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?
Cesar Moves, on November 19, 2008
That was an amazing post, and it earned you a new RSS subscriber. Keep up the good work!