``A codec is the software algorithm used to code and decode digital video as a safeguard against piracy.``

It is true, as designating use of a particular CODEC limits use to devices compatible with that CODEC. Device not compatible?, content in that CODEC won`t work. Hence, it can be a ``safeguard against piracy.`` It`s kinda the whole foundation of the pay-for-content (e.g., music) market (coupled with DRM and watermarking, for layers of security on a relatively simplistic software level). So designation of a particular CODEC can be a problem, as it may limit availability of content.

So the group lets the market decide on video standards, thus opening to all CODECs, etc., and all content regardless of how it is encoded. This is a good thing.... If they had opted to disallow DivX, we`d be in trouble.

I agree with the rest of your post. I suspect that ``the error`` and ``the problem`` to which you were referring didn`t really have to do with that statement, but the application of that statement in the context of the overall discussion (i.e., SECURE post production delivery is the real concern).

SGE