On 27/04/14 11:20, Karl Sinn wrote:
So why is VLC Windows allowed to get access to these keys but not VLC Linux?
VLC for Linux *is* 'allowed' access to the keys, if you have them - it just doesn't distribute them.
I have trouble to imagine, that Microsoft is paying fees to all the BlueRay producers...
The license fee would be included in the cost of Windows (or OSX, for that matter)... or maybe they come with a Blu-ray drive, or via some other route. Anyway, I'd be surprised if M$ doesn't own at least some of the relevant IP, in which case it would be under some cross licensing arrangement or other.
The license fee doesn't go to the Blu-ray producers, it goes to the owners of the IP defining Blu-ray. The production companies have to pay it too (and thus the consumer in the cost of each disc bought...)
OK, I see. But in this case it's even more silly, that all the cost is not payed by buying the material and the access keys being distributed freely to all Hardware owners.
I guess it's al about the tricky game of how to make a lot of money.
Well, yes - and the perceived imperative to prevent piracy: if the keys are known then the content producers can't control the ability to copy discs. This is also why streaming services like to use proprietary (often Windows-only) players for their content, or take steps to prevent media download by other means. There have even been attempts in various jurisdictions to make it illegal to distribute 'free' (GPL, Creative commons, Copyleft etc.) material of any kind. This sort of thing is always presented as "protecting the artist" but in reality is about protecting profits. Dx -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org