Blu-Ray, HD-DVD and Linux

[shamrock_uk]

After reading a little bit about the history behind libdvdcss, it occurred to me how lucky we were that it was so easily breakable.

Presumably with the next generation of formats, this will not be so easy to do - is there some kind of working group set up to ensure that the legal copies will function regardless of OS?

Or does Linux face the prospect of not being able to play these new formats full stop...that would certainly hurt desktop adoption prospects.

One interesting thing I found was in this article (http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=4410823) (about the trial of Mr. Johansen) which stated there was nothing in the css license precluding anyone from producing a linux compatible player.

In other words, they argue that the community has only itself to blame by not paying for a license like all other OS users have to.

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the potential compatibility issues, the accuracy of that article, why a css-compatible player was not produced for Linux and also whether people believe it likely that history will repeat itself.

[welsh_spud]

Well if the new format can't be 'fixed' so it works with Linux, then I'm sure the guys at Linspire would sell us the codec from their CNR thing.

I personaly think that the formats will be cracked and the disks playable in Linux in a few short weeks. It's sad the measures people have to go to play the media that they paid for fair-and-square. ...Sigh...that's DRM for you (or should I say C.R.A.P (http://zdnet.com.com/1606-2-6035707.html) :) )

[taurus]

That's what happens when you let those big companies do whatever they want and tell you when and where you can watch your movies that you have paid with your hard earn cash...