Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] PS3 versus freedom

[Robert McGwier]

John:

However, let me add hastily, nothing irks me more than the hypervisor 
and the hidden IP in the graphics chip.  So be it.  I do not want to 
steal anything that is covered by M$ DRM anyway and I do not envision us 
using the PS3 to do graphical display (since its memory is too small to 
support a window manager with any serious capability).  I suggest that 
we do exactly what your note suggests and stick to what the thing is 
capable of delivering to use with free tools.

Bob



Robert McGwier wrote:
> John:
>
> We are not using xlc and are not likely to use xlc.  We are using the 
> free parts of the SDK including spu-gcc and ppu-gcc for example.  For 
> this project in fact, we cannot distribute any code built with xlc.
>
> However, nothing about the gpl prohibits individuals from using xlc to 
> generate binaries for their own use so long as they do not distribute 
> the binary.
>
> The PS3 has been available to the end users for only a few months.  Yet, 
> it really does speak to the foresight (and good taste) of Sony that 
> before you or I could go to a store, even if it meant standing in line 
> for hours and hours,  they had published a bootloader and clear 
> instructions on how to put Linux on the thing.  Each and everything they 
> have done in this area has been with the support of IBM and released 
> GPL.  Sony has multiple representatives in daily conversation with the 
> lead developer for the kernel.  Eric and I both monitor the group and 
> the results will be the clear instructions (if non trivial) on bring up 
> a useful kernel on the PS3 that allows us to develop and use gnu tools. 
>  IBM has contributed, under the GPL, their optimizations to FFTW.  The 
> impact of this on GnuRadio using the PS3 is not to be underestimated.
>
> While I understand your concern,  support your the basis for your stance 
> on this and many of your other heartfelt issues turned cause célèbre, it 
> is my OPINION that in this case, your concerns are misplaced.
>
> Bob McGwier
> (speaking only for myself)

--
AMSAT Director and VP Engineering. Member: ARRL, AMSAT-DL,
TAPR, Packrats, NJQRP, QRP ARCI, QCWA, FRC. ARRL SDR WG Chair
“An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why
must the pessimist always run to blow it out?” Descartes