Good question there. Under Windows, the software companies pay something
like $10,000 and sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) to get the specs on
how to encrypt/decrypt the discs. The guys (or gals) in whatever European
country that was were able to break the encryption on the DVDs (under
Windows). I assume this made its way to some Linux people and then they had
to beg them for the DeCSS code. They got it and gave it out to the community
to work with as a way to unlock the DVDs so they could be used.
I think that answers the question(s). The DVD CCA (Copyright Control
Authority..I think its Authority) owns the CSS stuff. Basically they held it
as a trade secret. To my knowledge, something is only a trade secret as long
as it remains a secret. Now CSS is not a secret. Many are saying that this
DeCSS case could be a good test of "Shrink Wrap" License Agreements.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philippe Moutarlier [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2000 15:06
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: Misc hardware questions
>
>
>
> May I ask : who has the write to read a DVD ? This is getting
> VERY confusing !
>
> I have a lasptop with a DVD. Obvioulsy some people were able to
> design software (under Windoze)
> to use it or they would not sell it (I do have one of those) .
>
> So : what is the deal here ???? How did those guys get the right
> to do it (do you need to buy it ???)
>
> Philippe
>
> Alan Mead <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>
> > At 03:18 PM 1/5/00 -0600, Brian Hand wrote:
> > >Maybe to clarify, I am not particularly interested in decrypting and
> > hijacking
> > >DVD discs. I just want a linux DVD player and be able to
> watch DVD movies
> > on a
> > >linux laptop. Can this be done and if so how?
> >
> > Yeah, we know. But in order to play the DVD's you need to decrypt them.
> > Add paranoid millionaries with high-paid corporate lawyers and
> you have a
> > big mess. Anyway, for now, in the US, it may be illegal for
> you to watch
> > DVD's on your Linux laptop and the CSS people are definitely
> trying to stop
> > the spread of DeCSS so you'll have a little difficulty finding websites
> > with the software and instructions.
> >
> > -Alan
> > ---
> > Alan D. Mead / Research Scientist / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > Institute for Personality and Ability Testing
> > 1801 Woodfield Dr / Savoy IL 61874 USA
> > 217-352-4739 (v) / 217-352-9674 (f)
> >
> >
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