Well, looking at the Apple Discussion forum, it seems I’m not alone in having issues watching rented content via HDMI. Some people are even having the problem when using HDMI to HDMI connections.
Some have reported a further software update has been available on their Apple TV (although when you update you still show as having version 2.0 of the software) but mine didn’t show one as available.
It appears some DVI connections may well allow HDCP. I’m not sure if that is correct (hopefully someone reading this can confirm) but that would explain why one commenter on Mactropolis had no problem watching a rental with his HDMI to DVI setup.
I’ve tried a Factory Restore and reinstallation of the software but that hasn’t fixed the problem.
When I go to Settings > General > About on the Apple TV, the TV Connection states “HDMI (HDCP off)” - see picture below.
I am assuming this is my problem, with Apple TV and iTunes rentals requiring HDCP to be on.
Anyone have a suggestion or is it a matter of getting a new television?
February 16th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
John Lockwood replied to my earlier post to say that it is indeed my TV that’s the problem.
http://www.mactropolis.com/apple-tv/apple-tv-rentals-and-hdcp/#comment-584
February 17th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Good news - I’ve been playing with all the settings and multitude of connections on the back of my TV and I’ve found a component progressive connection (I had previously been using a component interlaced) and have been able to use it with 720p on the Apple TV. The picture quality is pretty much indistinguishable from the 720p or 1080i I was getting via HDMI to DVI!
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Have you tried a shorter or better shielded HDMI cable? Apple’s hardware is very intolerant in this way. Cables that work perfectly fine with a PS3, 360 or TiVo don’t necessarily work with Apple TV with HDCP turned on. I suspect a shielding issue and a massive recall avoidance.