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The Looming Video Codec Fight

Posted by Soulskill on from the battle-for-mpeg-la dept.

itwbennett writes "With both Apple and Microsoft promoting HTML5 standards, you'd think that there would be joy in software freedom land. But instead there's another fight brewing. 'While it is true that HTML5 video is a step in the right direction, we also have to take into consideration the underlying codecs used to deliver the video content,' says blogger Brian Proffitt. The problem, says Proffitt, is that Microsoft and Apple's browsers will be supporting only the proprietary H.264 video codec by default. But Google supports only the WebM (VP8) and Ogg Theora codecs. 'So, basically, if Ogg Theora content starts making a dent in Apple and Microsoft's bottom line, or that of the MPEG LA's, then expect to see a lawsuit or two headed Google's way after 2015,' concludes Proffitt."

2 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. Re:H.264 isn't closed by tepples · · Score: 5, Insightful

    To lawfully use x264 and FFmpeg without a license from MPEG-LA, I'd have to 1. move out of the United States and other countries where software patents are enforced, and 2. move all my customers out of the United States and other countries where software patents are enforced.

  2. Re:Or we could just fix patents and be done with i by sjames · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The Patent Pool isn't to kill WebM, it is to protect those who choose to use WebM from litigation.

    Spit that cool aid out fast! They cannot possibly protect from litigation, only accept payments to not litigate themselves. Anyone who chooses not to toss their patent into the pool can still crawl out from the woodwork at any time (for mpeg, vp8, or anything else).

    MPEG-LA's pool has one purpose and one purpose only. It is a desperate search for anything they can use to screw people who choose to avoid their fees on mpeg and h.264.

    There are two codecs out there (theora and vp8) that are freely licensed and that pisses them off. Keep in mind that when MPEG-LA claims all codecs are covered by patents, it's a combination of propaganda and wishful thinking on their part. They have so far failed to produce one that covers theora or VP8 (and they have certainly been looking). Their stated mission is to find a way to poison the well so they can sell bottled water.