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HDCP Problems

PostPosted: Fri May 10, 2013 9:17 pm
by 0011
I've posted this comment on someone else's thread, but I just wanted to start a thread of my own because this is an important issue for me and I'd be grateful for someone knew of a work around that didn't involve sending too much more money.

I'm running a Samsung Series 5 Laptop out of HDMI output into an 'HDMI - SDI Mini converter' running down SDI to an 'HDLink DVI Pro' converting back to HDMI and jumping into a Sony Bravia TV and getting no picture. The screen is acknowledging a 1080p signal but not outputting the image.

When I test the exact same system with a MacBook Pro, mini display to DVI/HDMI it works just fine. But when tested with a PS3 again no image.

This confirms, to me, that this can only really be an HDCP issue, can't it?!?

Of course, I've bypassed all of BMD kit and have had no problems at all. But the only reason I bought this kit was to run the HD signal from the Series 5 laptop, down SDI. Meaning the one thing that I have bought all of this kit for has resulted in a waste of money. (Sad face)

Also, is HDCP support a firmware thing? Can it be written out if the developers where so inclined? And does anybody know if there is a way of stopping my laptop from requesting HDCP protocols?

Thanks.

Re: HDCP Problems

PostPosted: Sat May 11, 2013 12:44 am
by Chad
Laptops usually do not output an HDCP protected video signal unless instructed to by playback software (like a PowerDVD, Windows Media player, or Netflix, etc.). That usually means the problem is your computer is not outputing at a compatible resolution/colorspace. The HDMI to SDI mini converter only accepts "video" resolutions and not "computer" resolutions, and while some graphics cards are able to output a "video" resolution some are not. Specifically, you need to output 1280x720 59hz YUV color, or 1920x1080 59hz interlaced YUV color.

For other non-computer devices like your PS3 that encrypt their signal using HDCP to prevent copying, as you suspected they will not work. HDCP compatibiliy requires purchasing a decryption key from the organization that created the HDMI standard, and they expressly refuse to issue any keys to manufacturers that alter the signal in any way (such as changing the signal from HDMI to any other format like SDI).

Re: HDCP Problems

PostPosted: Sat May 11, 2013 8:21 am
by 0011
Thanks Chad - That's good news, as yesterday I was only testing the equipment with the components that I mentioned, however, normally the laptop would be processed though a Switcher / Scaler, with variable output rates before being sent to the HDMI to SDI Mini Converter, so that problem could be resolved there.

Presumably, if I'd bought a DVI extender instead then this issue would never have arisen, am I right?

Re: HDCP Problems

PostPosted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:52 am
by fordry
not necessarily, about the dvi extenders. Kinda depends on the extender i guess but i believe most just send the signal they are given, nothing is changed.

You should check into the refresh rate, as already stated, it should be on the 59hz setting, not 60 which the laptop will probably default to. If this is Windows, the advanced display settings -> monitor tab will have all the refresh rates the card/driver allows you to use. I am not sure how you manage this on other operating systems.

You need to get used to the fact that the ATEMs are extremely picky about signals matching their settings exactly. You should take the time to get a good grasp of how it all works.

Re: HDCP Problems

PostPosted: Mon May 13, 2013 9:57 pm
by evilb66
I have a kramer 435 scaler, which has hdmi to hdmi upscaling as one of it's functions.
It won't accept the hdmi in from my MBP laptop. it just gives snow.
but if i set the MBP to output 1080i50 I can plug it straight into the TVS and get a picture.

So it seems to be freaking out the HDCP on the kramer but not the TVS.

The same kramer has no problems with the HDMI out from my Windows Laptop.

Then of course you have the colourspace problems when doing the HDMI to SDI conversion. You aren't going to know until you buy your scaler/converter what colourspace it outputs (because it is never in the tech specs) but it is probably RGB
as I have already discovered you can't use a Hyperdeck shuttle for this (yet) so be sure to buy a HDMI to SDI converter that will work.