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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

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110 replies

Nov 18, 2017 1:17 PM in response to IsraelJM

Me too! I don’t know what’s going on at Apple. Everything used to work so well and now nothing works! I missed the days when Apple was the best. Almost want to learn how to use a pc and android. At least my expectations are much lower so I won’t be continually disappointed and search for answers on why I am paying so much for everything including Apple care. I feel bad for Amazon because I have to keep returning new hdmi cords.

Jan 11, 2012 8:00 PM in response to IsraelJM

So, after troubleshooting, it appears the the problem is my TV. I'm gonna have to figure out a work-around because I'm sure as heck not buying a new TV because the studios made Apple turn on HDCP. It kills me that after 11 months of working fine, now I have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to watch Netflix again!!!

Feb 7, 2012 4:11 PM in response to IsraelJM

I have the same stupid error coming up, and it's quite a new TV.


But it's great to be able to see this is a problem, in advance (lucky me :-P )


I was about to get and use Netflix, but since it's obviously not yet capable of working with my Apple TV, I'm going to forget about that idea. I'm going to stick with Redbox, and use my DVD player!

Apr 1, 2012 10:37 PM in response to mic50

just bought the new ATV3, brand new high spec hdmi cable, newish toshiba 47in rega LCD TV and exactly the same problem.

Tried all the resets, reconnections other forums suggested but no joy. Effectively a useless box with nice photos.


I concur please fix it apple with another update, in the meantime i will use my ATV 1 which at least works and maybe the ps3 which plays bluray, funny no hdcp errors there mmm....

Apr 24, 2012 12:24 AM in response to IsraelJM

I also had exactly the same problem. I almost tried every option suggested with the exception of buying a new TV. The last solution I attempted worked: I just made all the connections (modem to MAC BOOK and modem to Apple TV 3) through ethernet (cable) rather than wireless. It worked. No more annoying HDCP warnings. I think APPLE should serously look into this problem before people spend their money on HDMI cables, modems, and TVs. The situation does important damage to APPLE's image.

Jun 19, 2012 8:35 PM in response to Ritemi

Here's how I've "FIXED" it.


Each time I want to watch the Apple TV, I "usually" have to unplug the power cord from the back of the Apple TV, then wait ~15 - 30 seconds, then plug it back in.


Restart takes abouta minute for the signal to be recognized by the TV.

Then all's set, until the next time i turn it on, then its pot luck from there.


AppleTV content, my photos streamed from an IPhone 4, content doesn't matter.


The HDMI cable "condition" is a hoax in my opinion.


When I do the update ( bought the AppleTV Gen 2, days after release ) I'll update if this has gone away.


FWIW, I got this with both the Gen 1 720 AND the Gen 2 1080 models, in different locations (states) and different TV manufacturers: Sony LCD 1080 and Panasonic Plasma 720.


Software fix from Apple I suspect.

Jul 15, 2012 7:05 AM in response to IsraelJM

Hi, I got the same error message, BUT I have FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM and FIXED this HDCP ERROR !!!


It is not the apple TV problem indeed, this problem is come up with your HDMI cable.....


I have search around the web, and finally I noticed that there are 2 different types of HTML cables !

the standard HDMI Cable, and the High-Speed HDMI Cable....


I have tested that if I use a standard HDMI cable, the apple TV will got HDCP error,

if I use the High-speed HDMI cable, the apple TV work very WELL !!


please try ! hope this can help !

AppleTV and HDCP error

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