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Requirements to playback CableCARD DRM-restricted channels in the HDHomeRun app

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US cable companies using CableCARD may mark some or all channels as requiring a protected path to the TV or monitor. Channels that are copy protected by the cable provider (indicated by the DRM mark) can only be accessed by hardware/software that supports industry-approved protection.

This page only applies to CableCARD DRM on the HDHomeRun PRIME.

Xbox One

Protected channels can be viewed on Xbox One consoles if the following requirements are met:

  • TV or monitor with HDCP support connected. Generally all TVs and monitors with HDMI inputs support HDCP.
  • Protected channels will not play if an HDMI capture device is attached.

Windows 10 PCs (Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, HDMI-sticks, etc)

Protected channels can be viewed on Windows 10 systems if the following requirements are met:

  • Windows 10 with the Creators Update or newer (Build 14946 or newer).
  • Microsoft MPEG2 Video Extension installed. The HDHomeRun app will prompt to install.
  • System uses UEFI boot or has a TPM. Most modern systems use UEFI boot and meet this requirement.
  • For computers that do not have a built in screen at least one digitally connected screen is required.
  • All digitally connected screens (HDMI, DVI. DisplayPort) must support HDCP. Generally all TVs and monitors with HDMI inputs support HDCP.
  • A secondary VGA-connected screen will work as long as the computer also has a digitally connected screen that supports HDCP.
  • Protected channels will not play over Remote Desktop, Team Viewer, or similar screen sharing apps.
  • Protected channels will not play over a VPN connection.
  • Protected channels will not play in a Virtual Machine.

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

Protected channels can be viewed on iPhone and iPad devices.

  • Protected channels will not play if an external screen is attached.
  • Protected channels will not play over AirPlay or similar screen sharing apps.

Android / Android TV

Protected channels can be viewed on Android devices that meet the following requirements:

  • The Android device must be Play Protect certified: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7165974?hl=en
  • Location permission must be granted to the HDHomeRun app in the Android settings.
    1. Go into your main app view (the “App Drawer” that shows all installed apps)
    2. Go to the HDHomeRun app icon and press-and-hold until a menu pops open
    3. Select the option for “Info”
    4. Scroll down and select “Permissions”
    5. Make sure that the permissions for “Location” is turned on (the slider icon should be blue). Note that the HDHomeRun app does not actually need or use your specific location, but this setting is needed for the HDHomeRun app to see if secure wifi is being used or not.
  • Wifi must be turned on even if it is not being used, and the device is connecting through a wired ethernet connection, due to how Android handles location data.
  • If an external screen is attached it must support HDCP.
  • Protected channels will not play over screen sharing apps.

FireTV devices are not Play Protect certified and cannot be used to play protected channels.

Other platforms

Outside of the official HDHomeRun app, this includes running Windows Media Center, a media center extender linked to such a PC, some Samsung smart TVs, or a Playstation 3. Other hardware/software that does not support protection (including most DLNA device, VLC, Plex, etc.) can only access the unprotected channels.

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