Pavel Korensky wrote:

> Hello Chris,
> <Etcetera Etcetera>

Pavel;

I did not used to feel so strongly about these matters, but time moved on and I
put things into a new light.  In many cases, when I write a program, I have
spent long hours to uncover some key principle that makes it possible to
convert, process, perform logic, or some other such task.  Simply copying the
code outright is a violation of copyright, granted.  But breaking open my
product and removing the methods of how that device operates in the name of
'speedy research and development' is stealing my intelectual property.  If some
company puts tons of time and effort into making a device that is real cool,
like a hammer that detects studs (true app that a friend is involved with) you
would certainly be incenced by someone who studies the code and says, "Oh, you
have a such and such waveform and look for the such and such event on the
return".  They figure that they can emulate the process, while not copying the
code outright, and they haven't done something wrong.  I beg to differ.  If they
on the other hand hold the device and simply observe the operation, then come up
with their own principles for solving the problem, (and don't infringe on a
pattent), then more power to them.

On your point of special protocols, et cetera, I can understand your frustration
on the issue.  You were not at any point going to copy their product in part or
whole.  But on the other hand, the company made it clear that they did not wish
to share the knowledge.  Imagine you came out with a cool remote that you then
market and sell a zillion.  Problem is, once an hour, a false signal erases all
channel memories.  Kenwood then gets flooded with calls where people say, " your
stuff is crap.  I will never buy it again".  You produced a complementary
product through methods that they attempted to disuede you from using, and they
risk losing a portion of their reputation.  Hard as it is to accept, if you do
not like the protection provided through security, such as cable TV scrambling,
just don't buy their product.  You do have that choice.

Chris Eddy, PE
Pioneer Microsystems, Inc.