Re: [linux-audio-dev] Request to audio related LiveCD packagers

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Subject: Re: [linux-audio-dev] Request to audio related LiveCD packagers
From: Takashi Iwai (tiwai_AT_suse.de)
Date: Tue May 04 2004 - 16:10:48 EEST


At Tue, 04 May 2004 11:08:28 +0200,
Andrea Glorioso wrote:
>
> > so far, alsa-firmware package is released from the understanding
> > of 1 as "data". but if someone insists it as program, yes, it
> > can be a problem.
>
> And what's worse, the distinction between "program" and "data" can
> often become really blurry. And I might be wrong, but my guess is
> that if a piece of data is absolutely necessary for a GNU GPL program
> to work, then that data should be distributed together with the
> program at the same conditions of the GNU GPL (otherwise the GNU GPL
> itself could be very easily bypassed).

the firmware is necessary only for the hardware. it's not directly
related with the other software, such as driver, the apps, or anything
else.
for example, the loader program itself can work even with a dummy
data (although the hardware behaviour would become unexpectable).

> > sure, the correct distribution under GPL would be the best case,
> > i.e. including the source code of the orignal assembly codes (if
> > really exists).
>
> > basically, it is a decision of the h/w vendor who provides the
> > DSP binary, not by me. if the GPL is really unsuitable (and we
> > can judge the firmware as a program 100% absolutely :), we'll
> > suggest them to either show the source code or change the
> > license ASAP. but i don't expect GPL source codes as a realistic
> > solution, although i'll try it of course. remember that they
> > are *really* delicate about the firmware code.
>
> The first step I would do is ask the companies that are distributing
> firmware under the GNU GPL is a written and signed statement that the
> binary code is actually their preferred form to modify the program, as
> as such the binary and the source really are the same thing.

hmm, i'll ask them again, but as far as i've heard from them, they
wanted to keep the internal firmware information closed.
don't expect too much about this...

Takashi


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