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Idea #9656: Ubuntu with codecs

Written by vexorian the 8 Jun 08 at 14:13. Category: Installation. Related project: Nothing/Others. Status: New
Rationale
So, after analyzing this: http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/9637/ and seeing how some people really like codecs for proprietary formats, I think I must say this:

- Remix's codec licensing(tax) should be optional (Refer to the other brainstorm's link)
- As a matter of fact the same goes for flash and adobe reader.
- Now that canonical licenses codecs in remix, I think there should be a way to order online or purchase a download of a desktop ubuntu CD that comes with those codecs installed and legally licensed, so if some people really think it is important to have their codecs preinstalled they could put money where their mouth was. The condition for this not to be evil would be that the codecs were the only difference between these both variations of the desktop ubuntus. The OS would still be free whatsoever, but if people want to license codecs, they would be able to. In other words, they are actually purchasing the codecs, the ubuntu installation is a freebie that comes with that purchase.

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Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #9656
Written by vexorian the 8 Jun 08 at 14:13.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #9656 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

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Auzy wrote on the 8 Jun 08 at 14:42
I agree entirely. Canonical should be consistant with what it does. By licensing codecs with the netbook, Canonical is sending an ambiguous message about whether or not you will be able to do everything you can without licensed codecs.


If people need the codecs, I think they would rather pay $5 to be able to license them, then not be able to license them at all, and instead have to stick with windows.

+1

Eldmannen wrote on the 8 Jun 08 at 18:14
Proprietary formats and codecs sucks.
Canonical should not pay license fees.

Software patents sucks and destroys the computing world.

We don't include any Microsoft code, so we shouldn't pay them any money, its extortion fees.

It is like "You cant compete with us if you cant play media encoded in our code. But to compete with us, you have to pay us". That is sick.

And here you suggest Ubuntu to come and sacrifice core values.

http://geekz.co.uk/lovesraymond/archive/the-redhat-package-mangler

vexorian wrote on the 9 Jun 08 at 03:05
The default would still come codec less and allow you to break the law (or not depending where you are in) by downloading restricted codecs.

Only that people would have the option to buy codecs from canonical and these codecs come with ubuntu, which remains free.

You should see the giantic thread in ubuntu-forums I started after the remix stuff happened, really dude, I give up. If people love to pay for codecs, let them.


qwicfingers wrote on the 9 Jun 08 at 15:46
Ubuntu + Codec = Mint

nitrofurano wrote on the 6 Sep 08 at 16:45
The problem is mainly because the codec patents, sadly.

From one side, patents from proprietary codecs should be opened, and from other side, proprietary formats (like .asf, .wmv, etc.) should be boycotted

Proprietary patented audio and video formats is becoming a tool of abuse from their creators and maintainers...


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