How to Ensure your Screening Goes Smoothly with HDCP-Compliant Equipment

Confirm your equipment is HDCP-compliant for smooth Film playback using Artinii Cinema Player.

What is HDCP? 

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a form of digital copy protection developed by Intel. It’s designed to prevent unauthorized copying of digital audio and video as it travels across connections like HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI.

If any part of your playback setup—like your computer, cables, or display—doesn’t support HDCP, you may experience black screens, error messages, or degraded playback when trying to play your Film download. 

Checking for HDCP compliance is critical when using Artinii Cinema Player (ACP).

How do I make sure my screening equipment is HDCP compliant?

Since every link in the chain between the Artinii Cinema Player and your projection/TV screen must be compliant, we'll break down how you can confirm that each component meets HDCP standards. 

Source  → Cables/Adapters → Display

1. Source

Check your laptop or other device onto which you will download Artinii Cinema Player for Film playback. The process to test for HDCP compliance is a bit different between Mac and Windows:

Windows 

• Intel: Right-click desktop → Intel Graphics Settings → Display → Check HDCP status (or use Intel HDCP Tool).

• NVIDIA: Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Display → “View HDCP Status.”

• AMD: Open Radeon Settings → Display tab → Check HDCP link status.

MacOS

MacOS doesn’t show HDCP status directly. To test:

• Try playing protected content (e.g., from iTunes or Apple TV+). Move the playback window onto your external display or projector to verify playback.

• All modern Macs (from ~2010 onward) support HDCP on built-in and external displays via Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or USB-C—if the full chain is compliant (Mac → Adapter → Cable → Display).

Media Player

Check the specifications of your selected media player for HDCP compliance. 

2. Cables/Adapters

Cables

• HDMI - Ensure you are using HDMI cables labeled as “HDCP-compliant” or
  “High-Speed HDMI.”
• DisplayPort cable - Make sure you use a DisplayPort 1.2 or later and that it's rated for HDCP. 

Adapters

• Only use active adapters for your screening.
• Any adapters, such as USB-C -> HDMI, for example, must be labeled as "HDCP-compliant," "HDCP pass-through," or similar. 
• It's recommended to use only trusted brands over generic adapters. 

3. Display

• Confirm HDCP support via the product page or manual.

• Visit the manufacturer’s website or user manual. Look for terms like “HDCP 1.4” or “HDCP 2.2.”

• Many modern projectors and displays support HDCP 2.2, but older models may not.

Test playback directly within the Artinii Cinema Player

The process to test for HDCP compliance directly within the Artinii Cinema Player is a bit different between Mac and Windows:

Windows 

Artinii Cinema Player has a built-in tool to verify HDCP functionality:

1. Connect and power on all equipment (e.g., projector, external display).

2. Open Artinii Cinema Player.

3. From the main menu, select "HDCP Status & Info."

4. A status screen will appear:

   • ✅ Green text: “HDCP is working” – your setup is ready.

   • ❌ Red text: “HDCP is NOT working” – you’ll need to troubleshoot your equipment.

5. Next, you can text playback itself by playing a few minutes of either your Film or a test Film.
   1. You can play up to 59% of your Film before your license expires. 
   2. You can also choose Test order/delivery from the left-side main menu and "Place a test order." Once your test Film populates in your library, you can download it to test playback. 
   3. Move the playback window onto your external display or projector to verify playback.
   4. If the Film plays without issues, your setup is HDCP-compliant and ready for your screening.

MacOS

Open Artinii Cinema Player and set up your screening equipment exactly as it will be used during your event. This includes using the same source device, cables/adapters, and display hardware.

1. Launch Artinii Cinema Player.

2. Click “Play Film.” - you can play up to 59% of your Film before your license expires. 

3. Move the playback window onto your external display or projector to verify playback.

If the Film plays without issues, your setup is HDCP-compliant and ready for your screening.