Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with hdcp

Please help me get my new MacBook Pro projecting through the projector

bryanjbusch — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:20:24 -0800

What do I need to look for in an HDMI switch that will enable my Mini-DisplayPort video signal to reach my projector?
I've just successfully connected the Mini-DisplayPort > DVI adapter > HDMI directly to the projector. I also tested an HDCP-crippled video through iTunes, and it didn't complain to me about the display not being HDCP-enabled, so that's a load off my mind.

However, when I pass the HDMI through my extremely generic 4-port switch from Monoprice.com, I get nothing but a blank blue screen through the projector lamp. The laptop screen blinks gray for a second as if it were attempting to make a connection, but gives up.

Is it an HDMI version thing, do you think? What kind of specifics should I be looking for in a new switch?

Or is it maybe not the switch at all?

HDCP on DVDs?

middleclasstool — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:32:02 -0800

What is the future of HDCP -- are DVDs likely to adopt it, and is it going to mess me up? I'm going to buy a laptop, quite possibly as soon as Black Friday, and the new Macbook appears to be the big winner. My only concern now is the new revelation that Apple put HDCP in the new Macbooks, limiting your options on playing protected content on external screens.

This blows but is normally is not an issue for me, because I try like all hell to avoid downloading DRMed content and never shop iTMS, but what's the likelihood that future DVD releases could start putting HDCP protection on them? I anticipate using this as a DVD player while traveling, and I'd hate not to be able to hook it up to a TV or external monitor to watch a movie while on the road.

Is HDMI a Deal Breaker on an LCD?

chrisWhite — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:58:39 -0800

I'm looking at getting a new LCD that I'll be using with my computer and really like the HP 2408 & LP2465. However, will I end up shooting myself in the foot for not having HDMI? Primarily I'll be using it with my Vista workstation doing 3D and other media production. I also use this workstation as a Media Center, DVD player and TV (web based, don't have a tuner card--yet) and a PC gaming machine. Finally, I'll be getting an Xbox 360 and probably the HD-DVD add-on before too long that I would also like to run through the LCD.

I've read that DVI is very similar to HDMI (without audio) and that you can just put an adapter on and it works just as well.

I assume this workaround would still support 1080P? If I did do this would I be losing HDCP support?

I've done some searching and a lot of the information I'm finding is either too over simplified or they expect you to know all about it already so I'd really appreciate your help!

How can I get my Sony HDTV to listen to my MacBook Pro?

Embryo — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 07:36:43 -0800

Please, help me understand DVI, HDCP, etc., so that I can use my HDTV as a display for my MacBook Pro. I have a Sony HD Trinitron -- a KV-30HS510 -- that I'd really like to connect via DVI for use as a display for my MacBook Pro, but I have no idea what cables or converters I need to get -- there seem to be so many types of DVI! I also have a sneaking suspicion that Sony's copy-protection scheme, HDCP, may actually succeed at impeding my ability to do this very simple, non-piracy-motivated thing with this hardware that I ostensibly own, which seems too ridiculous to be true, but I'd like some independent confirmation. Thanks for your help, friends.