Re: [Ring] Ring and proprietary codecs

[Philippe Gorley]

On 2017-08-02 01:28 AM, Thomas Daede wrote:
> I recently noticed that GNU Ring currently depends on several
> proprietary video codecs:
>
> * H.264
> * H.263
> * MPEG-4 ASP

You are correct. As for audio codecs, we use Opus, G722, speex, PCMA, 
and PCMU. Would you know if any of these are also proprietary?

> The usage of those codecs (as implemented by ffmpeg) requires payment of
> royalties for use. It also prevents its inclusion in Linux distros such
> as Fedora [1]. However, Ring also supports free video codecs, such as
> VP8. I think it would make sense to:

I am currently working on fine tuning the VP8 settings to make it our 
codec of choice.

> * Make dependence on proprietary codecs optional
> * Turn off proprietary codecs by default

This could be possible in the future, and something we should look into.

> In addition, as far as I can tell, Ring does not need compatibility with
> legacy software. Especially because good alternatives are available, I
> think it would make sense to not support proprietary codecs at all, and
> instead rely on a baseline of VP8 and Opus (or VP9 and Opus).

Once VP8 is stabilized for all platforms, I may look into adding VP9.

> Thomas
>
> [1]
> https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/address@hidden/message/7EUHLUVNBCUKBLE3W2AHKJ4Y33QNYYXD/
Cheers,

--
Philippe Gorley
Free Software Consultant | Montréal, Qc
Savoir-faire Linux

Confidentiality Message: This communication (including any files
transmitted with it) is intended solely for the person or entity to
whom it is addressed, and may contain confidential or privileged
information.
The disclosure, distribution or copying of this message is strictly
forbidden. Should you have received this communication in error,
kindly contact the sender promptly, destroy any copies and delete
this message from your computer system.