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

[Derek Meek]

Chad wrote:

>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
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>mythtv-users mailing list
>mythtv-users at mythtv.org
>http://mythtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mythtv-users
>
>  
>
AFAIK while i believe it's still "technically illegal" it'll never get
litigated again, they pulled out of the last case becuase the SCOTUS was
going to hand them their arse.