2. Why doesn't streaming video play ...

Why doesn't streaming video play correctly when using a docking station with my Mac?

Last Update: January 26th, 2023
Article ID: 1606801

Many steaming video services require HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) enabled devices from the video source all the way to the display.  We speak more to HDCP here (https://kb.plugable.com/en_US/docking-stations-and-video/381072-video-hdcp). The DisplayLink hardware and software used to enable multiple external displays with our docking stations requires enabling the "Screen Recording" permissions in macOS, this disables HDCP video playback system-wide.

The DisplayLink software isn't exactly recording the screen, as the setting's name suggests, instead it is rendering the external display and transmitting it as USB data to the docking station, however Apple does not have a security category for USB external displays and "Screen Recording" is the best fit.

This disables HDCP system-wide because there is no differentiation within macOS for the DisplayLink controlled external displays from the displays controlled by the internal graphics controller: the built-in LCD, or directly connected display(s).

Working around HDCP limitations:

Apple's Intel based Macs with Thunderbolt 3 can support up to two displays connected through a Thunderbolt 3 docking station, these displays do not require installing the DisplayLink Manager App and can be used for video playback.

  • 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with Intel processors can support up to two external displays in this configuration.
  • 15-inch/16-inch MacBook Pro systems with Intel processors and AMD graphics can support up to four external displays ( two on the docking station, and two more either connected directly to the computer or with a second Thunderbolt 3 docking station ).
  • iMac and Mac Mini systems with Thunderbolt 3 and Intel processors can support up to three total displays ( one built-in/HDMI, and two with the docking station ).

Apple Silicon (M1 and M2) based Macs support varying numbers of displays:

  • M1 and M2 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air systems, and the M1 iMac can only support a single external display with a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C single display docking station with HDCP video compatibility.  For supporting more than one external display, DisplayLink or similar technology is required and will prevent HDCP video playback.
  • M1 Mac Mini can support up to two displays, one connected to the HDMI output, the second connected to a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C single display docking station with HDCP protected video playback enabled.  For supporting more than two external displays, DisplayLink or similar technology is required and will prevent HDCP video playback.
  • M1 MacBook Pro 14-inch, or 16-inch with M1 Pro or M1 Max processors can support up to two external displays with a Thunderbolt 3 docking station, or multiple displays using direct USB-C connections, with these displays supporting HDCP video playback.

Please feel free to contact our support team at 'support@plugable.com' if you have any additional questions regarding HDCP compatibility, video playback, or multiple display support with your computer.

Applies to:

Apple Mac computers with external displays connected through:

  • Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Stations with DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology
  • Plugable USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Stations with DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology
  • Plugable USB 3.0 Graphics Adapters with DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology