High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) can cause errors when playing HD movies. It requires HDCP-compliant displays and graphics cards. If you see an HDCP error, your hardware might be incompatible. Updating your graphics drivers often fixes this. Modern HD movies use HDCP to prevent piracy. Check your manufacturer’s specs for compatibility. Sometimes, using a different display helps.
If HDCP troubleshooting fails, download the standard-definition (SD) version. While SD lacks HD’s detail, it bypasses HDCP issues. You can often choose between HD and SD when downloading.
To download SD versions of past iTunes purchases, go to “Purchased” in the iTunes Store. Filter by Movies or TV Shows and uncheck “Download HD When Available” before downloading. This saves bandwidth and ensures you get the SD version.
Check your internet speed and storage space before downloading movies. A fast connection and enough space ensure smooth downloads.