IsraelJM

Q: AppleTV and HDCP error

I must say that I am very disappointed in how Apple is handling this. The company released a software update a while ago that included the HDCP or High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection to block the copying of audio and video content as it travels through the net. Due to this update, some of us AppleTV owners may have been experiencing errors while renting, buying or home sharing content through the device. The error is as follows: "This content requires HDCP for playback. HDCP isn't supported by your HDMI connection." Thinking to resolve the problem, I went and bought so far 4 different sets of HDMI cables to include an Apple branded HDMI cable and it did not work. Well, I thought it was going to be the TV since my TV's HDMI ports could not be updated, I went and bought a brand new TV which I did make sure that the ports were HDCP compatible and to my surprise it did not worked either. I reset the device to reinstall the software and nothing happened. This past weekend, I went to the Apple Store and they said, well lets erase and reinstall everything and it should work. The guy comes back and plugged it to a Sony TV where they have their demo AppleTV and it gave him the same error again. He said lets try it one more time and when he cam back the device would not even connect to the HDMI port. I am standing there asking for a replacement, which is fare enough due to the circumstances, and let me remind you that the circumstance is that my AppleTV as well as many others got damaged due to the software update not just normal usage and even though it was out of warranty by 80 days it was not my fault that the software update damaged it. Apple all they said was you either pay for the replacement or buy a new one. I was so angry that all I wanted to do was to throw the darn thing in the trash can in front of people in the mall so they know what's going on. I have always been a firm believer of apple but some times I question their way of doing business with the customers. Now I have a damaged AppleTV at home that I cant use not because of my own fault but because of a malfunction on the update and they make it seem as my fault. So if you are having this same problem, you can try anything, you can go to the Apple store and all I have to say is good luck. Thanks Apple....

AppleTV 2, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 1, 2012 11:16 AM

Close

Q: AppleTV and HDCP error

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

first Previous Page 7 of 8 last Next
  • by Valerie Mumzii,

    Valerie Mumzii Valerie Mumzii Jun 4, 2016 11:15 PM in response to RawSydney
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jun 4, 2016 11:15 PM in response to RawSydney

    This didn't work for me  

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 5, 2016 6:49 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 5, 2016 6:49 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii

    Please describe your exact problem, and the things you have tried that didn't work.

    Identify your ATV version, see Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support

    You must use "high speed" HDMI cables. It will be printed on the connectors or on the wire itself. Try unplugging and reconnecting both ends of the cable.

    Do you have any device connected between ATV and the TV set?

  • by Valerie Mumzii,

    Valerie Mumzii Valerie Mumzii Jun 5, 2016 7:40 AM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jun 5, 2016 7:40 AM in response to Diana.McCall

    I keep getting this error message

    "This content requires HDCP for playback"

    I only have my Apple TV connected to my tv, no other device.

    I purchased my Apple TV in December 2015 and I was able to watch Netflix with no problems.

    SInce updating iTunes I have not been able to watch Netflix at all.

    I Purchased a new HDMI cable with my Apple TV.

    I have unplugged the power cord, and HDMI cords for up to 5 minutes, and it is still not working.

  • by Tech198,

    Tech198 Tech198 Jun 5, 2016 8:07 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii
    Level 1 (48 points)
    Apple Pay
    Jun 5, 2016 8:07 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii

    While you can change video resolution it won't affect this error.....  HDCP  is due to incompatible cable/device.  Apple support document even tells you this.

    Get help with audio, video, or power on Apple TV - Apple Support

     

    I know how users feel.... As someone who knows more than Apple, i always like to over-rule Apple's own suggestions/support pages... Usually I'm right, usually their right... But as someone who has got the same issue time and time again, it is a cable issue even if users think it's not...

     

    The only thing u haven't replaced with the TV. and since u can watch free to air that rules this out as well

     

    so, what else is there..

  • by Valerie Mumzii,

    Valerie Mumzii Valerie Mumzii Jun 5, 2016 8:07 AM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jun 5, 2016 8:07 AM in response to Diana.McCall

    Holding down the menu button and up button for about 5 seconds didn't work.

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 5, 2016 8:56 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 5, 2016 8:56 AM in response to Valerie Mumzii

    Please identify your Apple TV version; December 2015 is not sufficient.

    What do you mean by "updating iTunes"? Do you mean updating the ATV software?

    What is the TV make and model? How old is it?

    Did you reconnect the TV end of the HDMI cable?

    Try a different HDMI input on the TV. Does the HDMI cable go straight into a port on the TV, or do you need an adapter of some kind?

  • by csukhia,

    csukhia csukhia Jun 5, 2016 12:39 PM in response to jp96025
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 5, 2016 12:39 PM in response to jp96025

    I tried but this did not solve my problem...:(

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 5, 2016 4:09 PM in response to csukhia
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 5, 2016 4:09 PM in response to csukhia

    Hello csukhia,

    Are you just reporting, or are you looking for help?

    If you need help, please look at my replies to Valerie above, and describe your exact perblem, the equipment you're using, and what fixes you have tried. The more details you can give, the more likely I or someone else can suggest a good solution. Confirm that you are using "high speed" HDMI cables. That indicates the current standard.

  • by csukhia,

    csukhia csukhia Jun 5, 2016 4:31 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 5, 2016 4:31 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    Hi Diana,

    Yes, my HDMI cable is "High Speed".  The TV is an older (about 9 years old) Samsung TV.  I have been using this Apple TV unit with this TV for about 4 or 5 years.  The Apple TV connects to a splitter (into which we also connect a PS4 unit).  Haven't had any issues with it at all (except for until a few months ago the ATV would reboot itself every now and then while watching a show; we got used to this and don't mind it as much now).  The HDCP error started happening today. We have tried all possible combinations of HDMI cables (swapped its ends as suggested in other posts above, powered the TV off, changed the Time Zone to Set Automatically...all to no avail).  We even tried connecting HDMI directly from ATV to TV (bypassing splitter) but in vain.  The HDCP error arises for any content we are trying to watch - whether its an iTunes purchased movie ("Deadpool") or a Netflix TV show.  Sometimes the error occurs instantly, sometimes the movie starts / begins to show for a couple of seconds and then stalls with HDCP error. Please help!

  • by Valerie Mumzii,

    Valerie Mumzii Valerie Mumzii Jun 5, 2016 8:12 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jun 5, 2016 8:12 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    HI Diana

    I am happy to let you know that I have my Apple TV up and running again.

    I had a brand new High speed HDMI cable still packed away in its original packaging.

    I swapped them over and it started working.

    Thank you so much for your help and support.      

    Keep up the great work      

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 6, 2016 8:14 AM in response to csukhia
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 6, 2016 8:14 AM in response to csukhia

    Hello csukhia,

    What is the version of your ATV, see Identify your Apple TV model - Apple Support.

    And what is the make and model of the TV?

    Please try connecting ATV direct to the TV, and power cycle it (disconnect for at least 30 seconds) before trying to play something.

    If that fails, try a different TV input, try a new cable. Note that the leads in the cable used for HDCP are not used for anything else (video, CEC) so a cable can "work" but not handle HDCP.

    If you are able to get direct connection working, then the problem is with the splitter. Please give the make and model.

  • by csukhia,

    csukhia csukhia Jun 6, 2016 2:25 PM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 6, 2016 2:25 PM in response to Diana.McCall

    Hi, we have a 2nd Generation Apple TV Model A1378.

    Our TV is a Samsung TV Model number LE32R73BD A; Model Code: LE32R73BDX/XEU.

    We tried connecting the ATV direct to the TV (bypassing the splitter), after turning the TV and ATV off and then back on - but it still didn't work.

    I guess we are now left with trying a new HDMI cable...

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 7, 2016 10:04 AM in response to csukhia
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 7, 2016 10:04 AM in response to csukhia

    I checked the manual for your TV. Nowhere does it mention HDCP or the HDMI version it supports. This does not look very promising. It looks as if ATV wasn't checking as throughly as it should and has now tightened up. You could try setting the ATV video resolution to 720p, which might make a difference. This http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Archived-Discussions/Display-does-not-support-HDCP/t d-p/1250398 suggests that there might be an update to fix it. You should check for a firmware upgrade for your set. But it may be difficult, since HDCP requires that the video be encrypted using keys exchanged over HDMI pins not otherwise used. If there's no update, you might be able to find an adapter box (HDCP stripper) that would make it work. Alternatively, you might want to consider a new set. You can now get a lot more performance for a reasonable price.

  • by Diana.McCall,

    Diana.McCall Diana.McCall Jun 7, 2016 10:30 AM in response to Diana.McCall
    Level 4 (2,915 points)
    Apple TV
    Jun 7, 2016 10:30 AM in response to Diana.McCall

    Oops. Let me correct that. Careful reading of page 7 of the manual says that the HDMI input does support HDCP. Or at least, it did at some point in time. Your experience seems to contradict that statement as it applies to your particular model.

  • by royfromwhitsett,

    royfromwhitsett royfromwhitsett Sep 2, 2016 4:31 AM in response to IsraelJM
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 2, 2016 4:31 AM in response to IsraelJM

    Sept, 02, 2016

     

    Just started getting this HDMI cable error on my Apple TV (Newest). It seems that my surround sound system may be the problem. I have new HDMI cables running from my Apple TV to the surround sound and another new HDMI cable running from the surround sound to a new Samsung TV.  I took the surround sound out of the system and ran the HDMI cable directly from my Apple TV to the Samsung TV. Now I can watch iTunes, but without surround sound. My Sony surround sound system is several years old and may not conform to the new HDMI standards.

first Previous Page 7 of 8 last Next