[whatwg] Codecs for <audio> and <video>

[Robert O'Callahan]

On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 7:15 AM, Peter Kasting <pkasting at google.com> wrote:

> As a contributor to multiple browsers, I think it's important to note the
> distinctions between cases like Acid3 (where IIRC all tests were supposed to
> test specs that had been published with no dispute for 5 years), much of
> HTML5 (where items not yet implemented generally have agreement-on-principle
> from various vendors) and this issue, where vendors have publicly refused to
> implement particular cases.  Particular specs in the first two cases
> represent vendor consensus, and when vendors discover problems during
> implementation the specs are changed.
>

It's not true that all the specs tested in Acid3 represented "vendor
consensus". For example, a lot of browser people were skeptical of the value
of SVG Animation (SMIL), but it was added to Acid3. That was a clear example
of something being implemented primarily because of pressure from
specifications and tests. It's true, though, that no-one flat-out refused to
implement it, so that situation isn't quite the same.

Personally I think it's appropriate to use specs to exert some pressure.
We've always done it. Flat-out refusal of a vendor to implement something is
a problem, but I assume there are limits to how much we allow that to affect
the process. If Microsoft suddenly announces they hate HTML5 and won't
implement any of it, would we just throw it all out?

If we are going to allow individual vendors to exert veto power, at least
lets make them accountable. Let's require them to make public statements
with justifications instead of passing secret notes to Hixie.

Rob
-- 
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his
own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." [Isaiah
53:5-6]
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