Comment 15 for bug 432701

libxine1-ffmpeg depends on libavcodec, a binary package from the ffmpeg set of libraries. We distribute ffmpeg under the GPL, which is absolutely acceptable for main. The argument with the license is just a red herring.

However canonical has choosen to not ship libavcodec on the live cd. Libavcodec is known to include various patented algorithms. While they have not been enforced so far, there is a considerable risk with distributing them on the live cd.

I don't think the proposed dependency change is negotiatible. If you disagree, feel free to escalate this to the technical board.