> It's GPL, because I need to use the GPL ffmpeg H.264 codec.
I don't understand the problem?
I can see the problem with people patenting things and preventing you from writing your own implementation, but it seems you just want other people to do the hard work of implementing it so you can wrap a skin around it and do what?
It was a statement of fact.
I've been writing open-source software for well over 20 years (actually, well over 30 years –Where does the time go?).
I think I understand the issues involved.
edit: Your project reminds me, https://github.com/arut/nginx-rtmp-module is super worth checking out and might be helpful to you.
One of the frustrating things about implementing video software, even licensing it, is pretty much everything out there is an expression of ffmpeg, which is a really, really good system, but does have some baggage.
The video patents aren't just "patent troll" patents, either. They are highly enforceable, and were registered by corporations like Ampex.
I have been trying to write a simple app to stream RTSP (security cameras), and that has been a pain.
I need to basically use either proprietary (paid) or GPL software to do it.
Video software is not for the faint of heart. Much as I grouse about the licensing, I am not about to develop my own codec.
I did write this one app, which is an ffmpeg wrapper, to convert RTSP to HLS (Which is not -currently- suitable for realtime streaming): https://github.com/RiftValleySoftware/RVS_MediaServer
It's GPL, because I need to use the GPL ffmpeg H.264 codec.