[mythtv-users] tv guide line-up free

Robert Current robert.current at gmail.com
Wed Sep 5 23:40:48 UTC 2007


> Michael T. Dean mtdean at thirdcontact.com Wrote:
>
> I think it would work with either
> legally- or illegally-obtained data.
> I also think that even if it's
> legally-obtained data, when you start
> redistributing that data, you're
> opening a whole other legal can or worms.

Michael, I see your point, I really do.  This approach does not go out
of it's way to prevent illegal redistribution of data.  I understand
that, but I think asking a new project to go out of its way to prevent
it, before it's even on the drawing board is asking to much right now.

The big hurdle for projects that might want to compete with Schedules
Direct is the server, bandwidth, and grooming of the listing data.
They have that, they worked out a financial deal for it.  I doubt
anyone else can step up and put that much out right now.

But that doesn't mean peer-to-peer data sharing isn't a valid way to
get around needing a central server and data source.  Yes, it could be
illegally abused.

None of those reasons are actual technical reasons for not using
peer-to-peer or third party (USENET) methods of distribution.  They
are only "it could be used illegally if someone choose to" reasons.
And, like I said CLEARLY when I started talking about it, it could
also be used totally legally, and there doesn't seem to be a obvious
reason not to develop an alternate source that can be legally used.
Can we focus on the technical and stop being "it could be misused"
cops for long enough to see if the technical parts are worth starting
to code?

No one has stepped up with a massive server and unlimited bandwidth.
Several have stepped up with ideas for data sources that MIGHT be
used, and some have stepped up saying they would code.  I proposed
working within those bounds to come up with some solution that might
work, that I would contribute to, that could easily switch data
sources if legal issues arise.

Seemed like a potential seed of a project...  Work on what we can
control, don't stress over stuff out of or control...


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