Ch? Kristo wrote: > Whilst it is important that we have legally blessed versions of mainstream > codecs there are software packages such as VLC and MPlayer that cater to > those who reside in countries where the relevant patents for the codecs are > not enforceable. > > I wouldn't say that Fluendo exists to cater to 'Linux heads' though, like any > business they just want to turn a profit. I would imagine that as OpenSolaris > volume becomes a bit more significant opensolaris will see versions of the > other codecs too. > Actually they're supposedly already working on them, the technical willpower is in effect, but getting it out to the public is the issue, and probably isn't to do with market share. Sun already has blown tons of money on useless ventures, this is not a useless one. They are committed to Solaris, clearly with 100 builds of investment and then some, but lack of codecs is going to slow adoption (Or kill it) so they must take the risk, no one else can in these times.
Why would a user pay $100 USD for a package of codecs anyway? It's just ironic these "free" systems are no better off than the closed ones, sure it's the proprietary mentality that caused it, but Sun knows how to manage both, so get with the times. For something so ubiquitous to be taken away because of potential fear is just pathetic, and so far has vastly reduced the adoption of non-Windows/Mac systems. In this economy, you can't honestly expect individuals who are already apprehensive about another "Linux-like" operating system to invest into becoming legitimate. Most US users will break the law, and so far enforcements against users specifically cannot be made with ease and efficiency, which is why Sun maintains the ignorant non-knowing stance all the while community members off the thread point people at MPlayer or VLC. For transparency, completely ignoring the legal hurtles, using either mplayer or vlc does not fit into the graphical desktop mass adoption web centric usage point of most individuals, even engineers and system administrators (Especially them actually, do you think they are always working and not using youtube and rich content?) James
