Watching iTunes shows/movies on TV. Question.

[Blue Hawk]

Hi.

I’ve read that it’s not possible to watch shows or movies from iTunes on your TV when you’re connecting your MacBook Pro with HDMI to your TV. Due Copyright reasons. Is that true?? Wanted to try it on a Panasonic TV from a few years ago. It also supports HDCP and it’s a 1080p TV.

 

[maflynn]

Copyright reasons.

I never heard that, and that doesn't make sense at all. You're using the TV like a monitor at that point. I've watched plenty of movies and shows on my TV from my laptop.

 

[Audit13]

I think the issue comes up when watching 4k movies from the iTunes store. 4K requires playback using an Apple TV and a TV that supports HMDI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.

 

[Patcell]

You can absolutely connect your computer to your TV and watch any iTunes content on the big screen. By far the easiest way is via Apple TV; however, connecting your computer directly to the TV will work just fine.

I don't even think Apple lets you download 4K versions to your computer, so it shouldn't be an issue. Only way to get 4K iTunes content to a TV is with an Apple TV 4K.

 

[danmart]

Actually, sometimes you can’t view media on your TV due to copyright... HDMI includes the capability to enforce DRM, i.e. the target device ‘promises’ not to record the content. Some older devices lack this capability, and the player may refuse to play in this instance.

I have also experienced situations where a device has failed to ‘hand shake’ effectively and playback is again blocked. In that case some sequence of re-booting all the devices whilst the HDMI cable is in situ can break through hand shaking issues.

An old cable can also increase the likelihood of problems being experienced.

But, new-ish Mac, new-ish TV and new-ish cable should work for 1080P.

 

[maflynn]

I think the issue comes up when watching 4k movies from the iTunes store. 4K requires playback using an Apple TV and a TV that supports HMDI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.

Ahhh, I don't have a 4k tv, so that would never have occurred with my set up.

 

[Audit13]

Ahhh, I don't have a 4k tv, so that would never have occurred with my set up.

I have a 4K TV but I have a HTPC that I used for 4k playback of non-iTunes 4k media and an Apple TV 4k for my iTunes/Movies Anywhere library.

I find the ATV 4K to be a very impressive device for image quality and ease of use.

 

[Blue Hawk]

I’ve just buyed an USB-C HDMI cable and i hope i can watch my buyed iTunes show on the TV. Have the Pro 2018 and Panasonic from 2015 i think.

 

[Patcell]

I’ve just buyed an USB-C HDMI cable and i hope i can watch my buyed iTunes show on the TV. Have the Pro 2018 and Panasonic from 2015 i think.

You should not have a problem with that setup.

 

[Blue Hawk]

Thank you. I will try. Apple doesn’t have them but found an USB-C HDMI cable at Amazon. Can’t wait to try it.