Connect a cable box to an iMac computer

I wish to connect a cable box with an HDMI output to an Apple iMac 27" computer so that the TV images and sound can be seen and heard on the iMac computer. The Apple iMac 27" computer has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and USB 3 ports (compatible with USB 2). Is there a Blackmagic product that can do this?

Also can I connect a cable box with an HDMI output to a Windows PC using a Thundebolt 3, a USB 3.0 or a USB Type A connection so that the TV images and sound can be seen and heard on the Windows PC. Is there a Blackmagic product that can do this?


Stephen Richmond

Were you able to figure this out? I have an HDMI cable running from a Verizon FIOS box to my UltraStudio Mini Recorder, which is then connected via Thunderbolt to my iMac. I don't pick up a signal using either their software of Quicktime. (nb - I've been able to connect via coaxial cable and an Elgato device).

Cable box will have HDCP on the output, so this won't work.

only when you have RGB in and out on any device, you are fine, they never put protection on that.
Elswhere in this forum i also read that putting a TBC between the source could strip out the protection, although i believe this is mostly when Macrovision is in play, and you might loose sound in this case, which you should connect from another output, you might get also a lipp sync problem from this, which you should be able to correct, if there's an option for this.