Google takes down open-source project after DMCA complaint
Google has removed an open-source
project that enables the proprietary CoreAVC high-definition video decoder to
run in Linux following a complaint from the codec's developer -- but the project
could soon return.
"In response to a complaint we received under the U.S. Digital Millennium
Copyright Act, we have removed project 'coreavc-for-linux,'" Google said
in a brief
statement posted on the project hosting section of its Google
Code web site for developers.
CoreAVC is a Windows codec for H.264 video developed by CoreCodec, which sells
the codec in two versions, one priced at US$7.95 and another at $14.95. A Linux
version is not available.
CoreAVC-for-Linux was an open-source project led by Google that developed patches
which allow Linux applications, such as mplayer, to use the CoreAVC codec. A
cached
version of the project's Web page said video performance was the main motivation
for creating Linux support for CoreAVC.
"It is much faster than any currently available open-source codecs. Being
multi-threaded, and able to play PAFF streams, it can handle HD H.264/AVC streams
that no freely available codecs can," the site said.
Google said a copy of the DMCA
takedown notice is available on the ChillingEffects.org Web site. However,
the notice had not yet been made available at the time of writing.
The DMCA takedown notice was issued because the CoreAVC-for-Linux project had
engaged in "reverse engineering without permission," according to
a post by Dan Marlin, CoreCodec's president and CEO, in the company's support
forum. However, he indicated talks are under way to resolve this issue and
restore the CoreAVC-for-Linux project.
IDG News Service
Build your tech library with our book giveaways.
Windows PowerShell 2.0 Unleashed
By Tyson Kopczynski, Pete Handley, Marco Shaw; Published by Sams
Windows PowerShell Unleashed will not only give you deep mastery over PowerShell but also a greater understanding of the features being introduced in PowerShell 2.0–and show you how to use it to solve your challenges in your production environment. Enter now!
Ubuntu Server Administration
By Michael Jang; Published by McGraw-Hill Osborne Media
Realize a dynamic, stable, and secure Ubuntu Server environment with expert guidance, tips, and techniques from a Linux professional. Ubuntu Server Administration covers every facet of system management -- from users and file systems to performance tuning and troubleshooting. Enter now!
