Apple issues QuickTime update for new MacBooks

Apple rolled out a QuickTime update Tuesday night that should alleviate some of the concern over the addition of some copy-protection technology to the new MacBooks.

Apple customers who bought one of the company's new MacBooks or MacBook Pros introduced in October were annoyed to discover that the Mini DisplayPort on those systems uses a copy-protection technology called HDCP. That technology is supposed to prevent those owners from playing HD movies purchased from the iTunes store on external projectors that don't also support HDCP technology. But several owners reported that standard-definition movies were also declared off-limits by their new systems.

The QuickTime update should allow standard-definition movies obtained from Apple to play on those older projectors, but HD movies will still need an HDCP-compliant projector to be shown anywhere but the laptop screen. The update hasn't shown up on Apple's site yet, but it should be popping up in Software Update if you own one of the new systems, according to AppleInsider.

[BtmnHatesRbn]

I still haven't experienced this problem.

[ducttape36]

why should copy protection only apply to hd movies? whats the difference between copying an hd movie and a sd movie? will someone get less time in prison or a smaller fine if they only copy sd material? dont get me wrong, i think its ridiculous that these problems are happening at all, and i would like to see apple do something to make this right by their consumers, but the whole hdcp thing just seems to be a mess. I say do away with it altogether.

[sanenazok]

If Appl wants the licensed content they have to play by the rules for high def. http://www.sci-worx.com/docs/Press_PDFs/223300.pdf It's a good idea to have hdcp compliant hardware just in case Apple ever decides to adobe bluray.

[xylyx3d]

One more reason not to join the People's Republic of Apple. Sadly i have an iPod touch but i'm ditching that as soon as some one makes something i consider more useful (hint-hint Google).

[goodspeed8701]

Bs MAC... New product... New problem. I hate how apple do things

[MaggieRed]

Facts are facts: this issue is part of the license agreement from Intel who developed HDCP. High-definition digital video sources must not transmit protected content to non-HDCP-compliant receivers. It is also restricts audio.

It applies to set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-Ray players and computer video cards. It includes TV and digital projectors, which must have one or more HDCP/HDMI.


Microsoft Windows Vista utilizes this technology in the context of computer graphics cards and monitors.

This whole situation would be a lot worst if the FCC broadcast flag regs had not been struck own by the Federal court of appeals, since HDCP bans compliant products from converting HDCP restricted content to full resolution analog form. What it ended up as you can't play protected content on noncompliant HDCP devices.

If you want to be mad at someone, focus your attention to Intel and the FCC. Microsoft and Apple are just complying.

Obviously there was a mistake to block non HD protected content which was fixed.

[Lerianis]

It's a mistake to have this stupid kind of content 'protection' (read: restriction) in the first place. Just let people buy the things in question and do whatever they want with them!

[Vegaman_Dan]

So the update to deal with the issue of playing HDCP on older Macintosh Cinema displays... has not been addressed yet, nor is it likely to be.

This update isn't an update at all, really. Just more of a clarification. It's nice that they will let you do standard definition, but that's not the real problem.

[contentcreator--2008]

The HDCP requirement on Blu-ray is one of the reasons that Blu-ray has been DOA --- early adopters all have these HD TV sets with no HDCP, so you can't play Blu-ray on them.

[Lerianis]

Exactly right. That is the main reason by Blu-Ray has not been adopted as well as they thought it would be. If they would GET RID OF THE COPY PROTECTION THAT ONLY PUNISHES LEGAL USERS then they might have more adoption of their products.

[goodspeed8701]

@vegaman... Yes you are right. Its not an update, but its a security patch for the holes that are ever there in the quicktime and some order osx related. Because microsoft did not release any patch this tuesday they dont want to tell us they have patch.

By do way do linux get patch or cnet dont give a dime of the os.

[unknown unknown]

Once again it's the honest consumer who gets the short in end of the stick. If anything DRM makes piracy more attractive if only to avoid the dealing with the arbitrary restriction and inevitable bugs in copy protection schemes. I won't give anyone money if it means they're going to treat me like a criminal, indeed I can easily do without purchasing any TV shows and movies. They can shove HD, a sharper picture really isn't worth the cost, it adds nothing of value IMO.

When will the morons in Hollywood get the message, you don't fight piracy by punishing paying customers.

[John Howell]

HDCP is the main reason I have not bought any HD content. There is no difference in quality between my older non HDCP 43" monitor any a new HDCP one except a new one will set me back $2000+ and I already have a screen that works fine thankyou.
If only Apple and Microsoft took as much care of my bank account details as they do hollywood protected content.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Quicksand ! For the odd site that needs it I and millions of others use Quicktime Alternative.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QuickTime_Alternative

[Perry_Clease]

Grow up Leo

[Dani210]

dude, what happened with tom?????????????????????

[Dani210]

oh looks like hes back, nvr mind