[nzlug] Ubuntu and video

[Simon Bridge]

On Mon, 2006-10-09 at 08:28 +1300, Vik Olliver wrote:
> On Mon, 2006-10-09 at 07:04 +1300, Steve Withers wrote:
> > Why can't Ubuntu play a simple mpeg out of the box? 
> 
> Because they put too many Windows programs on the CD and don't have
> enough space for anything other than a very basic array of Linux
> programs. This did not used to be an issue with the 2-disk set, and they
> get a fair bit of criticism for this.

Since when was there a two-disk "set"? Have I been using a pint-sized
version all this time <concerned>? (Can you provide a reference to this
"critisism" and/or to a "two disk set" of Ubuntu?)

> 
> Meantime, download the "Server CD" ISO rather than the "Live CD", as
> there is less unwanted crap on it - even if you can't actually boot
> directly off the thing.

The server version has a use-able gui desktop? I always used the desktop
version for installs and the live version for demos. In fact, I didn't
know it was possible to install from the live version (prior to
dapper)... or have I hopelessly misunderstood you?

I understand that many "major" distros have come under fire for failing
to provide non-free codecs with their distribution disks. Fedora,
indeed, does not. Does SUSE? (Anyone?) AFAIK: the distros that *do*
provide non free stuff like this are: Mepis, Xandros, Linspire. 

I understand that Ubuntu supports vorbis and theora formats out of the
box. Converting mp3 to vorbis and mpeg to theora is simple. Adding
playback support to dapper for non-free formats is also simple, though
it takes longer.

OTOH: I think I would have liked to find a more detailed account of why
specific formats are not included... have there been threats of
lawsuits? (for eg)