Apple Laptops Block Echo360 Recording of Digital Content via HDMI and USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 

Due to integrated digital copyright protections, Echo360 cannot record the signal transmitted through an Apple laptop's HDMI port (MacBook Pro with Retina Display, 2012 and later) or USB-C//Thunderbolt 3 port (2015 MacBook and later) in Echo360-equipped classrooms outside of the Integrative Learning Center (ILC). This issue does not affect Windows laptops or Apple computers used inside the ILC.

If you are using Echo360 classroom capture outside of the ILC and connecting your Apple laptop to the A/V sysetm via HDMI or USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, you can tell if your computer is blocking Echo360 from receiving a signal if you see a green screen instead of the laptop's content (e.g., slides) on your processed Echo360 recording (See image below).

 

 

 

(Blocked Signal from Apple Laptop)

(Room Video)

 

 

 

Use an Adapter

If you have an Apple laptop with an HDMI port (MacBook Pro with Retina Display, 2012 and later) or USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port (2015 MacBook and later), and you are outside of the ILC, you must connect your Mac to the classroom's A/V system using an adapter:

• MiniDisplay port to VGA adapter for MacBook Pro with Retina Display (2012 and later).
• USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 to VGA adapter for Apple laptops with a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port, including 2015 MacBooks and late 2016 MacBook Pro.

Adapters can be purchased from the UMass Amherst Campus Store, Apple, and other retailers (e.g., Amazon).

Get Help

If you need help figuring out what adapter you need to connect your Apple laptop to a particular Echo360 classroom, or training on how to use the A/V system for your classroom, contact UMass Amherst IT Classroom Technology Services to schedule an appointment: Mon - Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 413-545-5765 or cts@it.umass.edu.