[mythtv-users] OT: Is playing DVD's on Linux legal in the US yet?

Chad masterclc at gmail.com
Sun Apr 9 23:51:28 UTC 2006


On 4/9/06, William <wmunson at rochester.rr.com> wrote:
> AFAIK it is still illegal to decode any encripted dvd in the usa unless you
> do so with a MPAA approved commercial decoder. That includes playing as well
> as ripping.
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org
> > [mailto:mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org] On Behalf Of Chad
> > Sent: Sunday, April 09, 2006 7:21 PM
> > To: Discussion about mythtv
> > Subject: [mythtv-users] OT: Is playing DVD's on Linux legal
> > in the US yet?
> >
> >
> > This is a 2 part discussion:
> >
> > 1.  Any new news on playing DVD's on linux?  The latest thing
> > I can find is: http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/20469/
> > Beyond that, it's back in what, 2001 where there were 2 cases
> > that seemed to be defining DVD's on linux, and the outcome of
> > either case didn't really answer the question clearly.  Is
> > DeCSS illegal in the US?  The funny thing is that I see
> > people on this list who were associated with those cases, so
> > I assume they definitely know where the line is drawn.  I'm
> > not even wondering about ripping, simply playing DVD's via MythTV.
> >
> > 2.  Is it a simple configuration parameter when compiling
> > mythplugins to remove the ability to rip DVD's, yet still
> > allow playing?  And a sorta addon to this part, are there any
> > legal issues using mplayer to playback Home Videos that were
> > encoded in windows using windows codecs/software?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Chad
> > _______________________________________________

Thanks for the fast follow up!

So who is held 'liable'?  For companies like Mythic.tv and plutohome,
do they not distribute all of mythtv; or is it the end user who is
technicially 'breaking the law' if they wrongfully play/rip a
commercial DVD in linux?

Chad


More information about the mythtv-users mailing list