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Requirements to playback DRM-restricted channels in the HDHomeRun app

US cable companies may mark some or all channels as requiring a protected path to the TV or monitor. This section documents the current state of support and the additional system requirements needed to play protected channels.

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.

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

  • Windows 10 Creators Edition 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.
  • Only protected channels using h264 video encoding can be viewed on Windows Phone at this time. Most cable channels use MPEG2 video encoding and these channels will not play if protection is required.

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.

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
  • If connecting over Wifi the location permission must be granted.
  • 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.

  • Last modified: 2019/06/15 22:07