What is HDCP error? How can it be fixed?

If you see an HDCP error message on your TV or monitor, it could completely prevent you from viewing the content. However, this problem can be fixed using a few different methods, so read on to learn what the HDCP error means and how you can fix the HDCP error on your device.

What is HDCP?

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Before discussing HDCP errors, you should know what HDCP is. High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a protocol used to prevent people from viewing pirated content on HDTVs and display screens. Released by Intel at the turn of the century, HDCP supports content producers as they release paid content. It is also a form of digital rights management (DRM), focused on regulating access to content.

Piracy is quite common these days, especially among people who don't want to pay monthly fees for streaming or television services. While one can watch pirated content on illegal websites, it is also possible to record content on the device and then watch it later at your convenience without having to pay to do so. so.

HDCP-compliant devices block this by determining whether the display device being used is correctly authorized to view the content it is trying to stream. This technology encrypts the signal of a piece of content to prevent it from being written to another device. This doesn't always happen because creators don't always use HDCP after releasing content. Consider YouTube, for example. The majority of videos on the platform are free for everyone to watch, so HDCP is not required.

However, most major production companies use HDCP to protect their content, including Sony, Warner Bros, and Disney, so this is irrelevant.

Because a wired connection is needed to capture content from one device to another, HDCP comes into play in communication cables. HDMI cables often use HDCP, but it doesn't stop there. DVI and DisplayPort connections also use this anti-piracy protocol to protect content.

The latest version of HDCP was released in 2018 and is called version 2.3.

What is HDCP error?

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HDCP errors can appear across platforms and devices, including RokuTV, AppleTV, Chromecast, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as Prime Video. Getting an HDCP error doesn't necessarily mean you're watching pirated content. In fact, HDCP errors often occur when you harmlessly view content that you are authorized to view.

HDCP errors can often appear as one of the following messages:

1. "HDCP Error Detected"
2. "HDCP ERROR"
3. "ERROR: NON-HDCP OUTPUT"

If you receive one of these messages on your screen, there could be many reasons.

1. Using a cable that is not HDCP compatible

Although most HDMI cables are certified HDCP compliant, this is not the case in all cases. If you buy an unbranded HDMI cable, it may not be HDCP compliant, which can easily lead to HDCP errors on your HDTV or monitor. The same goes for DVI and DisplayPort cables that are not HDCP compatible; Without this recognition, you will likely encounter HDCP problems.

2. Using an outdated TV or monitor

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The two latest versions of HDCP were released in 2018. If you are using an HDTV released before 2018, you may frequently encounter HDCP errors simply due to incompatibility. Remember, just because your display device has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI port doesn't mean it's compatible with new versions of HDCP.

3. HDMI handshake problem

HDMI handshake occurs when your HDMI cable connects and identifies another device. If the handshake process goes wrong, you may encounter an HDCP error. This usually happens if your HDMI cable or port is damaged. In this case, you need to replace the HDMI cable or check if the damaged port has been repaired.

How to fix HDCP error

There are a few things you can try to fix the HDCP error.

1. Check the cable connection or switch port

Sometimes, HDCP errors occur due to loose cable connections. Before doing anything else, make sure your HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort cable is securely connected at both ends.

If your display device has multiple ports for the media cable you have chosen, consider switching from one port to another. One of your ports may be down, which could be causing the HDCP error you are experiencing.

2. Restart the device

Turning it off and on quickly is often the fix for many technical problems and can help fix HDCP errors. Quickly reboot your TV or monitor and you can get rid of that annoying HDCP error forever.

3. Buy a new media cable

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If your media cable is damaged or incompatible with HDCP, it's best to buy a new cable, be it HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort. A new media cable is usually not very expensive, even if it is from a famous brand.

Just make sure the cable you buy is compatible with the ports on your display device and above all is HDCP compliant. TipsMake has a guide to the best HDMI cables if you want help finding a replacement cable.

4. Use HDMI Splitter

HDMI Splitter (not to be confused with HDMI switch) is used to feed a single HDMI source to two or more output displays.

The great thing about these nifty devices is that many of them can bypass the HDCP layer, meaning no signal encryption and content blocking occurs.

HDMI Splitter is very affordable and can provide a cheaper way to fix HDCP errors than buying a new display device altogether. However, it is important to check if the hub you are planning to buy can bypass HDCP requests so that you do not encounter the same problem after connecting it to your device.

5. Buy a new HDTV or monitor

Unfortunately, your HDCP error may be caused by an outdated display device. If you have exhausted all other options and confirmed that your monitor or HDTV was manufactured before the release of a new version of HDCP, then hardware replacement is probably the last resort. But if you're still unsure, you can head to your local tech support store to talk to an expert.

Jessica Tanner

Update 10 November 2023