HDCP issue - TV or video card?

[lucasbuck]

I just got a Sharp LC-70LE757 and get HDCP errors. I unplug the cable, plug it back in and it will work. I went under the Nvidia settings, I have a Geforce 8800, and did the HDCP check. Is said that there was an issue (although it wasn't specific). It registers as a DVI connection, because the 8800 doesn't have HDMI out, so I have to use an adapter. Could that be the issue?

What gets me is, it throws the error even on SD channels. Thanks for any help. We've been doing a remodel, and no TV for 7 months. Finally get everything going, and now this. If it's the card, I'll just get another.

[Crash2009]

Get it figured out yet? Which way you have it wired? I am sorta gathering that you come out of the htpc through a gt8800 dvi (which one? output 1 or output 2), then you have an adapter that converts dvi to hdmi? (does this adapter have a model number?). Then hdmi cable to the tv. Which input are you using on the tv?

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if it's port 1 or 2, it's the farthest away from the S-Vdieo (which is why I bought the card in the first place, my old tv was svideo). And you are correct, out from the 8800 from the DVI with one of those little plug in DVI to HDMI adapters (so no model number, think it came with the card), Input on the TV is HDMI one, at the top. I comes and goes, umpluging and plugging back in the hdmi fixes it for awhile.

[Crash2009]

The dvi farthest away from svideo is dvi 1.

Looks like the tv has 4 hdmi inputs. Two of them appear to have special functions. Hdmi 1 is labeled ARC and Hdmi 4 is labeled MHL. Any difference if you use Hdmi 2 or 3

[tzr916]

What version nvidia drivers are you using? I was having constant HDCP errors in WMC with v331.82 and just installed the latest v332.21 haven't seen the HDCP message once since.

[Crash2009]

See page 15 http://files.sharpusa.com/Downloads/For ... llline.pdf On the TV, use HDMI 2. That's one lower than HDMI 1 /ARC.

Here is the link for everything else http://www.sharpusa.com/CustomerSupport ... F680B4FDD}

TGB won't let me post a second link.....Strange must be a sharp problem.

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop ... ce-8800-gt

[Crash2009]

http://www.sharpusa.com/CustomerSupport ... F680B4FDD}

What ever.....copy and paste.

[lucasbuck]

Been tinkering with this for days. I updated the drivers (I was still on 311 btw). No good on either HDMI port on the TV. Also, if I hook into HDMI 2 on the tv it changes the output to 1600 x 1200 for some reason. I ran the HDCP test in the Nvidia control panel again. It still says it isn't compatible with this monitor configuration. If nobody has any ideas, and can suggest a card, I'll just go buy another one.

[LuckyDay]

Although the 8800 lists itself as an HDCP compliant card lots of older cards have issues with passing the test through HDMI when you use an adapter.

I would get a new card personally.

What is your budget and are you looking for something exclusively for HTPC or also for gaming (since that was what your first one was probably purchased for)?

[lucasbuck]

No, I don't need it for gaming. I actually purchased it for the HTPC because it had an S-Video and that' what my old TV was. Budget wise, I just want the most compliant card I can get. Seriously, a 1 month remodel that turned into 7 months. I need a break from tinkering!

BTW, since on the HDMI cord wouldn't make a difference would it? This is a 50ft. But I've got 2 50 ft ran in there, so I could check if it's the cable. I just wanted to make sure the length wasn't a problem.

[webminster]

Length can make a difference... I have a long-run 50ft and a cheap cable caused HDCP issues for me (particularly on a Sony BD player). I suspect it was too much loss on the HDCP back communication. I got good results with a better cable and an amp/splitter (a repeater is also a good choice, or a RedMere cable from Monoprice perhaps). I'd try the shorter cable if practical, just to rule it out.

[Crash2009]

BTW, since on the HDMI cord wouldn't make a difference would it? This is a 50ft. But I've got 2 50 ft ran in there, so I could check if it's the cable. I just wanted to make sure the length wasn't a problem.

I have heard that even some brands of 25 footers can cause problems. webminster aint steering you wrong. Try a shorter cable to rule it out, and look into the RedMere. RedMere has a transmitter and receiver built into the plug ends.

[lucasbuck]

I'll try that. If anyone can suggest a video card I'll try that too. I'll go ahead and order and can send it back if needed. Thanks again.

[LuckyDay]

Any of the current gen video cards should work fine. Depending on whether you want to stick with NVidia or go ATI, both of these are good for under $50:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814121641

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102933

[lucasbuck]

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to find ones with two hdmi outputs, just to future proof and have two outputs if you have any suggestions. I just keeping thinking I need to go with a more powerful card, but maybe I'm wrong.

[Crash2009]

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to find ones with two hdmi outputs, just to future proof and have two outputs if you have any suggestions. I just keeping thinking I need to go with a more powerful card, but maybe I'm wrong.

My friend built a monster truck. His favorite saying was "There's no substitution for cubic inches" I agree. Here is a list of the best http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html Click on Select a Page for lower price units

If you are interested in what others here are using, here at TGB, click on HTPC Specs under their name. For example in my Specs I am using an HD 6770. It's done everything I have asked of it. I use it for TV, of course, and also for an internal 3D BlueRay.

[LuckyDay]

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to find ones with two hdmi outputs, just to future proof and have two outputs if you have any suggestions. I just keeping thinking I need to go with a more powerful card, but maybe I'm wrong.

Anything more if you're only looking for video capabilities is sort of overkill, the high end cards are giving you more power for 3D rendering, which is generally used for games.

If you wanted to bump it up to a little better model and need two HDMI ports, I would just look for any card with two HDMI in your budget, and go for it. They'll all do what you need them to do as an HTPC video card.

Keep in mind that if you're going with a more powerful card you're going to need a power supply to be able to handle it, and you'll using more power and generating more heat (if you actually tax the card).

Something like this is a step up and may work for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814134163

[lucasbuck]

Thanks again. I've been playing with the and something must have clicked, now it passes the HDCP check. Not sure if it was switching cables or the drivers, but after one of the restarts it started working. Thanks again for the help and suggestions. I'll keep the cards in mind as I'd eventually like to get one that has 2 HDMI's out.

[jjwatmyself]

I used to have an 8800 in my HP

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/docu ... =c01175536

I had the same issue and researched at the time in great detail. The conclusion was that it was a known issue. Specifically it occurred for copy protected content with the 8800. The solution was to replace the card, which I did with a GTS 450 OC, and I couldn't be happier that I did. There are some great cards out there and they do not break the bank. It's worth thinking about.

Use this site to help you choose.

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention, to this day, I still use DVI with the new card on my 27" LG display in my office.

[Crash2009]

I had the same issue and researched at the time in great detail. The conclusion was that it was a known issue. Specifically it occurred for copy protected content with the 8800. The solution was to replace the card, which I did with a GTS 450 OC, and I couldn't be happier that I did. There are some great cards out there and they do not break the bank. It's worth thinking about.

Now that you mention it, a couple years ago Ceton reported some issues with the 8800. http://www.cetoncorp.com/support/index. ... yption-bug

That GTS 450 OC has some "nice numbers!"