HDCP error doesn't require new cables. Trust me.

U’re failure 2 understand and apply technology is NOT a valid reason 2 blame Apple. This is NOT ”greed” by Apple, but rather, a method 2 protect the copy rights of others. HDCP is NOT a standard set by Apple, so ur accusations R false. Many equipment manufactures R HDCP compliant, so there is NO need 2 buy a cable, or anything else from Apple. As such, U will continue 2 run into this, no matter what competitor U use.

On on the other hand, I can completely understand ur frustration about the ever changing graphical user interface (GUI) in much of today’s tech. I like 2 compare it 2 a swimming pool that is deep at one end and quite shallow at the other. It is up 2 U 2 ascertain which end is safe to make a dive from BEFORE U jump in. While some pools have clear markings along the sides, showing depth, and others have a diving board at one end, and many have both; others have none of these. It is ALWAYS up 2 the user 2 determine what U’re getting into B 4 U dive in.

Cable problem? Whatever! Here's what happens to me.

Last night I purchased Star Trek: Into Darkness. The movie plays great, crystal clear 4K goodness. There are about 11 iTunes featurettes (estimate, I didn't count them). Only 5 of them play. The other featurettes give me the following error:

"This video cannot be played. It looks like your HDMI cable or connection doesn't support HDCP, which is required to play this type of video. Try reconnecting.........." and it goes on.

Riddle me this, Apple: Why, or more importantly, how can a single cable discriminate against some content and support other content with no problems? How is this a cable issue? The logic and smarts that verifies compliance with HDCP standards is built into the TV and the Apple TV 4K device. The cable is just a means to get from A to B.

Welcome to the Apple community.

It's good to see that your problem is resolved, but don't you think your statement is rather generalised. Even in the article that you point to, it suggests that the cables may be the source of the problem in some cases.

I first got the HDCP error notice tonight and, by chance after checking the manual for Basic Remote Functions, I used the command to reset Apple TV (Hold down Menu and Down), and instantly got Apple TV functioning correctly. This seems to me to be much easier and faster than some of the other methods I have since read here online.

I had this error message with both iTunes contend and video from my iPhone 4S. I also could not get 1080p as an option in the TV Resolution menu. A new Dynex DX-AV008 DVI cable from Best Buy solved my problem.

I purchased a movie for my kids on iTunes called "The Smurfs" - it is the first time I've purchased a movie on iTunes. It was downloaded to our iPad on holiday. When I tried to play it for my kids on the HD TV with an HDMI output it would not play giving an error message something about HDCP copy protection. When we got back home the same thing happened. As they are little kids we do not allow them to use the iPad so we are not willing to show them the movie on the iPad. This is incredibly frustrating and of course my kids were very disappointed on holiday. I have Googled this problem and see it is another outrageous attempt at Apple trying to sneakily limit and solicit money from consumers in an underhanded way. I went back to iTunes to check and two things became clear:

1. On iTunes, HD download is set as the default in a tiny little button - it does not even look like a button but rather it looks like that is just telling you what the movie format is in. It certainly does not look like the other buttons such as "Details, Ratings and Reviews, Related" which are round and have a little arrow pointing to them - and they are a different colour grey.

2. There is NO mention of this HDCP thing anywhere on the page. There is no warning that this movie can only be played on certain formats or is limited to the device you are downloading it to.

I would like a refund please.

It is the last time I buy anything from the iTunes store! And I am certainly going to blog and Facebook about this. It is outrageous considering how expensive the movie download was - its far cheaper to buy the DVD on the internet! Selfish Apple strikes again...

My Apple TV Gen 3 has no problem my Apple TV Gen 2's both show the (Requires HDCP erro)

I used the command to reset Apple TV (Hold down Menu and Down), and instantly got Apple TV functioning correctly.

As always the Apple community resolve my problem!!

I am about ready to throw my Apple TV through the wall. Nothing has worked. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong? Anymore help please?

Hulu, Netflix and Youtube videos would start playing for a second or two before they would stop and we would get that HDCP error on screen. The following solved our problem.

Go to Settings -> Audio & Video -> TV Resolution

Originally was set "auto", we changed it to "720p HD - 60Hz"

I hope this works for you too.

It doesn't do any good if you cant even see you apple tv settings on screen. How would you even get to settings when the HDMI cable is recognized?

So, I don't her what they're simple fix is.

Is it to get a new TV with HDCP capability?

That's no where simple. Or cheap.