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.
Related Stories
- iBooks Author EULA draws criticism
- Apple posts streaming video of education event
- Apple releases iTunes 10.5.3 with support for iTunes U
- Coverage of Apple’s education event begins at 10AM ET
- Apple education event to focus on content, K-12 market
- Apple working with McGraw-Hill, to launch ‘GarageBand’ for textbooks?
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple exec Cue accepts Grammy honoring Steve Jobs
- ThinkGeek intros iCade 8-bitty game controller
- Apple requests audits of Foxconn by FLA
- Apple sues Samsung, seeks to block Galaxy Nexus in U.S.
- AT&T doubles upgrade fee to $36
- Apple TV supplies constrained, hint at new model?
- 16GB iPad 2 sees deep discount ahead of new model
- Apple sues Motorola in U.S. over Qualcomm patents
- iLounge Weekly coming early Monday, giveaway reminder
- iBackFlip launches Somersault case for iPad
Recent Reviews
- FLOS / Philippe Starck D’E-light
- Twelve South HoverBar for iPad 2
- Cygnett Apollo for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! ID for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! With Stand for iPhone 4/4S
- Solid Line Products RightShift 2 Removable Keyboard Case for iPad 2
- Spigen SGP Kuel F60Q Battery Pack
- Just Mobile Highway + Highway Pro for iPod, iPhone + iPad
- Speck CandyShell and CandyShell Satin for iPhone 4/4S
Recent Articles
- iOS Gems: Adventures of Tintin, Reckless Racing 2 + Scramble With Friends
- Ask iLounge 2-3-12
- Making The Case For - And Against - An Apple iTV Television
- Instant Expert: iTunes U for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iBooks 2.0
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: Honorable Mentions
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: iPod, iPhone, iPad + Mac
- iOS Gems: Bug Princess, Dora Hops Into Phonics, It’s A Small World, Sleepy Jack + X Is For X-Ray
- The Complete Guide to Managing iTunes Videos
- Editorial: As CES Grows, Will Microsoft’s Loss Be Apple’s Gain?
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)