Netflix + Xbox = Output protection error

We have two xBox's in the house that haven't been able to consistently stream Netflix since the dashboard update that changed the interface. We get the following error shortly after the video starts:

"We're unable to play video on this device due to an output protection error. Please check your display settings and try again. (code: R8157-6034)"

One is an older white 360 while the other is the new black "slim" model. Both had zero problems prior to the update. Googling for solutions I have found the following.

1) Check HDMI cable connections and try switching cables: Tried this but since its happening on two separate boxes this is highly unlikely.

2) Change screen resolution: I messed around with all the settings I could find in the 360 interface but it didn't fix the problem.

3) Plug 360 directly into TV and ignore the receiver: Sorry Netflix this is not a valid solution. Not even going to bother since we only run one HDMI cable in the wall from TV to receiver on both setups.

The only thing that the two devices share is an internet connection. I'm not sure why this would cause this error. We don't have problems streaming Netflix directly to wireless Vizio TV though. Also we can rent HD movies fine from the Zune market place and watch Blu-Rays with no problems.

I'm pretty confident this has to do the the HDMI broadcast DRM & the way its implemented in the Netflix app and its very frustrating. At this point there is really no reason for us to keep Netflix. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any ideas?

I seem to recall reading somewhere that some form of copy protection (HDCP?) is now a requirement with the new dashboard. This also screws with people who were using a HDMI capture system.

I always have HDCP issues watching DVDs on my 360. The PS3 is absolutely fine, so it isn't my tv, and I have switched the cables in and out several times. Last time I tried to resolve it (and failed) I read that Netflix fell foul of the same issue.

The most common suggestion seems to be turning the TV off completely, not just to standby, and then back on. It has never worked for me, but has for others.

I will try unplugging the TV and power cycling it since I haven't done that yet. I don't think it actually has an "off" state since there is always a light on. One of my TVs is a 3 year old 52 in. Samsung LCD so there is no reason that wouldn't support HDCP.

Thinking about this more, I have a feeling that this has something to do with the TVs adjusting to the resolution when the Netflix app starts playing the content since it happens right away.

I get that error if I start a video on Netflix and then turn my television off. It seems as though if the connection between the TV and the Xbox (via HDMI) is interrupted for any reason, it throws a copy protection error. It's obviously not the same situation, but it might help you track down the problem and find a solution.

I see this with flaky HDMI cables.. loose connections in ANY aspect of the chain (receiver, TV etc..)

usually replacing the cable, or moving to a different HDMI port on the receiver and/or TV fixes it.

There's a big thread on the Xbox forums about it. There are some suggestions, but it sounds like it might be a legitimate bug. You might try some of the work arounds there.

Thanks guys. Yeah Manish, I had stumbled across that thread yesterday. Testing this morning I eventually just tried plugging it strait into the TV and it worked. I then reconfigured it through the stereo and tried someones suggestion of disabling auto-detect TV and manually inputting settings (resolution, format, screen size). It then worked.... sometimes.

Layman's Theory:

From my observations the stereo (2 year old Pioneer VSX-819H) starts auto-detecting the audio format (maybe video too) when the video finishes loading and starts playing. I believe the HDCP handshake must fail during that period giving me the error right after. The stereo probably delays the handshake response by just enough time to make it fail. This didn't happen prior to the update so it seems like Netflix may have really tightened that window. I believe I'm pretty much screwed unless they update their app. Every other streaming app works fine. For now we are just going to cancel Netflix and use the alternatives.

@Guru - I'm not sure if I have extra cables sitting around but each cable works individually when bypassing the receiver. Also the cables don't give me any problems outside of Netflix. We have other devices pushing HD content through that same receiver. I may play around with it some more this weekend.

I thought you had a PS3, too?

It's in the man cave and I wouldn't want the girlfriend taking over that room for Netflix viewing! Also, it doesn't work with the harmony remotes without an adapter (that I don't have). I did notice that allot of people in the xbox forum thread resorted to just watching Netflix on the PS3 though.

EvilDead wrote:

It's in the man cave and I wouldn't want the girlfriend taking over that room for Netflix viewing! Also, it doesn't work with the harmony remotes without an adapter (that I don't have). I did notice that allot of people in the xbox forum thread resorted to just watching Netflix on the PS3 though.

All valid reasons

I ended up picking up one of the Harmony adapters for mine, as it was my main Bluray player.