Adobe on why Flash is open but not open source

Adobe on why they can't release Flash Player as open source.

The main reason we can't release Flash Player as open source is because there is technology in the Player that we don't own, such as the industry standard hi-def video codec, H.264. Adobe pays for that codec so video plays reliably worldwide, across browsers and OS's. So we make it as open as we can - by releasing the specifications.

http://blogs.adobe.com/open/2010/02/following_the_open_trail.html

Posted on Feb 07, 2010 via Howwl

jus out of ignorance. arent there any open source HD codecs with public patents?

From thebbclub on Feb 09, 2010

Post 336 via Howwl

Dirac was developed by the BBC as an open alternative to H.264.

From stevep in reply to thebbclub on Feb 09, 2010

Post 337 via Howwl, in reply to Post 336

H.264 is the HD/Blu-ray industry standard and Adobe would be crazy if they're not looking at Flash Player in streaming HD set-top boxes. And Sony have so much invested in Blu-ray there's no way they'd allow an open Flash Player to play their content.

Apple have shown no preference so far in HD and if they put their weight behind an open standard such as Dirac things might get interesting.

From frank in reply to stevep on Feb 09, 2010

Post 340 via Howwl, in reply to Post 337

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