News
New Apple MacBooks enforce HDCP protection for iTunes videos
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
News Category: iTunes
Some owners of Apple’s latest MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro computers are reporting that certain iTunes Store-purchased videos will no longer play through their external displays, producing an error message blaming the displays’ lack of HDCP protection. HDCP, or High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, is an Intel-developed form of copy protection that prevents copying of digital audio and video content that travels across HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or other video cables from a playback device to a display. While Apple has previously included HDCP protection in certain content displayed via the Apple TV’s HDMI port, it is only now locking down the external display functionality of its computers. According to a post on Ars Technica, it appears that older iTunes video files using Fairplay Version 2 or earlier DRM seem to work fine, while some files using Version 3 or later are protected, and will not work when played through a non-HDCP compliant monitor.
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1
Not to nitpick, but HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is not in any way bound to or exclusive to High Definition standards or content.
Posted by Pepijn Bruienne on November 18, 2008 at 8:49 AM (PDT)
2
OK, Apple - I’m alright with that. Now, give me a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and we can move on.
Posted by Josh on November 18, 2008 at 9:00 AM (PDT)
3
Pepijn,
Indeed, you are correct. The article has been updated.
Posted by Charles Starrett on November 18, 2008 at 9:39 AM (PDT)
4
Yeah, that’ll stop piracy.
Posted by Fanman on November 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM (PDT)
5
Blame the MPAA.
Fortunately, HDCP-compatible displays abound. Unfortunately, most people own at least 2-3 non-hdcp compatible displays already.
Posted by J Lucas on November 18, 2008 at 6:05 PM (PDT)
6
So what does this mean to me.....a possible new MacBook purchaser?
I cant play it through my TV? I cant play it through my monitor? What exactly should tick me off about this? If I am using the MBP for video and photo editing, surfing, blogging, etc....what do i care?
Posted by SEC on November 28, 2008 at 6:40 AM (PDT)