[plug] Good news for DVD playing on Linux?

[Craig Ringer]

Ben Jensz wrote:
> If the CSS encryption on DVDs is no longer considered a trade secret, 
> then wouldn't that mean that CSS decryption to play DVD movies under 
> Linux would now be legally possible?
> 
> Could be good to see distributions coming with DVD playing functionality 
> out of the box...

Alas, you still need MPEG or MPEG-II (I think it's MPEG-II) decoding 
support. That means Fraunhoffer patents - the same issue as for MP3 
decoding. For that matter, a few DVDs have MP3 audio. The rest have AC3 
audio and ... you guessed it, Fraunhoffer patents.

Consequently, I don't see it happening. It should make it easier for 3rd 
party players like Xine and Mplayer to distribute DeCSS though.

Craig Ringer