Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on August 30, 2002 04:10 AM
encoders have ALWAYS required a liscense if distributed in binary form. That's why the lame site doesn't host binaries. It links a few sites in countries that don't recognize software patents that offer binaries for download.
The site also mentions that you are responsible for obtaining a liscense if you want to compile the source and use it. Other encoder site mention the same restrictions.
That is why distributions don't include lame or any other MP3 encoder.
As to decoders, it remains top be seen.
It is possible that the liscense prevents distributors and others form selling CDs with "free" decoders. They could offer the decoders as a free download, but not put it on the CDs that are sold.
The liscense needs to be clarified. It should explicitly state that free decoders are granted a royality free liscense and that they can be redistributed in a comercial collection of free and non-free software. Special mention of the GPL might be nice too, something like "A royalty free liscense is granted to software decoders released under free liscenses such as GPL, BSD, and Apache" would help clear up the issues too.
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Re:nothing has changed ... almost
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on August 30, 2002 04:10 AMThe site also mentions that you are responsible for obtaining a liscense if you want to compile the source and use it. Other encoder site mention the same restrictions.
That is why distributions don't include lame or any other MP3 encoder.
As to decoders, it remains top be seen.
It is possible that the liscense prevents distributors and others form selling CDs with "free" decoders. They could offer the decoders as a free download, but not put it on the CDs that are sold.
The liscense needs to be clarified. It should explicitly state that free decoders are granted a royality free liscense and that they can be redistributed in a comercial collection of free and non-free software. Special mention of the GPL might be nice too, something like "A royalty free liscense is granted to software decoders released under free liscenses such as GPL, BSD, and Apache" would help clear up the issues too.
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