libdvdcss (or a program like
MPlayer, which includes it) from a server located in a foreign country,
but we're still outlaws for doing so aren't we?  At least the MPAA
thinks so:

<QUOTE src="http://www.mpaa.org/Press/DVD_FAQ.htm">
    
    Q:
    Doesn't the DMCA allow reverse engineering for compatibility, for
    example to allow playing of a DVD on a Linux operating system-driven
    personal computer?

    A:
    The DMCA does allow reverse engineering. However, the reverse
    engineering provisions in the DMCA were never intended to enable
    anyone to circumvent technical protection measures (TPMs) for the
    purpose of gaining unauthorized access to or making unauthorized
    copies of copyrighted works.

    The DMCA does allow a lawful user of a computer program to
    circumvent TPMs to ensure that the program can work with other
    programs (interoperability); and, with strict limitations, the
    research may be shared with others, as long as it does not infringe
    the copyright in the original or a related work.  However, reverse
    engineering is not permissible if there is a readily available
    commercial alternative for that purpose. In this case, there exist
    MANY commercially available DVD players. 


    Q:
    Some computer users say they only want to use DeCSS to view their
    DVDs on computers that use the Linux operating system.  Windows- and
    Macintosh-based computers can play DVDs, so is it fair to deprive
    the Linux community?

    A:
    The Linux argument is a false issue. It has always been in the
    interest of the Motion Picture industry that there be as many
    legitimately licensed DVD players as possible, including those using
    non-Windows operating systems. However the argument that DeCSS was
    written for Linux players is simply false. The De-CSS utility was
    written for Windows-based software, not Linux.

    Also, the development of two, separate, licensed DVD players for
    Linux systems - which use the CSS system - were recently announced.
    Sigma Designs (www.sigmadesigns.com) and InterVideo Inc.
    (www.intervideo.com) both announced the roll-out of LICENSED, LEGAL
    Linux-based DVD players. 

</QUOTE>

Maybe it's not against the law to use libdvdcss, but they sure make me
feel like a criminal for doing so.

-- 
   - Tim Utschig <tim at tetro.net>