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?

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written by Mike Bradbrook \\ tags: Apple TV, HDCP

A warning for those thinking of renting on Apple TV Take 2 but who only have a DVI connection on their television…

As my DLP HD TV is a few years’ old, it doesn’t have an HDMI connector. Therefore, I connect my Apple TV to my television via an HDMI to DVI connector.

When I tried watching a Standard Definition movie rented via Apple TV, I got a warning that HDCP was required, so either I had use an HDMI to HDMI connection or downgrade to a component connection.

With my particular television, the picture sharpness suffers quite a bit when using component, as I have to  downgrade in resolution from 720p to 576i to see any type of picture on the screen.

I then decided to try renting from iTunes using one of my Macs to see if I could then watch those without an HDMI to HDMI connection. Unfortunately, those rented movies also require HDCP for playback on the Apple TV.

So, I will have to make do with component video for all my Apple rental films - at least until I can afford a new HD TV!

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written by Mike Bradbrook \\ tags: Apple TV, Apple TV Rentals, HDCP