Enable HDCP protected content playback on macOS (iTunes)
Hi,
I had to downgrade to Sierra 10.12.6 because of the multi-monitor incompatibility of Displaylink 10.13.4. I need my multi monitor setup. But the truth is that Displaylink 4.1, which is compatible with Sierra 10.12.6, deactivate iTunes movies. Here is the message:
The selected display won't play on one of your connected displays
This movie can be played only on displays that support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). Try moving the iTunes window to a different display. Make sure the entire window is on the supported display.
When I remove Displaylink from OSX 10.1206, iTunes movie start to plays back. In short, Displaylink make the my iMac see it's own screen as an external monitor which is totally ridiculous from an programmer standpoint. This is not mention into know problems between Displaylink and Sierra 10.12.6. I manage to sent an email to the company without any respond. They probably did not liked the way I express myself, but I was piss.
Anyhow, anybody who can't see a movie and need multi monitor : downgrade to Sierra 10.12.6 and install Displaylink 4.1. Uninstalled it when you really want to watch a movie. Reinstalled 4,1 when you really need your multi monitor. Since I cannot upgrade in between 10.12.6 and 10.13.4 there is no way if an update between those versions would had fix this ridiculous problem. At least now, I can do My job and enjoy a movie on Saturday night by going through this annoying procedure.
Thanks

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BrentBoyle commented
Any update? The message suggests that the instance won't accept any action requests until it's re-enabled. I was feeling overwhelmed with tight deadlines and tough assignments, then my friend advised me to go to https://ukwritings.com/do-my-assignment solution to do assignment for me. They offer professional services that guarantee top-quality work delivered on time. Take the stress out of looming deadlines and let the experts handle your assignments with skill and precision. It's a game-changer for anyone who needs help with their academic workload.
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mustafa kemal tuna commented
@jeremy saved my next day. I already spent a day:( Thank you so much
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Mike Spadafora commented
@jeremy krans solution worked perfectly for me! Thanks dude!
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mb commented
This is incredibly limiting. The driver causes my Mac to treat my additional monitors as if i am sharing my screen, which in addition to disabling any sort of streaming service content, prevents me from unlocking with my watch. I don't understand why this hasn't been fixed?
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jeremy krans commented
After trying everything, this solved it for me:
In chrome > Click the three dots at the top right > Settings > Advance > System >Where you see “Use hardware acceleration when available “ > DISABLE
Restart chrome > Video should play. Hope this helps.
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Martin Õunap commented
Still no update..... problem from 2018 year and no solution. It makse me sad and only reason why I am thinking switching to Windows.
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Bo Starke commented
I cannot believe I have to run a fucking Windows 11 VM to watch video (netflix, prime, YT TV, etc.) with multiple monitors on a Mac (M1 Monterrey). I spent many hours trying to make this work on Mac natively, but it seems a Windows VM (and actually only in the Edge browser, not Chrome) is my solution to this problem. Glad the 3 4k monitors i'm using displaylink for can actually be used to watch video now. Thank you @Zach Beggs
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Dionne Lie commented
What is even the point of having multiple screens if it won't play HDCP/DRM content??
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Falko Greiß commented
Still no solution yet.... whats going on???
I cant study my content on udemy, i cant watch netflix or prime video, because your Software doesnt work!
And that for more then 2 years! -
Tero Tiainen commented
This also affects every streaming platform that uses DRM and requires HDCP-compliant monitors.
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Philip Hamm commented
I just set up my wife's office with a WAVLINK USB 3 DisplayLink docking station and two 27" monitors. 2013 i5 based Mac Book Air. Everything works so great!!!! ....Until she wants to play Netflix or Hulu in a secondary monitor. Then - black screen. This thread is four years old. Depressing. No hint of any solution then? Guess I should have gotten her a smart TV instead of a second monitor. Who knew?
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Anonymous commented
Another workaround - install Android Emulator with Google Play and on it install the app you need. I'm using it to play Udemy videos on one screen and work on the other screen without having the black screen issue.
Not sure how it would work for 4K content through Netflix / HBO Max apps though. -
Zach Beggs commented
Hi all, I found an actual workaround that does not involve basically not using your displays...
Now this workaround is super lame, but it works.
Install parallels desktop, personally I installed windows 11. Running in coherence mode, it looks like a normal app. Not in a shell. But basically now I can confirm HBO Max and Netflix work, whereas before they didn't work at all. Black screen as you'd expect.
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Craig Foster commented
This seems like a no-brainer feature and a fundamental limitation of the drivers. The suggested "workaround"--disconnect DisplayLink devices--is not really a workaround at all coming from the makers of DisplayLink. Would appreciate if you fix this issue such that I can view my own DRM-protected content on an external display.
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AOS commented
I do understand how apple is not very developer friendly based on my personal experience when I was developing apps for MacOS, but at the very least it would be good if the DisplayLink team posts an update on the progress or whether this feature would ever be made available. Given that the new apple silicon based Macs have DisplayLink as the only solution for people with multi monitor setups I feel at the very least DisplayLink should clearly advertise what product people are buying so that its easier for them to make an informed decision. A KnowledgeBase article similar to the clamshell and screen rotation support explaining DisplayLink's stand on this issue would be well appreciated
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Michael Eckhoff commented
There are multiple redundant asks that are all related that only seem to split votes. Basically, screen recording, Apple Watch unlock, HDCP, etc. If these were not split up, it'd be one of the top items. I'd suggest these all get merged somehow (admin?).
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Michael Eckhoff commented
There are multiple redundant asks that are all related that only seem to split votes. Basically, screen recording, Apple Watch unlock, HDCP, etc. If these were not split up, it'd be one of the top items. I'd suggest these all get merged somehow (admin?).
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Hector Larks commented
ugh I learn this the hard way.
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AJ commented
This is total dealbreaker for me. I'm genuinely shocked this isn't advertised when buying this product. I just found this out tonight and will need to return it.
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Ádám Krakkai commented
Same problem for me.