[Ffmpeg-devel] Re: HDTV, patents, DRM

[Mike Melanson]

Dave Dodge wrote:
> True, though the content providers keep trying to add a "broadcast flag"
> to the system.

	I think this is a big factor that holds up adoption of HD content-- 
providers aren't willing to throw the switch unless they have some 
assurance that the consumers can't save the raw data wholesale (I know, 
it's a pipe dream on their part).

> I imagine he's talking about MPEG2 video, AC3 audio, and so on.  I'm
> pretty sure basic decoding and playback of that stuff involves
> numerous patents in the US.

	It's a factor in the U.K. as well which is one reason that the BBC 
funded development of that Dirac video codec.

-- 
	-Mike Melanson