Why is lame considered non-free?

Asked by schmittchen.de

I just ran into stupid problems when I tried to rip a cd with rhythmbox because lame is not included in the default installation. And that is because it is in the multiverse repository. How come? A quick check revealed that they use the LGPL license.

Thanks in advance,
Christian

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Solved
For:
Ubuntu lame Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Solved by:
Shane Fagan
Solved:
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Shane Fagan (shanepatrickfagan) said :
#1

Its patented you have to pay to use it. The software to use it my be LGPL but the technology is non-free so use is restricted. Fluendo do offer the MP3 codec for free to anyone though.

Hope that helps
Shane

Revision history for this message
Best Shane Fagan (shanepatrickfagan) said :
#2

Have a look here too.
FAQ #3: “Restricted Formats”.

Revision history for this message
schmittchen.de (christian-atletico-jung) said :
#3

Thanks shane fagan, that solved my question.

Revision history for this message
schmittchen.de (christian-atletico-jung) said :
#4

Hello Shane,

thanks for the very quick reply! I think I'll file a bug for rhythmbox for
not letting me known why the activated mp3 encoding profile would not be
selectable.

Best regards,
Christian

2009/7/14 shane fagan <email address hidden>

> Your question #76985 on lame in ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/lame/+question/76985
>
> Related FAQ set to:
> Restricted Formats
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+faq/3
>
> shane fagan proposed the following answer:
> Have a look here too.
> FAQ #3: “Restricted Formats”.
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following page to let us
> know that it is solved:
>
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/lame/+question/76985/+confirm?answer_id=1
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/lame/+question/76985
>
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>