[Consortium] Re: [linux-audio-user] MLP DVD playing back on Linux

[Daniel James]

> Do I understand well, MLP-compressed DVD can not be played back
> free on Linux, because of MLP algorithm is patented?

There may well patents on the technology, but that doesn't mean that a 
libre software decoder is impossible, just more difficult. I think 
patents on some parts of MLP were applied for, but I don't know if 
they were granted yet. Patents within standards can be licenced on a 
royalty-free basis - it's at the discretion of the patent holder, as 
I understand it.

Meridian is mostly a hardware company, but they do sell MLP software 
encoders for Windows, so there is the potential for competition from 
a libre software tool. However, Meridian may be interested in seeing 
their format adopted as widely as possible, especially since DVD-A is 
not yet a mainstream format.

I suggest you read up on MLP using these white papers by Bob Stuart, 
if you haven't already:

http://www.meridian-audio.com/lib_pap.htm

then make an enquiry to Meridian about Linux encoder/player support, 
open standards etc etc. I'd be very interested to hear the response, 
and I'm sure others would be too. 
 
Cheers

Daniel