BBC Wants Help With Dirac Codec

Number Ten Ox writes "According to The Register the BBC wants help to develop their open source video codec Dirac. '[Lead developer Dr. Thomas] Davies said the codec could live on anything from mobile phones to high-definition TVs but not before a lot of further work is completed. For one thing, Dirac doesn't currently work in real-time. Davies also reckons that the compression offered by the technology could be further optimised. The BBC is working on integrating the technology with its other systems, but the corporation would welcome more help in developing Dirac.' Sounds like something worth helping with."

Comments

BBC + Codec = Not Free

[L3on]

I'm sure this codec is a great idea, but I'm also sure there is a free equivlent to it that makes alot more sense. The BBC, just like any other rational business, is out to make money off of this while the rest of the world could benifit greatly from it. Then again, the current codec situation isn't that peachy. Divx, one of the more popular codecs is packaged with spyware up the wazoo and has been for sometime.

Furthermore, if and when the BBC has a working codec will they be held responsible for copywrited material translated into it? I'd like to see the outcome from a lawsuit between the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and the BBC reguarding thier codec being used as a good way to view movies.

Re:This CODEC is a good thing!

[Blitzenn]

When you spend your free time working on this, take an extra moment to think about the BBC IT staff that was just laid off. Think about the meals you are taking out of those children's mouths becaue the BBC felt they didn't need the staff when they could get the work done for free. Just try to remember that people are really being hurt by allowing the BBC to make use of your free time instead of paying their own staff to do the work. Maybe you will offer to spend an hour a week cleaning their offices too? I am sure they would like to cut that staff as well.