iTunes has copy protection on their movies called HDCP which will not allow you to play iTunes rentals or purchases on some older data projectors. Thankfully there is a simple solution. You just need to watch an SD version of the movie and it does not have the HDCP protection. This is not mentioned on Apple’s support webpage but I was able to find out about it when I rang Apple iTunes support. Read on for how to do this step-by-step.
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This happened to me. The suggestions in the window are not helpful. Sure, you can move the movie to your laptop window but then you can’t watch it on the data projector! Turning mirroring on or off does not help either. I rang Apple iTunes support, and thankfully there is a simple way around the problem. You just need to download the movie in a standard definition (SD) version. SD iTunes movies do not have HDCP.
To do this, open up the iTunes application on your computer, select the’ iTunes Store’ tab, click on ‘Purchased’, select ‘Movies’ up the top, and down the bottom right underneath all your movies there should be a little checkbox that says ‘ Download HD When Available’.
Un-check this box and your videos will download in SD.
Unselect the option for HD movies and you will get an SD movie that can play on older projectors.SD versions of iTunes movies do not cause the HDCP error. You can watch them on a projector no worries.
Where to find the ‘Download HD checkbox
Some people in the comments below are saying that it is hard to find the checkbox. I agree!
Here’s how to find the checkbox.
- Firstly select ‘Movies’ in the drop-down box on the left hand side of your iTunes window just under the play button, then select the tab called ‘Store’ which is over the right under the Apple logo.
2. Now go over to the right hand of the store screen and under ‘Movies’ there will be a little place where you can select ‘Purchased’.
3. After you click ‘Purchased’ then this option should appear on the bottom right hand side of your iTunes window:
If this is selected the movies will download as HD and will not play on older projectors. If you deselect this then the SD version of the movie will download automatically which you can play on projectors.Related posts:
Switching to OS XHow to put a DVD movie onto your ipodSnow Leopard First ImpressionsHow to copy a DVD movie to your ipad.How to play Netflix movies on a data projector from a MacSARAH P BEAUCHAMPsays:July 27, 2017 at 10:52 amMy Apple computer rechecks the HD box after I uncheck it. Please let me know how to fix this.
ReplyWaynesays:July 27, 2017 at 1:47 pm That’s strange. You could try going into iTunes preferences, then downloads, then uncheck the HD box there and see if that makes a difference.
ReplyWaynesays:July 27, 2017 at 1:53 pm If that doesn’t work I’d try buying a movie from Google Play store and get the SD version.
ReplyAudreysays:September 14, 2017 at 7:55 am My apple computer doesn’t have a checkbox to uncheck? Any ideas where it might be hidden?
ReplyWaynesays:September 18, 2017 at 5:28 pm I have the updated the article for you Audrey with some instructions on where to find the checkbox.
ReplyMark Msays:November 3, 2017 at 7:41 am I explicitly purchased the non-HD version. When I connect to a projector, I get the message saying I’m not authorized to show it on that device.
ReplyWaynesays:November 3, 2017 at 11:59 am That’s odd, and different to my experience. Are you sure the movie is SD? If you option-click on the movie from iTunes, then select ‘Show in Finder’ how big is the movie file? If you open the movie in Quicktime, and select ‘Show Movie Inspector’ from the ‘Window’ Menu, what does it was under ‘Movie Properties’?
If it is definitely SD, it would be good to give Apple support a ring and see what they say.
ReplyKendrasays:December 12, 2017 at 4:16 pm If it is definitely SD, it would be good to give Apple support a ring and see what they say.
Do I have to delete the HD versions that downloaded and re-download in SD?
ReplyWaynesays:December 18, 2017 at 2:07 am Good question. I can’t remember – I wrote that post a few years ago and since then I only rent SD movies!
ReplyANkesays:December 19, 2017 at 3:56 am It works!! Thank you much for the additional help finding the checkbox.
Replysharonsays:August 9, 2018 at 1:47 am That is abnormal. You could have a go at going into iTunes inclinations, at that point downloads, at that point uncheck the HD box there and check whether that has any kind of effect.
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Replyneilsays:November 10, 2018 at 10:11 pm https://s3.amazonaws.com/riocodes/m4vgear-coupons.html
Thanks so much for your excellent advice. I have been able to download i tunes movies in SD and watch them on my “older” data projector.
ReplyJudysays:December 7, 2018 at 6:42 am Thank you! This worked perfectly.
ReplyPhilsays:December 9, 2018 at 6:12 am If you have Apple TV (and even though it might be a pain in the a** to unlplug from your TV) you can plug it directly into your projector to watch in HD without it being “blacked out” from iTunes copyright protection
ReplyDavidsays:February 6, 2019 at 6:19 am Worked for me and allowed sections of a foreign language movie on my iMac to be used in a teaching environment. Thanks.
ReplyKyleesays:March 31, 2019 at 5:05 pm I tried this and it didn’t work. A friend suggested it might be my “j5create” adaptor causing the problems.
Replysteve jhonesays:May 14, 2019 at 9:20 pm hi this is greate it works for me thank u very much
ReplyMattsays:August 19, 2019 at 9:10 am I have a related issue. I currently have a projector (newer model) connected via HDMI and Apple AV adapter to an iPad (12.4 OS and 1673 model) where I am trying to play movies via iPad native TV app. All my personal content works fine and most TV shows. However, when I try to watch movies, most work for picture, but no sound. Most of these movies are Disney, but I don’t see any restrictions on the content and I don’t get the error message noted above. Just no sound. Hoping to get feedback. Thanks!
ReplyWaynesays:August 20, 2019 at 1:07 pm I reckon that would be worth a free call to Apple support. Be sure to let us know here if they suggest a fix.
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I've hosted movie night in my backyard a couple of times for a few friends, and while it can take a lot of planning and effort to get set up, usually the results are worth the hassle. You can pull off your backyard movies without spending a lot by renting a lot of the equipment you need (such as a projector and screen); however, if you plan on throwing backyard movie nights on a regular basis, there are a few items you can pick up to help you out!
Media Device
There are plenty of media devices that can work with projectors and personally, I find the easiest method to use for outdoor movies is a laptop.
Your biggest concern is to make sure that your media device can hook up to the projector you plan on using and connect to the audio source you have. Be sure to check what outputs/inputs all your devices have and that you have the appropriate dongles, adapters, and cables for everything before you start.
![Best projectors for mac Best projectors for mac](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125847797/935992811.jpg)
Projector
Projectors can be very pricey, but it's important to remember when you're projecting a movie in your backyard that you won't need the latest and greatest video projector to get the job done. You don't need a projector that has a giant throw distance because your backyard is likely smaller than your average movie theater. Plus, your screen size probably won't be too much bigger than 120 inches, so you won't need to worry about grabbing a projector that can project an image on a massive screen.
Vankyo LEISURE 3
The Vankyo LEISURE 3 is perfect for backyard movies. It's small, HDMI-compatible, and has a max throw distance of about 12 feet, which should be more than enough space to project a movie in such a small space.
On top of an HDMI input, you can also use USB and VGA connections to project images with the LEISURE 3. It has a max resolution of 1080p, and it's more than bright enough for the confined space you have to work with.
Vankyo LEISURE 3 produces about 2200 lumens, meaning you are going to have to wait until it's dusk to start the movie, but you shouldn't need the pitch black darkness of the middle of the night.
You can pick up the Vankyo LEISURE 3 for about $90 on Amazon.
Screens
Due to the confined space of your backyard and depending on the capabilities of your projector, you're not going to need an insanely large screen to pull of a successful outdoor movie night.
JaeilPLM 80-inch portable outdoor projection screen
Being able to quickly set up and take down your projector screen is crucial to making your backyard movies go off without a hitch, and the JaeilPLM 80-inch portable outdoor projection screen comes apart and folds into a convenient size.
Not only is it easy to lug around, the 80-inch screen comes mounted on a stand, meaning you can set it up anywhere! The triangle base to the screen makes it much more stable, so slight breezes shouldn't send your screen toppling over; however, if you want to be extra safe I would suggest putting a couple of sandbags (or similarly heavy items) on the base to improve stability even more.
You can pick up the JaeilPLM 80-inch portable outdoor projection screen for $70, and if you want something a little bigger, you can get the 100-inch version for about $20 more.
Excelvan projector screen
If you want an even cheaper option that requires just a tiny bit more work to set up, you can always check out the Excelvan projector screen.
Just a simple 84-inch PVC screen, the Excelvan comes with 20 pairs of velcro strips to help you secure it to a surface. Keep in mind, depending on what you have outside, you may need to buy some additional items to hang or place the screen in an optimal location.
The big perk of having a simple screen like this is the price. You can pick up the 84-inch Excelvan projector screen for only $20. If you want to go bigger, they also sell a 100-inch and 120-inch version.
Speakers
Obviously, you're going to need some sound amplification to be able to hear the movie you're watching, and there are tons of options for you out there.
If your media device supports Bluetooth, you could always grab a great Bluetooth speaker to use for sound. Or if you have a good pair of computer speakers lying around that would connect to your media device of choice, those would also be a reliable option. Remember, you're outside, and you have neighbors; you don't need the loudest sound system in the world to be able to hear your movie.
If you don't feel like using your nice speakers outside and are looking for a budget-friendly option to use for your backyard movie adventures here's suggestion.
Logitech Z313 speaker system
Although not overly powerful, the Logitech Z313 speaker system has everything you need to pull off a backyard movie night successfully.
It's a 2.1-channel system with a dedicated subwoofer, meaning you should have warm bass tones throughout your movie. Plus, it connects through the standard 3.5mm audio jack, meaning most media devices should be able to connect to the Logitech Z313 just fine.
You can pick up the Logitech Z313 speaker system for just about $30.
A couple of last considerations
Be careful what movie you choose and remember you're in public. Keep the sound to a dull roar and respect your neighbors. You don't need to have a showing of The Revenant while blasting your 3000W speaker system at full volume. Make friends, not enemies!
Have you ever set up a backyard movie theater?
Are you an outdoor movie fanatic who already has a sweet setup? Let us know what you use to host the perfect backyard movie night in the comments below?
Updated July 2018: These are still my top tips and products for setting up your own backyard movie night!
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