These releases are being made available to the public, so why release them in a format that not all of the public can use? A platform independent video should be used to ensure the full freedom of information to all people who wish to receive it, not just to those who happen to be running a particular OS.
Goverments should NOT pin themselves on propietary formats but use Open Standards instead.
Also software patents are impossible for small and middle companies. For big companies they only cost money because of expensive lawyers.
goverment agency information services should as a 1st priority be open and accessible to all. restricted propriatory formats have no ethical place here.
As an informatics specialist in a small french enterprise, I install only linux systems. How can I allow my users to see the Council of the European Union ?
By enabling this service for Windows and Mac users only, the EU is preventing increasing numbers of students who use Linux from viewing the important events covered by the Streaming Service. Please consider using one of the free, open streaming formats such as Ogg Theora
And what message does this stance send? If you fail to support that which the people have created, then - by extension - you do not support the people. In short, the message that you are sending is the wrong one: you're telling them that closed, proprietary, and what is rumored to be poorly documented software is acceptable. Why? Why would anyone do this and claim that it is for 'legal' reasons? When the EU stood up against the Americanized Patent process, I saluted you. Now, I am confused...
So, you support ONLY the OSes from Microsoft and Apple. That's good. As always, middle/little vendors LOOSE against big corporations, thanks to UE, of course.
It is hard to understand why a Government Agency is choosing to use a distribution format that is controlled by a company that has scores of cases in courts all over the world regarding its anti competitive behaivour in the marketplace.
It is important for a govermental institution to use open formats so that all of it's citizens can view the information. This means ISO formats if available (in this case ISO MPEG4) over proprietary formats.
I am in the process of completely abandoning Microsoft Windows as an OS, and am enjoying getting to know Ubuntu.
Please ensure you not only translate the proceedings of the EU into all member states' languages, but also make the videos available in a linux-compatible format.
It's outrageous that the EU suggests that they can't support open standards (in Linux) for legal reasons. If the reports are true, whoever uttered this nonsense should be metaphorically drop-kicked through the nearest window!
It is really sad that "public data" are encoded in a propriety format and on top of it in a format which is controlled by a company that is accused of abusing their dominating position in IT.
You really could try to "translate the bible in a language we all can understand" (I know it is not a good metaphore, but you get the idea)
The EU wastes millions every year but is not able to hire someone who makes the videos available in different formats? Most or maybe even all EU goverments already use Linux/BSD. Are they really that nuts?
Computers have become essential tools in education, research and business. UNIX and Linux are products of academic research and have proven their value. Linux itself is not just an operating system; it is a MOVEMENT. Around the world, people are voting. Proprietary systems have their place, but so must FREEDOM. The EU should promote Freedom and support Linux.
