Apple hacks off customers again with DRM changes on new laptops

Posted by Dennis Sellers Nov 22, 2008 at 10:53am

Apple has found a way to hack off its customers once again: this one involves the new “unibody” MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

When it launched the new laptops, Apple announced that they would sport a new digital video output connector, known as Mini DisplayPort. However, Apple didn’t mention that these connectors allow movies studios to force the computer to authenticate any external monitor before allowing playback of programs purchased or rented from the iTunes Store (Microsoft’s Windows Vista does something similar—and I don’t mean that as a compliment.)

Here’s just some of the unfavorable reaction: Electronic Frontier Foundation: “Once again, thanks to DRM, a new product ends up less useful than the one it replaces. This time, it’s the new family of Apple Macbook laptop computers that gets the downgrade.

“When it launched the new Macbooks, Apple announced that they would sport a new digital video output connector, known as Mini DisplayPort. What Apple failed to mention, however, is that those connectors allow movies studios to force the computer to authenticate any external monitor before allowing playback of programs purchased or rented from the iTunes Store (Microsoft’s Windows Vista does something similar). In other words, the HDTV monitor or projector that worked for you yesterday, won’t work with your new computer tomorrow if Hollywood has embedded a flag in the iTunes content you paid for.”

Forbes: “Apple is bundling a form of copyright protection software into new MacBooks that has some buyers up in arms. Called High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), the technology prevents MacBook owners from playing movies they’ve purchased through iTunes on many external monitors, TVs or projectors—meaning they’re stuck watching flicks they’ve paid for on much smaller screens. HDCP is designed to prevent film piracy by blocking the connection between a computer and a copying device like a DVR. The problem is that legitimate devices like TVs—particularly older units—also get blocked in the process.”

TechSpot: “As the amount of HDCP-aware content increases you can expect more people to encounter this kind of issue as well. HDCP has been a controversial technology since its introduction years ago, though to date there has been very little fallout because of it. That could soon be changing.”

Gizmodo: “High Definition Content Protection—the annoying DRM-y thing that’s supposed to stop people from copying hi-def stuff as it travels over a card-display connector— has apparently, and unfortunately, come to Apple’s MacBooks. HDCP is now included on new MacBooks to protect iTunes Store media, though it seems that only some of the content is actually HDCP-aware.”

SlashGear: “Apples decision to go with Mini DisplayPort on their new MacBook and MacBook Pro machines, and not include the adapters free, initially frustrated many whose existing monitors simply lacked the connection. Now there’s a whole new level of annoyance, as it becomes clear that Apple have made use of HDCP (High-Definition Content Protection) which renders any display not supporting the encryption technology unable to show a growing amount of content bought through iTunes.”

This is merely the latest in a string of face slaps to loyal customers. No FireWire 400 on the new MacBook. No matte screen display options.

Sometimes it seems that Apple is clueless in regards to the proper way to handle customers. Bundling the copyright protection into the new laptops is bad enough. Not being forthcoming a about it is the sign of a company that’s becoming either too complacent or too arrogant.

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