DirecTV DVR GPL Software

[Thomas Charron]

  I've asked once before with no response, but here goes again.

  Has anyone frpm the EFF, or otherwise involved in GPL violations,
ever dealt with the DirecTV DVR (and other receivers, AFAIK) license
requirements for their use of GPL software on a multitude of DirecTV
set top boxes?

  I'd honestly like to have many of the software which can interact
with the DVR, such as MediaShare features, work better, but without
acess to know what the heck is behind the scenes, this is VERY
difficult.

  Over the last year it's been pretty much proven that there's GPL
software on there.  As a matter of fact, the uPnp stack announces to
the world it's running under Linux.  But people are afraid to actually
say anything substantial publically, for fear DirecTV will nix their
account.

  They DO have a link within their manual that says 'Certain software
is licensed under other terms, please see www.gnu.org for more
details'.  But there's NO mention of WHAT software.  You wouldn't even
know what to request the modified sources of, as they never actually
STATE it anywhere.

  It should also be noted that while people have said, 'Ah HA!  But
they LEASE you the receivers!'.  Well, I've heard that argument,
HOWEVER, the receivers are covered under a 90 day limited warentee.
I'm not sure you could say, 'Well, we own it, but if it breaks, tough
nuggets'.  So it's kind of contradictory in that regards.  Even if
they did, they also allow people to purchase some of the other models
exclusively, for like 800 bucks.  Here's another quote from the manul
which kinda kills the lease argument:

"Protect your DIRECTV(R) System with the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN. For
a low monthly fee, the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN covers the components
of your DIRECTV System, giving you peace of mind and comprehensive
support to ensure that you and your family enjoy nonstop DIRECTV(R)
entertainment."

  Another quote from the license in the manul linked to below:

"The Software may include some components that are covered by "free
software" licenses, open source licenses and other similar license use
rights, which require such components to be used, modified and/or
distributed only under the terms of such licenses. Any such components
are subject only to the terms of such licenses, and not these Terms."

  The one that specifically mentions the GNU website:

"G. Additional Information
Certain additional terms and information for the Software and certain
third party software (including the text of licenses applicable to any
free, open source and other similar software that may be included in
the Software) may be found in the DIRECTV Customer Agreement, the
DIRECTV website located at www.directv.com, and the GNU website
located at www.gnu.org."

  Instead of rehashing information which may be found elsewhere, I'll
link to other threads, including some on dbstalk, which is the site
many use for 'Cutting Edge' beta releases of the software.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=82621

  11 page thread, which actually links to some of the other links
below.  Some specific posts of note are included below with
descriptions.

http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52651

  First post includes a uPnP broadcast packet announcing that the box
runs Linux.

http://www.directv.com/see/pdf/060508HR20UserGuidev1_0b.pdf

  A Link to the PDF manual for the HR20-100, which I specifically own.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=884081&postcount=63

  The result of someone actually requesting information, and
informaing DirecTV receieves a printed copy og the GPL

http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?op=302&dockey=xml/7/9/791ccf33e4bf252711de1a41409169b7@endecaindex&source=19&FREE_TEXT=&rating=99

  The company which is referenced as making the uPnP software,
software openings.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1205679&postcount=195
and
http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1737756&postcount=253

  Link to post showing an actual syslog entries.

-- 
-- Thomas