No video is displayed yet audio can be heard

If your video player shows a solid black image while the video appears to be playing and audio can be heard, your device, monitor, browser, operating system, or projector has likely failed the DRM compatibility checks required to display the video.

This issue can also be exhibited if you try and share the video playback over a Web Conferencing tool such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.  In this situation, the host will see video and hear sound, however meeting attendees will only hear sound and will not see video.  See our guide on how to share videos in online classes for recommendations on how to share videos in online classes.

Screenshot of how this issue may appear

Recommended troubleshooting steps

1. Try using a different web browser, such as Chrome or Edge.  Safari is most commonly affected by this issue — avoid using it for video playback unless you are using Apple TV.
2. Ensure that the external device (monitor or projector) you're attempting to play on supports High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).
3. Check that your operating system has not granted your browser permission to perform screen recording. On macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and remove your browser if it appears there.

Monitors

If you are using an unsupported monitor, try the following:

• If using a laptop with an external monitor, disconnect the external monitor or switch to an HDCP compliant cable and monitor.
• If using a desktop, ensure that:
  • your cable is either HDMI or DVI
  • your monitor is HDCP compliant (analog cords, such as VGA, are not HDCP compliant.)
  • the output resolution is at least 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • you disconnect any other devices (e.g. additional monitors or video outputs)

Projectors

• Ensure the source device is connected to the projector using a digital connection either HDMI or DVI cables
• Ensure the output video resolution is at least 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Ensure the screen is mirrored (rather than being set to use the video output as an additional desktop/extended)
• Disconnect any other devices (e.g. additional monitors or video outputs)
• Try swapping the HDMI or DVI cable in case it is faulty

Projectors that support HDCP will usually have a tag or sticker confirming compliance. Note that some manufacturers label packaging as 'HDMI Compliant' rather than 'HDCP Compliant' — these are not the same thing. Verify that your projector specifically states HDCP support.

An error may occur on your device if it is not compliant.