[RockerC]

Forgive my incomplete and non-technical understanding, but would it be possible to implement DRM similarly to Firefox?
https://andreasgal.com/2014/05/14/eme/

As I understand they do want to implement DRM exactly the same way as Firefox and Google Chome or any other HTML5 web browser featuring a CDM (Content Decryption Module) interface which followes the W3C EME specification, as at least the EME (Encrypted Media Extensions) part could be made fully open source compatible.

https://www.linaro.org/blog/engineering-update-16-04/

The issue is that Kodi as a GPL licensed software is according the GPL license not allowed to not ship with the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, and Adobe Primetime CDM because it as a proprietary binary blob is not compatible to be included with a GPL software. These mentioned CDM files are what are the actual cloused source "DRM modules" that the controversy is all about as only a few of approved companies have been making them so far for widespread use.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-drm
https://www.microsoft.com/playready/features/HTML5.aspx
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/primetime/

To get around that GPL incompatibility with proprietary CDM modules for Widevine/ReadyPlay the Kodi software would simply not ship with those proprietary CDM module files, and instead would use the suggested workaround to rely on the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Widevine/ReadyPlay that ships with Android (OS) / Microsoft Windows or applications such as the Google Chome / Firefox web browser to have those provide them as system services.

Playback of DRM-protected content in Kodi would then only work if the correct and up-to-date CDM files is already preinstalled on the underlying system (wheather the correct version of those CDM files are preinstalled by Android/Windows or Chrome/Firefox or other system service will probably not really matter to Kodi, though the CDM files will need to be correct and up-to-date). Without those proprietary CDM module files Kodi would simply work as it always has and does, it would still play all your other files and streams, just not any files and streams protected with Widevine/ReadyPlay DRM-encrypted streams.


PS: On a side-note there are open source compatible modules available, such as the Open Content Decryption Module (OCDM), so Kodi could ship with that CDM module:

https://github.com/fraunhoferfokus/open-...ion-module
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7442371/

Problem is that OCDM will not playback Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, and Adobe Primetime CDM protected-content, as for that you need their closed source proprietary binary blobs.

...at least unless Netflix and HBO, etc. switches to open source compatible CDM module such as the OCDM.

[asplundj]

Forgive my incomplete and non-technical understanding, but would it be possible to implement DRM similarly to Firefox?
https://andreasgal.com/2014/05/14/eme/

As I understand they do want to implement DRM exactly the same way as Firefox and Google Chome or any other HTML5 web browser featuring a CDM (Content Decryption Module) interface, following the W3C EME specification, as that part could be made fully open source compatible.

https://www.linaro.org/blog/engineering-update-16-04/

The issue is that Kodi as a GPL licensed software is according the GPL license not allowed to not ship with the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Google Widevine and Microsoft PlayReady because it as a proprietary binary blob is not compatible to be included with a GPL software. These mentioned CDM files are what are the actual cloused source "DRM modules" that the controversy is all about as only a few of approved companies have been making them so far for widespread use.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-drm
https://www.microsoft.com/playready/features/HTML5.aspx

To get around that GPL incompatibility with proprietary CDM modules for Widevine/ReadyPlay the Kodi software would simply not ship with those proprietary CDM module files, and instead would use the suggested workaround to rely on the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Widevine/ReadyPlay that ships with Android (OS) / Microsoft Windows or applications such as the Google Chome / Firefox web browser to have those provide them as system services.

Playback of DRM-protected content in Kodi would then only work if the correct and up-to-date CDM files is already preinstalled on the underlying system (wheather the correct version of those CDM files are preinstalled by Android/Windows or Chrome/Firefox or other system service will probably not really matter to Kodi, though the CDM files will need to be correct and up-to-date). Without those proprietary CDM module files Kodi would simply work as it always has and does, it would still play all your other files and streams, just not any files and streams protected with Widevine/ReadyPlay DRM-encrypted streams.


PS: On a side-note there are open source compatible modules available, such as the Open Content Decryption Module (OCDM), so Kodi could ship with that CDM module:

https://github.com/fraunhoferfokus/open-...ion-module
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7442371/

Problem is that OCDM will not playback Google Widevine and Microsoft PlayReady protected-content, as for that you need their closed source proprietary binary blobs.

...at least unless Netflix and HBO, etc. switches to open source compatible CDM module such as the OCDM.

So, it would still nog work on a rpi or odroid c2 running libreelec?

[RockerC]

So, it would still nog work on a rpi or odroid c2 running libreelec?

Since you can watch Netflix in standard Chrome (and Firefox?) web browser in Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi today I would expect that it could work yes.

...but LibreELEC/OpenELEC could probably not ship with the CDM files either, so maybe you would still need to install Chrome or Firefox yourself?

[boozecrooze01]

Here's my 2 cents, (which doesn't add up to a whole lot),...I would absolutely welcome any sort of OFFICIAL add-on that would enable the playback of DRM media. In all the years that I've used Kodi I've also had a satellite TV service of some sorts, until recently. After cancelling our dish subscription in favor of Netflix and Prime, I was surprised that there weren't any functioning add-ons to incorporate these services cleanly into Kodi. As of right now I would be held to two options: watch the subscription stuff on just our Sony with Android TV or upgrade the Pi's to either a Shield or Fire TV. The upgrades wouldn't be a big deal and probably be welcomed over the underpowered Pi 2's. But the issue would still remain...having to close Kodi, open other app, watch content. Not really a big deal either but man would it be nice to have it all inside of Kodi itself. Unfortunately I'm not a programmer of ANY sorts so I wouldn't have the slightest clue on how this would be implemented. I would leave that in the hands of the Kodi development team. What I do know is that by working with the LEGIT media streaming providers, i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, might just be what the Kodi name needs these days. Youtube proves that any idiot with a video recording device can put out half-assed "informative" videos on how to illegally stream content via whatever crap-ass add-on-of-the-month. These guys are just as bad as the shit-birds selling the loaded Kodi boxes. It's all crap...they are running Kodi through the mud. It will be jackasses like this that will END Kodi by one means or another. The way things are right now, with all of the illegal streaming add-ons, shitty Kodi forks, set-up wizards, loaded Kodi boxes, can't go on forever. The devs need to take matters into their own hands. After all, this is your baby. Do with it what you like. Yeah sure there will be critics no matter what stance and direction you take...WHO CARES! These forums are filled with meathead people bitching about software they didn't pay for not playing the content they didn't pay for. It's time to clean up the mess that unfortunately others have made for Kodi. I myself appreciate everything the devs do for me, along with the skilled skinners (jurialmunkey and others). I want Kodi to be here for the long haul!

[h.udo]

We do this because we love Kodi. We would do it (almost)* the same way if we didn't have any users.

@all, thank you for being so supportive. It's good to know some (many?) of you understand what we're trying to achieve. Keeping Kodi amazing is our single, most important, goal.

@RockerC, thanks for posting all that info and for helping clear the FUD surrounding this topic.


*If Kodi was done only by us, to us, Team-Kodi members, it probably would be able to cook us a three-course meal by now. And watch over the kids at the same time. One can dream...

[asciidisco]

...
The issue is that Kodi as a GPL licensed software is according the GPL license not allowed to not ship with the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Google Widevine and Microsoft PlayReady because it as a proprietary binary blob is not compatible to be included with a GPL software. These mentioned CDM files are what are the actual cloused source "DRM modules" that the controversy is all about as only a few of approved companies have been making them so far for widespread use.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-drm
https://www.microsoft.com/playready/features/HTML5.aspx

To get around that GPL incompatibility with proprietary CDM modules for Widevine/ReadyPlay the Kodi software would simply not ship with those proprietary CDM module files, and instead would use the suggested workaround to rely on the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Widevine/ReadyPlay that ships with Android (OS) / Microsoft Windows or applications such as the Google Chome / Firefox web browser to have those provide them as system services.
...

If you take a look at the situation right now, this is exactly the thing people are doing (well, with people I mean libdev who did the inputstream.adaptive binary addon). Take what it´s there on Android or rely on the users to link the widevine decrypter/decoder library from their browsers.

The problem with this is, if users are doing this, they are violating the Widevine License from Google, which not only forbids distributing/copying/linking, but also the usage outside of Chrome (if you´re not a licensed partner).

So, what I would really like to see (from the end users & Addon developers perspective - and please don't get this wrong, I´m trying to make this not sound like a demand ):
Kodi (or better the Foundation) becoming a licensed Widevine Partner (which is for "free", if I remember correctly). The decrypter/decoder binary doesn't need to be shipped with Kodi, you could have an "official" Addon which downloads the library on demand. And with on demand I mean, with the users consent & only if a third party plugin requests this feature.
That would bring developers in the position to have a unified way of accessing DRM contents & would enable an "A grade" user experience for the content consumer.
I guess that would also be a good way of bringing third party content providers (most probably not the big players e.g. Netflix & Amazon, but smaller & mostly local providers) to write their own Addons & support Kodi through their content.

I don't think that doing it that way would be against the GPL, but I´m not a licensing expert, so please correct me if I´m wrong.

[mack4999]

I absolutely fell in love with KODI years ago. It has always bothered me that I could not access netflix through (aside from various addons that would break once per week). The addition of DRM services like netflix would be mean the completion of a "fully" integrated media center for my family. My vote is a yes to DRM content, Thanks KODI team!

PS: current method with aiiscidiscos addon with manual installation of libwidevine would be challenging for many users, maybe a way to tag this in with the addon installation? Cheers!

[Oddsodz]

Well this sucks. I posted a very long reply to all the folks who replied to me here in this thread. And now it's gone. Damn you internets. Face sad.

[ntlord]

It is kind of amazing to see this platform grow over time. It began as a piece of software that could only be run on modded XBOXs, And of course, such modding is probably illegal under at least US law. Now, Kodi is contemplating supporting DRM. Kind of ironic. Not to say I don't support the initiative, but I do find it fascinating.

[garretn]

I love this idea. I and I'm sure many others have gone through hoops to get this functionality elsewhere to an otherwise great Kodi experience.

Kodi is a media center, and these days netflix/prime video/drm content belongs in the media center too.

[DarkHelmet]

Thumbs up from my side, team!

[matthuisman]

As a developer of a few add-ons that use Widevine - KODI having some sort of support for it would be amazing.

Currently a script to download the widevine /so/dll is required.

[asplundj]

...
The issue is that Kodi as a GPL licensed software is according the GPL license not allowed to not ship with the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Google Widevine and Microsoft PlayReady because it as a proprietary binary blob is not compatible to be included with a GPL software. These mentioned CDM files are what are the actual cloused source "DRM modules" that the controversy is all about as only a few of approved companies have been making them so far for widespread use.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-drm
https://www.microsoft.com/playready/features/HTML5.aspx

To get around that GPL incompatibility with proprietary CDM modules for Widevine/ReadyPlay the Kodi software would simply not ship with those proprietary CDM module files, and instead would use the suggested workaround to rely on the CDM (Content Decryption Module) for Widevine/ReadyPlay that ships with Android (OS) / Microsoft Windows or applications such as the Google Chome / Firefox web browser to have those provide them as system services.
...

If you take a look at the situation right now, this is exactly the thing people are doing (well, with people I mean libdev who did the inputstream.adaptive binary addon). Take what it´s there on Android or rely on the users to link the widevine decrypter/decoder library from their browsers.

The problem with this is, if users are doing this, they are violating the Widevine License from Google, which not only forbids distributing/copying/linking, but also the usage outside of Chrome (if you´re not a licensed partner).

So, what I would really like to see (from the end users & Addon developers perspective - and please don't get this wrong, I´m trying to make this not sound like a demand ):
Kodi (or better the Foundation) becoming a licensed Widevine Partner (which is for "free", if I remember correctly). The decrypter/decoder binary doesn't need to be shipped with Kodi, you could have an "official" Addon which downloads the library on demand. And with on demand I mean, with the users consent & only if a third party plugin requests this feature.
That would bring developers in the position to have a unified way of accessing DRM contents & would enable an "A grade" user experience for the content consumer.
I guess that would also be a good way of bringing third party content providers (most probably not the big players e.g. Netflix & Amazon, but smaller & mostly local providers) to write their own Addons & support Kodi through their content.

I don't think that doing it that way would be against the GPL, but I´m not a licensing expert, so please correct me if I´m wrong.

I think this is a very good suggestion

[_novalis]

This in my view is a no brainer. You have to do it. Its just too good. And thinking of the future, you won't survive if you don't support it in one way or another.

[RockerC]

Well this sucks. I posted a very long reply to all the folks who replied to me here in this thread. And now it's gone. Damn you internets. Face sad.

@Oddsodz, FYI; Looks like a forum moderator deemed your post too off-topic and moved it here instead => http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=313166