Nov

19

Apple’s Hidden Copy Protection Software

posted in news, by Codrut Nistor


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?

16 Comments on “Apple’s Hidden Copy Protection Software



1

Cesar Moves, on November 19, 2008

That was an amazing post, and it earned you a new RSS subscriber. Keep up the good work!

2

Apple TV Update 2.3, Ready To Go!, on November 20, 2008

[...] so... don't be shy to let us know about your discoveries, and let's hope there's no trace of copy protection software to be found here!  Loading ... These icons link to social bookmarking sites where [...]

3

Hahahahahahaha, on December 21, 2008

So the solution to horrible horrible HORRIBLE software is,"Buy New Hardware"

Oh, Apple, never change.

4

Chris, on December 21, 2008

...yet another reason for me to stick with a non-Mac PC.

5

Cokehead, on December 21, 2008

Interestingly, the pirates will be able to play any movie they want over any display they want.

Let the markets decide, I guess?

6

deane, on December 21, 2008

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!

7

Geen, on December 21, 2008

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

8

wat, on December 21, 2008

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.

9

VarukaSalt, on December 21, 2008

@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.

10

uzimakikid, on December 21, 2008

@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.

11

anon, on December 21, 2008

I think everything is fair here. If you decide to purchase a mac you will be punished for it, what's wrong with that?

12

Ben, on December 22, 2008

time to sell your apple stock. then again fanboys are well fanboys

13

Michael, on December 22, 2008

Except this was fixed in the lastest build for the new macbooks...so this is old news.

14

Jim, on December 23, 2008

And yet you wonder why apple fanboys are still so stubborn.

15

Jesse, on December 23, 2008

hmmm, makes me glad I use linux. Freedom of information ftw!

16

DaveH, on January 04, 2009

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.

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