Does Vizio Support HDCP?

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Most modern gadgets with HDMI or DVI ports use HDCP or High Digital Content Protection. HDCP is designed to prevent the illegal recording or duplication of digital video and audio content.

If you’re currently using the Vizio TV to enjoy high-quality video content, you might be asking yourself:

Does Vizio support HDCP?

In this article, learn about HDMI/HDCP Vizio HDCP compliance. We also discuss what you can do about HDCP Error on your Vizio TV.

What is HDCP-Compliant TV input?

Before getting started, we’ll discuss what it means to have an HDCP-compliant TV.

HDCP is generally applied to all high-definition video cables, including DVI and HDMI ports and connections. HDCP protocols on an HDMI or DVI TV will prevent users from displaying pirated movies, games, and other digital content.

If you plan on connecting game consoles, DVD players, Blu-ray players, and other media systems to your living room TV, it’s recommended that you get an HDCP-compliant TV.

You will know if your TV is HDMI-compliant after checking its box or the video cable section of the user manual.

Does Vizio Support HDCP?

The answer: Yes.

All Vizio TVs with HDMI ports support HDCP. 

This means that Vizio TVs can only display content from HDCP-compliant devices, including Blu-ray players, sound systems, and streaming devices. You need to use an HDCP-supported cable to establish a connection between a Vizio TV and an HDCP media player.

If you experience an HDCP Error on your Vizio TV, chances are you either have a non-HDCP media source or a non-HDCP cable. In this case, you need to use an HDMI splitter that bypasses HDCP requests.

Do Vizio TVs have HDCP 2.2?

If you own a Vizio TV, you’ll know that it includes many HDMI ports on the back panel. 

Before discussing HDCP, you should know that different types of HDMI ports best support various types of media. 

For example, HDMI STB or Set Top Box best supports game consoles, streaming devices, cable, or a satellite box. Meanwhile, HDMI ARC or Audio Return Channel allows users to output audio to an HDMI ARC soundbar or home entertainment system without a second optical cable.

The most complex HDMI port is arguably HDCP. If your HDMI is designated as HDCP 2.2, this means that the port supports the latest version of High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.

Not all Vizio TVs have HDCP 2.2. However, if you have a device that can output high-definition content (UHD or 4K), chances are you need an HDMI that supports HDCP 2.2. 

Which HDMI Port Supports 4K Vizio?

To output 4K content, your Vizio TV needs the latest HDMI standards –– specifically HDMI 2.0 supporting HDCP 2.2. This will allow you to output content from the latest streaming devices (Roku , Chromecast), game consoles, Blu-ray players , and cable and satellite receivers.

While Vizio supports HDCP, not all HDMI ports follow the latest standards. This means that you need to refer to your Vizio TV model’s user manual to check which ports support HDMI2.1/HDCP 2.2 technology.

HDMI2.1/HDCP 2.2 ports are designed to be future-proof so that they can display protected digital content from UHD players and video game consoles.

There are variations in HDMI/HDCP support within the Vizio series. It will be best to check your TV model’s user manual for specific HDMI and HDCP support details. 

For 4K Vizio TVs, most models like the Vizio M Series TVs have five HDMI ports with varying output resolutions and refresh rates, but only three of these support HDCP 2.2: HDMI ports 1, 2, and 5.

• HDMI ports 1 to 4 support UHD inputs at up to 30Hz
• HDMI port supports UHD inputs at up to 60Hz.

For example, the Vizio 43-inch M6 series  only has 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, while the Vizio M7 series  has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. 

For most budget Vizio TVs with 720p to 1080p resolution, such as the Vizio D series, HDCP 2.2 is not supported. While HDCP specifications aren’t listed for the Vizio D-series, it is most likely supported by the older HDCP 1.4.

What to Do About HDCP Error on Vizio?

If you get an HDCP error on your Vizio TV, chances are you’ve used a non-HDCP media device or cable. Before you do anything drastic like selling your output device, we advise getting an HDCP-supported HDMI cable  instead.

Check the HDMI Port Specifications and TV Settings

In some cases, you may still get an HDCP error after connecting a 4K device (such as a streaming stick or media player) to your Vizio TV using an HDCP-supported HDMI cable. The most likely reason behind the HDCP error is that you’ve connected the 4K device to an HDMI 1.4 port instead of HDMI 2.0. Even though the HDMI port is HDCP 2.2, the handshake between your TV and media device will fail to display 4K content. 

If available, you can either set the resolution to 1080p or reconnect the 4K device to an HDMI 2.0 port on your Vizio TV.

Use an HDMI splitter

For some reason, there are times when your Vizio TV won’t be able to complete the handshake with an HDCP-compliant device. While the Vizio support team has yet to explain why an HDCP error will occur between HDCP-compliant devices, the likely explanation may be an incompatible connection between your TV and device. 

Using an HDMI splitter  will bypass the unsuccessful HDCP handshake between your TV and device:

1. Connect your media device to the HDMI splitter input port using an HDMI cable.
2. Use another HDMI cable to connect your TV and the HDMI splitter’s output port.

Conclusion

All Vizio TVs with DVI and HDMI ports support HDCP.

Most Vizio TV series support the latest HDCP standards. However, HDMI ports and HDCP specifications vary from model to model, so it will be best to check your Vizio TV’s user manual. 

If you experience an HDCP error on your Vizio TV, chances are you need to replace your cable with an HDCP-compliant cable. You can also try using the other HDMI ports on the back of your TV.

If the HDCP handshake still fails, use an HDMI splitter that bypasses HDCP.

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