AppleTV and HDCP error

Correct.... I got this error and first thing i did was replaced cable, and fixed...

Its not part of Apple only... its part of the cable and anything in-between (device, TV and any connections connecting the two must be HDCP complaint), if one of them isn't (like pass-though through a blue-ray or something to try and record the stream, it will fail.

If TV or cable is too old not may not support the content... Just because a cable is HDCP doesn't mean it will always play content... as the cable may not support the right spec..

if get the cable from Apple will always work.

This didn't work for me

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?

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.

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..

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

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?

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

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.

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! 😟

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

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.

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...

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.

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.