Restricted Multimedia Formats - The Solutions

The problem with restricted multimedia formats has been described in RestrictedFormatsProblem. Since it is a complex issue, any possible solution would imply some kind of compromise.

Right now, there are two proposed solutions:

1) Making two versions of Ubuntu: one for countries with software patents (equal to the Ubuntu we have now), and the other for the rest of the world (with out-of-the-box support for MP3, DVDs, DivX, etc).

• Pros: better out-of-the-box experience for non-USA users, might raise patent awareness.

• Cons: doesn't help users from the USA, requires the overhead of maintaining two versions.

2) Including some kind of post-install assistant with Ubuntu, that asks users if they live in a software-patent-country or not, and then installs all the necessary packages (wether by downloading them or by pulling them from the CD if bundling those files is legal).

• Pros: better desktop experience for all users, might raise patent awareness (slightly).

• Cons: requires Internet connectivity.

(a first draft of this spec can be found in RestrictedFormatsAssistant)

2.1) It was suggested that arrangement where made so that users could "buy" the rights to restricted formats.

As Ubuntu is allready committed to free software, which is a political satement, this can be argued to be against the Ubuntu philosophy.

Arrangements can instead be made to make it absolutley clear, as a political statement, that software patents will not be tolerated and other restrictions generally frowned upon. Thus supporting restricted formats for users in these countries is not an alternative.