FFmpeg Finally Releases Long-Awaited Version 0.5

An anonymous reader writes "After many years of release-free development, FFmpeg, the most widely used audio and video codec library, has finally returned to a regular release schedule with the long-awaited version 0.5. While the list of changes is far too long to list here, some high-profile improvements include the reverse-engineering of all Real video formats, WMV9/VC-1 support, AAC decoding, and of course vast performance improvements across the board. To commemorate the 'lively' discussions predating the release, 0.5 is codenamed 'half-way to world domination A.K.A. the belligerent blue bike shed.' The new version can be downloaded from the official website." As another reader points out, FFmpeg is what makes some open source multimedia apps (like MPlayer, Xine, VLC and Kdenlive) so versatile.

Comments

"Regular release schedule"

[saleenS281]

How is one release after "many years" of nothing a "regular release cycle"? Wouldn't that require, at minimum, two consecutive releases? What if the next release isn't for another 5 years? Unless you're suggesting that is in fact their "regular release" schedule.

Re:That was always the most confusing part too

[squallbsr]

But they WILL sue companies that distribute these patented codecs. This is the real root of the problem is that Ubuntu, Fedora, etc, etc cannot distribute a fully functional multimedia system without paying prohibitive royalties.

It is true that no individual is going to get sued for installing ffmpeg with everything compiled in, it isn't cost effective.