TV Encryption Help (1 Viewer)

[acidburn77]

Hello.. I just want to make sure I understand what I've been reading. I'm not sure, but I think all the cable channels in my area are set for copy-once. Does this mean that I cannot use MediaPortal to watch live TV or record TV channels.

I have a Ceton InfiniTV 6 and everything works great in Windows Media Center, but when I try to watch channels in MediaPortal all I get is a blank black screen when tuning to different channels. I have scanned and mapped all the channels to the 6 tuners and Windows Media Center services are stopped and disabled. I followed the setup guide for MediaPortal to a T and triple checked the settings afterwards including the special things you have to do to make cablecard tuners work.

Also, on a second note I thought I read this somewhere, but cannot seem to find it now, but does MediaPortal require being connected to a display via HDMI. I know Media Center required an HDCP compatible display/connection, but I want to know if the same holds true for MediaPortal. I know if Media Center if the display isn't compatible it will display on the screen that the content being viewed requires a HDCP compatible display.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[mm1352000]

I'm not sure, but I think all the cable channels in my area are set for copy-once. Does this mean that I cannot use MediaPortal to watch live TV or record TV channels.

Yes, if your channels are in fact copy-once then the only way you can watch them on a PC is with WMC. MediaPortal can't help you.

Who is your cable provider?

I have a Ceton InfiniTV 6 and everything works great in Windows Media Center, but when I try to watch channels in MediaPortal all I get is a blank black screen when tuning to different channels. I have scanned and mapped all the channels to the 6 tuners and Windows Media Center services are stopped and disabled. I followed the setup guide for MediaPortal to a T and triple checked the settings afterwards including the special things you have to do to make cablecard tuners work.

Black screen sounds more like codec configuration issues.
Could you post your log files please:
http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_MEDIAPORTAL_1/16_Support/3_Forums/2_Log_Files

Use debug-mode option 1 to start MP in debug mode, attempt to view a couple of non-premium channels, close MP, then post the resulting zip file.

does MediaPortal require being connected to a display via HDMI.

No. That's part of the copy-once support requirements - a complete input-to-display protected path for audio and video, to prevent you from doing stuff the content providers don't want you to do.

 

[acidburn77]

Thank you for the reply. Appreciate it.

Who is your cable provider?

Cable provider is Cox in Omaha, NE.

Black screen sounds more like codec configuration issues.

I didn't mess with any of the codecs. I left everything using the LAV codecs that were installed. Maybe I need to try the Microsoft Codec or something else?

Could you post your log files please:
http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_MEDIAPORTAL_1/16_Support/3_Forums/2_Log_Files
Use debug-mode option 1 to start MP in debug mode, attempt to view a couple of non-premium channels, close MP, then post the resulting zip file.

I'm not at home currently, but will generate the log files as you suggested later this evening and post the results.

No. That's part of the copy-once support requirements - a complete input-to-display protected path for audio and video, to prevent you from doing stuff the content providers don't want you to do.

Ok, great. That makes sense.

 

[mm1352000]

Cable provider is Cox in Omaha, NE.

Ahhh, yeah - you may be out of luck. As far as I know Cox is one of the providers that heavily applies copy-once. This generally applies for all CableCARD devices:
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2012-02/the-best-worst-cable-companies-for-tivo-owners/

If you were using a PRIME I'd say check the copy-freely list: http://<ip addr>/lineup.xml?show=unprotected
Don't know if there is an equivalent for Ceton, but you could try your local channels. They may be the only copy freely channels.

 

[acidburn77]

Thank you for all the help. I haven't had a chance to get log files yet.

I've tried tuning to lots of different channels and even all of the local ones and the screen is still a blank black screen.

I'll have to do some more research I guess, but based on the link provided above, I'm assuming that Cox cable in my area has everything set to copy-once which is the reason why only WMC works.

 

[mm1352000]

I'll have to do some more research I guess, but based on the link provided above, I'm assuming that Cox cable in my area has everything set to copy-once which is the reason why only WMC works.

Maybe, but I'd say don't expend too much effort until I've had a chance to look at the logs. It could be something completely different with a quick and easy fix.