HDMI/DVI port Blocked

[Vengador_69]

Good morning people.
First, I want to thank you for having this forum. I have learned a ton of information, but after spending nearly 3 hrs, I cannot find a solution to my problem.

Equipment: Tatung 42" Plasma display, Model P42HSMT-U01 (couldnt afford the best brands), a Scientific Atlanta 4200HD STB, and a Sony DVD home theatre System DAV-DZ100. All aquired in Nov 2005, Cablevision is cable provider.

Here is how they are connected: STB to Plasma through DVI, DVD to Plasma through Component. Everything worked beautifully, awesome sound, crystal clear image, no complaints.

This past weekend, though, I cannot use the DVI port. I get a message saying "Copy Protection; The HDMI, DVI output is blocked". If i exit that, i get Standard Def tv. I know my plasma is HDCP compliant, (DVI worked for a year); checked all settings, re-plugged everything; contacted cable provider and, as many in here, said they are not responsible since I should connect through component anyway. Contacted TV manufacturer and they have no knowledge of such problem. Back to square one, replaced the cable box, but still same problem. Replaced DVI cable, but still same problem. Running out of ideas. I'd like to keep everything digital, and I could connect the STB to the display though component, but I am one to believe things shouldnt stop working just because. Plus I only have one component in my TV.

Anybody out there can help me out? Thinking about calling a technician, but I am afraid I will get the same answers. Why would something stop working just like that? It gets me so upset.

Any help would be greately appreciated.

PS. Notice there is no DVR in this equation.

[Ratman]

Unplug the TV and the cable box from the wall (power). Power up the TV first, then the cable box.

[57U]

Also, see the HDTV FAQs "things to check first" and "DVI/HDMI Information (near the bottom). Unplug and replug the cables a few times to ensure you have a good mechanical/electrical connection.

Good Luck. If you can't find a solution, use component video cables and a switch box, or an upconverting player that can use the digital video.

[Vengador_69]

Hello Ratman, thank you for answering. I tried that this morning, after calling Cablevision one more time but got nowhere. I guess my first question would be: is this a common problem? I have researched this issue, but there is not much info about it out there. Also, why would a device just stop working, would it be a 'bullet' sent from the cable provider? In your oppinion, would upgrading to a different cable box (one that has the HDMI output) be an alternative? Lastly, who do think is the culprit: the Plasma, the cable box, the DVI output, the DVI cable, all of them? Who could I call/contact? One of those technicians who claim to be the "Home theatre solution expert"? The Plasma manufacturer (again), the cable provider (again), or should I just give up?

Lastly, I read somewhere to try a different plug/circuit on the house. Would that have anything to do at all in this problem?

Thank you.

[Ratman]

Is it a commom problem? Well, that depends because the only ones that come to the forums are those with problems. Those that don't have problems we don't know about. ;)

I've read quite a few posts where HDMI/DVI stopped working. In some cases, it turned out to be a firmware upgrade to the cable box that caused problems. This could be your issue also since the interface has been operational for some time. A new/different cable box may resolve the issue.

New power/electrical circuit has nothing to do with your HDCP problem(s).

[Vengador_69]

Thank you, Ratman--Indeed, the ones who don't have problems wont show up. I am going to a Cablevision store today and try to switch the box. I am convinced it was an 'upgrade' to the STB that 'enabled' HDCP.

I'll post any results i get.

[Crazybob]

Good luck at getting it resolved. I know with my Motorola STB if I don't let the HDTV boot up all way after the on screen logo & turn on the STB it will fail initializing. Also the first time I powered things up after connecting my HDMI cable for the first time I got an HDCP error message, then when I powered it up a second time it worked fine.

Bob

[ulukai]

did the switch to a different cable box help vengador_69? i have the same problem now

[Vengador_69]

Still no results, changing the cable box didn't resolve anything. Turns out that the year warrantee of the plasma expired last month. :headb:
Actually, I am slowly coming to terms with the problem, knowing that I can still connect the STB through the component. In your oppinon, how much image degradation will I get in my plasma when connecting the DVD player though the S-Video?

I will keep looking for an answer.
Thanks people.

PS. Does anybody recommend purchasing a STB vs. renting it (getting it for free) from the Cable company?

[57U]

1. There will be some degredation of the DVD player signal through S-video. I'd consider a component video switch - go to Monoprice.com or similar, or purchase an upconverting player as I mentioned in post 3.

2. Your service provider will not activate a purchased STB. You need to rent from them and have it activated by them.

3. For the PQ question, see the HDTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI information" point 2. No difference.