HDCP playback in classrooms

To prevent unlawful copying of video as it travels through cables to devices, a standard known as HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) has been adopted by content distributors and device manufacturers.

To maintain this encrypted connection, both a digital connection and an HDCP-compliant device, like a projector or monitor, are required.

Examples of HDCP content:

• Movies downloaded or streamed through iTunes, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
• Blu-ray disc played from a Blu-ray player or laptop

At Lesley, this means that HDCP content can only be displayed in rooms that have an HDMI connection. Rooms that only have a VGA connection cannot project or display HDCP content.

All new classroom technology installations will support HDCP playback, and whenever possible we seize the opportunity to update existing classroom technology to be HDCP compliant. Please note that updating classrooms to be HDCP compliant is costly, as it requires all new wiring and the purchase of new audio/video switchers and projectors, so we appreciate your understanding that we cannot upgrade all existing classrooms immediately.

Below are the only rooms that cannot play HDCP content:

University Hall

• 2-141
• 3-087

In order to play HDCP content in one of these classrooms, you must use the HDMI cable in the room (not the VGA cable).

Some new PCs and Macs have an HDMI connection that can directly accept an HDMI cable, while other PCs and most Macs will require the use of an adapter to convert their digital audio/video output into HDMI.

You may reserve one of these adapters from our equipment reservation center at webcheckout.lesley.edu, or by stopping by our office in the Sherrill Library at 89 Brattle Street.

Please contact I.T. if you need help in determining which adapter you need.