Nov 19
Apple’s Hidden Copy Protection Software
Probably you're wondering about the hidden copy protection software from Apple and its effects already, so I won't keep you waiting any longer - this is all about playing protected media on devices that are not compliant with the new protection measures, and it all goes so far, that I can call this "silly copy protection software." Why "silly," that's what we're going to see right away!
Basically, the story goes like this - Intel's now pretty old HDCP(High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology aims to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across a variety of display connectors, even if such copying is not in violation of fair use laws, and according to ArsTechnica, Apple is already using this technology to prevent transmission of iTunes content to non-HDCP devices.
Where this can lead? Just read this and be amazed - "When my friend John, a high school teacher, attempted to play Hellboy 2 on his classroom's projector with a new aluminum MacBook over lunch, he was denied by the error you see [screenshot above]. John's using a Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, plugged into a Sanyo projector that is part of his room's Promethean system."
ArsTechnica's David Chartier friend mentioned above surely found himself in a delicate situation because of Apple's secret copy protection software, and while now only the DisplayPort-enabled MacBooks are able to use this, expectations are that the Cupertino-based company will do this to its entire product line.
Considering all the above, soon you may have to throw away your "old" HD display, simply because it's not HDCP-compliant, and Apple doesn't like non-HDCP displays being connected to its computers. What else can I say?
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16 Responses to “Apple’s Hidden Copy Protection Software”
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- Nov 20, 2008: Apple TV Update 2.3, Ready To Go!
November 19th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
That was an amazing post, and it earned you a new RSS subscriber. Keep up the good work!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:57 am
So the solution to horrible horrible HORRIBLE software is,”Buy New Hardware”
Oh, Apple, never change.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
…yet another reason for me to stick with a non-Mac PC.
December 21st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Interestingly, the pirates will be able to play any movie they want over any display they want.
Let the markets decide, I guess?
December 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
well this same thing happens (or can happen) on ALL modern machines. take netflix for example. they will do the same thing so never rant about apple. RANT about the damn MPAA and RIAA both using copy protection. DOWN with restrictive DRM!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
The best thing is, once this tech reaches windows computers, its gonna be cracked in hours lol.
Yet another reason to NOT buy an apple
December 21st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Um, so he got bitten trying to set up an unauthorized display? Funny thing is, it was right to do so - he was trying to show a film purchased for private home use to a group of people. You need permission or a license to do that.
Don’t like it? Doesn’t mean you can just ignore it, at least legally speaking and in the US (other countries have other rules.)
Support the EFF. Vote with your dollars.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
@wat
The software had no idea how many people would be watching, or where it was being shown, only what type of hardware it was being used on. What if he was using that, or a similar, setup in a home theatre, and was unable to play his legally purchased/rented media?
Don’t buy anything with DRM…ever, it’s just a short term rental agreement, not a purchase.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:52 pm
@wat
so if i chose to watch a movie with a few friends than its illegal?
the software simply said “hey your not using hardware i like, go away”
if he had wanted just a larger picture he couldnt watch it, just as VarukaSalt said.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I think everything is fair here. If you decide to purchase a mac you will be punished for it, what’s wrong with that?
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:27 am
time to sell your apple stock. then again fanboys are well fanboys
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Except this was fixed in the lastest build for the new macbooks…so this is old news.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 am
And yet you wonder why apple fanboys are still so stubborn.
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
hmmm, makes me glad I use linux. Freedom of information ftw!
January 4th, 2009 at 8:23 am
This is not an “Apple” thing. HDCP exists on all types HD devices … BluRay players, sat receivers, cable boxes, etc. It is an industry standard for HD media and there are very few exceptions.