 |
News Archive for: Thursday Nov. 20, 2008 (later added items first)
Goto Current News Page
Macs | CPU Upgrades | Video | Storage | Audio | Apps/OS/Networking | FAQ | Contact
|
| iTunes 8.0.2 Update released |
| Matt called to say it was available via software update, although I used the download installer (www.apple.com/itunes/download/).
"iTunes 8.0.2 improves stability and performance and provides a number of important bug fixes, including:
Addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers.
Fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when using some Internet proxies with Mac OS X.
Improves accessibility with VoiceOver."
|
| Return to Accelerate Your Mac! | Top |
|
| New MacBook/Pros ext. display playback of protected media requires HDCP compliant display |
Update - on Nov. 26th apple released a QT 7.5.7 update for new MacBooks/MBP/MB Air) that allows iTunes SD content to be played back on ext. non-HDCP displays.
"This update is recommended for owners of MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro with Mini DisplayPort. The update addresses an issue where some standard definition purchases from the iTunes Store do not play on some external displays."
(original post from Nov. 20th follows)
I remember a year or so ago (or when they started offering movie rentals? can't remember now) - a reader had spotted a note in the iTunes store EULA about protected media (movies, etc.) playback requiring an HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compliant display/TV - at least via HDMI. (HDCP is also present in many other players, including my Toshiba HD-DVD player and even a friend's Windows BR/HD player software.)
And now that the new Unibody MacBook/MacBook Pros mini displayport also has HDCP, this has become a problem for those playing back purchased Movies/TV shows on external displays that don't support HDCP. Wired has a story today titled Apple Bends to Studios, Adds Copyright Protection to MacBooks which links to an Apple forum thread with complaints from Unibody owners (one using a VGA adapter, others noted using DVI Cinema Displays, one an older DLP TV). One owner did note being able to play an older iTunes movie ("Total Recall") OK though. A note on this (for HDMI output) is in the EULA for the iTunes store (ref: iTunes Store Terms of Sale):
"An HDCP connection is required in order to view movies (purchased or rented) and TV shows transmitted over HDMI." (I guess they need to update that now to add DisplayPort also. They also have a note about HDTV:)
Television programs in high definition resolution (HD) are viewable only on computers or TVs using your Apple TV; however, HD TV programs purchased also include a standard definition version delivered to your computer that may be transferred to your iPod or iPhone."
Update: I wrote a reader that previously posted here (Nov 14th news page) on using an ADC Cinema display (via mini Displayport to DVI cable + Apple DVI to ADC adapter) with his new MacBook Pro to ask if he'd tried playing back purchased content on the ext. display. He said he was able to playback an older (from 2006) iTunes purchased movie and a DVD:
"Mike, Good question - and the answer on iTunes purchased movies is a qualified yes. That's qualified because I only have *one* iTunes movie, "Cars" (purchased in November 2006 when my granddaughter couldn't wait for the DVD release) but no iTunes TV shows. So I don't know if it's only more currently purchased movies that are affected by HDCP.DVD's play fine, too (tested with the brand-new-in-Europe release of "Iron Man").
(Setup: Unibody MacBook Pro with mini Displayport to DVI cable -> Apple DVI to ADC adapter -> 23" ADC Cinema Display.)
Best, Byron"
If any other readers with a new MacBook/MBP have tried playing recent iTunes store movies/tv shows or DVDs on an external display, let me know the details. Thanks. |
| Return to Accelerate Your Mac! | Top |
|
|
= From our Site Sponsor =
"ATI Radeon 3870 512MB PCIe for Mac Pro. For 'Core' applications Aperture, Final Cut Pro, PhotoShop, etc - this card offers even higher performance than the $279 Apple/Nvidia 8800GT card option. For All Mac Pro Models - Retail Box Model for $217.99 (limited supply open box for $207.50)
(The $189.99 OEM RADEON 3870 for 2008 Mac Pros w/larger heatsink/fan assembly are no longer available)
Mac Pro Memory Price Cuts Another way to speed things up is with more memory. Going to 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, even 32GB can offer significant gains and with Mac Pro Memory now from under $26 per GB, it's never been more affordable." (FYI - here's links to site specials page ram w/price cuts on Nov 20th, 2008 - check links for current pricing.)
|
|
|
|
|
= Site Sponsor Ad =
Lower prices + Rebates on On-The-Go FW800/400+USB2 Bus Powered Drives. Extremely convenient, interface flexible, and high-performance data storage in the palm of your hand. Great for Audio/Video, Backup, and fully bootable too - it's no wonder Mercury On-The-Go solutions continue to be recognized with top reviews that include 'Gear of the Year', Editor's Choice, and EMC Backup Certification + a recent 'Very Good' by CNET.
All models are bootable and have a Shock Absorbing design. Includes all connecting cables, Intech HD Speedtools utility suite, Prosoft Databack III for OS X, NovaBackup for Windows, Carrying Case, and a 3-Year OWC Warranty.
See current pricing on full line up to 500GB. Also available as an Enclosure kit (add your own drive from $27.95. Check out On-the-Go Rebate offers here.
Prosoft Drive Genius OWC Exclusive Special Offer - as low as $20 with purchase of OWC External Solution(s)! That's up to $79 off Prosoft's retail price, up to $59 off OWC's normal selling price.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click for Ministack Ext Drive with FW and USB hubs!
OWC XLR8 SPECIALS!
(site sponsor)
= HARD DRIVES =
Up to 4 TB HDs!
Hitachi, WD, Seagate, Samsung HDs
= 2.5in HDs & SSDs =
Notebook Hard Drives and DIY drive/case kit bundles. SSDs starting under $65!
= MEMORY =
Lifetime warranty RAM Upgrades for Mac Pros, MacBooks/MacBook Pros/iMacs/Mac Minis! Also ram for G5, G4 and G3 Macs from under $20!
= OPTICAL DRIVES =
Internal and External Superdrives/Blu-Ray drives.
= VIDEO/LCDs/TV =
Graphics cards, TV tuners, Video Capture, adapters and more.
= SOFTWARE =
Apps, Utilities, OS, VM, Games and more.
= WIRELESS =
WiFi and Bluetooth Devices/Adapters/More
= UPGRADES by Model =
Upgrades for YOUR Mac!
XLR8YourMac T-Shirts
FasterMac.net
ISP/VOIP
Help Fight Hunger
|  |
