wakeelle waldina ingliss
Tosha Dickason
I've seen several questions about this, but never an answer. On several streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, etc, I was getting a black screen with no video and could only hear the audio. I use Chrome, but checked Safari and was also getting the issue. I followed all of the troubleshooting steps on Netflix's website; still nothing. However, I found a fix so I wanted to share:
Unfortunately, this doesn't help my issue at all. I have been struggling with this ever since I bought a MacBook Pro. This issues happens with Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, etc. I can't rely on my Mac to stream video. I have to get my iPad Pro for that ?. I tried Safari, Chrome, and Edge and issue is the same every time. I think this is a Mac related issue rather than a browser issue. I am going to contact apple support on this and will update here.
I have been struggling with this forever and couldn't figure out why it was so intermittent. I finally figured out why on my system it was happening. I use multiple screens and will stream while I work. While working I sometimes need to create a video of my screen so I'll pause the streaming, and open up Camtasia to record my screen. If any screen recording software is open all the streaming services will only show black screen with audio. Make sure you have any software that records your screen is closed out. For me that is Snagit, Camtasia, Vidyard, ect.
I had similar problem. I have macbook2023 connected to monitors through dell d6000 universal docking station. Since dell uses DisplayLink technology.. as soon as I connect MacBook to docking station .. currently running Netflix video turns blank with audio streaming on...
I have also been struggling with this forever too. It started again this morning and thankfully found this post. I had my iPad plugged in as a monitor and it turns out this was the cause! Can't believe I'd never noticed this correlation either. Thanks for solving this mystery!
So it was a crashed background process which led to the black screen issue. The Mac even said "Your screen is being observed" at the user login. That may could happen with similar recording software / screen recordings as well.
Just talked to thew Apple Tech support and got a resolution. This is happening due to an interference from one of the "Login items" load during the startup and running in the background. In my case, it was the DisplayLink drive I have installed to support multiple monitors. When I disable the DisplayLink, the issue was resolved immediately. If you don't use DisplayLink, you can troubleshoot the issue by starting Mac in the Safe Mode. Please follow steps below.
Please stream videos in the SafeMode and see if the issue exists. If you can watch videos in the Safe Mode, then issues is with one of the login items and/or extension you have installed. Please restart the Mac. After that, start disabling login items one-by-one to find the defective item.
oh man, but this doesn't help much if you don't use chrome at all and you are still getting the black screen. this is such a puzzle and I am really really surprised no one has found causes and fixes for this yet. like its happening at least twice a month for me now on any streaming that isn't Netflix and I ONLY use safari.(but I still checked the others and they all have same prob too) I have done so much troubleshooting, restarting, turning off any ad blockers and pop up blockers, clearing cache (pain the the rear too that one), and logging in and out of everything all the way to restarting the internet and computer for a full restart cycle. I just wanted to watch some wheel of time on my day off. surely, someone out there knows why this is happening? (MacBook Pro with M1 and Ventura)
Same issue. Was able to make the changes in Chrome and am able to have both sound and video when screen mirroring to TV. Still black screen when trying to screen mirror movie purchased from Apple TV from Mac to TV. Works perfectly when using iPad. Odd.
Was trying to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring The Matrix on Max.com and filter it via ClearPlay but the video was not showing up only the audio... Tried updating/upgrading chrome, ClearPlay extension and nothing... Came across this amazing apple community post and BAM... was able to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring with video and audio... Thanks for taking the time to post.
THANK YOU for this comment!!!! This is what solved my problem! I checked all my apps that records screens and they were not running. I have been trying to figure this one out for so long. Why on earth does iPad sidecar cause this? That is so crazy!
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While Netflix is often hailed as the king of streaming services, it's also known for frequently raising its prices -- and this year, it even started cracking down on password sharing. If the streaming conglomerate has finally priced you out as a subscriber, there are plenty of other options out there for watching TV shows and movies.
Combined with the fact that the company is now charging its account holders $7.99 for each additional user, customers are looking for alternatives. In addition, you might want to leave Netflix if you've become frustrated with its ever-changing titles and what is added/removed from the platform monthly.
There is more to the streaming world than Netflix: In fact, there are more than 200 streaming services available today. Our top alternative is Hulu, but we've rounded up the best streaming service alternatives that include live TV, unique originals, binge-worthy shows, and more for you to keep on streaming.
For more than half of the price of a monthly Netflix subscription, you can watch a wide array of TV shows and movies on Hulu for just $7.99 per month. The platform has original content like The Handmaid's Tale, How I Met Your Father, Dollface, and more, along with classic and popular movies.
However, two out of four of Hulu's subscription tiers still have ads. Also, its base subscription only supports one streamer at a time, so you can't share your account with friends or family as you can with Netflix.
Amazon Prime Video has original series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. What's great about this specific platform is that you can buy/rent movies/TV series a la carte, so if you're looking for something specific, it may be worth it.
While Amazon Prime is a decent Netflix alternative, it lacks the large number of original series and movies that Netflix offers. Also, even with your subscription, you still must buy/rent certain titles, making the overall cost go up.
To watch some of the most buzzworthy shows, you'll need Max (formally known as HBO Max). The streaming service costs $9.99 per month with ads and $15.99 per month for an ad-free experience and streaming in 4K UHD. The good news is that if you already have an HBO subscription, Max comes free.
Max is home to popular series like The Last of Us, Euphoria, Succession, The White Lotus, and more. You can also watch recently released movies from the past six months if you couldn't catch them in theaters.
Its higher tier no-ad subscription will cost you almost as much as Netflix. Also, keep in mind that with the Warner Brothers/Discovery merger, some content like Westworld, Raised by Wolves, and The Nevers, has been removed, and you're likely to see some more fluctuation with the content.
While you may think Apple TV+ is only compatible with Apple devices, the platform actually works on gaming consoles, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, Smart TVs, and, of course, on Apple TV and other Apple devices.
However, episodes on Apple TV+ roll out weekly instead of all together, making it hard to binge-watch a really good show. Also, there is currently no Apple TV+ app available for Android devices or PC users.
NBC's streaming service offers two tiers: a premium subscription at $5.99 that has limited ads but also live sports and events, and a plus tier that is $11.99 and has zero ads and allows you to download and watch select titles offline.
On Peacock, you can watch original series like Bel-Air, Dr. Death, Girls5Eva, and Wolf Like Me, as well as cult classics like The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, the Harry Potter collection, and more. There's also live TV and sports you can tune into including WWE and soccer. Peacock also offers exclusive 24-hour coverage of every Olympics, including the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Of course, the downside here is that Peacock still has ads, and it recently got rid of its free tier. Some of the content is paywalled. Also, there is no 4K streaming option, so the quality could be better.
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