Xiaomi Mi Box HDCP/Netflix issues: Fixed by replacing Mi Box

by mrtndot

This post is just to share my experiences with the "HDCP: unprotected" issues of the Mi Box that other users experience as well. [1] [2] [3]

TLDR; Replacing the Mi Box fixed the "HDCP: unprotected" / Netflix issue for me.

I bought a Xiaomi Mi Box (model MDZ-16-AB). It reported "HDCP: unprotected" in the DRMInfo app on my Samsung UE48H6270 on all HDMI ports, and thus, Netflix stopped playback after 1-15 seconds every time.

I wanted to confirm that it is not a TV issue and tested my Mi Box with 3 other TVs:

Samsung 32", similar age as to mine: "HDCP: unprotected"
Sony, ~15+ years old (only "HD-ready"): "HDCP: unprotected"
Panasonic, very new: "HDCP: 2.2"

At first, this made me think that the "HDCP: unprotected" TVs are just too old, as it worked with the new Panasonic TV.

In [1] and/or [2], user /u/koshergoy vigorously states that this problem is always a TV issue, while others say they fixed it by replacing their Mi Box. My case of having "HDCP: unprotected" on non-HDCP-2 TVs while having "HDCP: 2" on HDCP-2-supported TVs was mentioned as well.

So I tried to be lucky and replaced my Mi Box (with the same model) and since then I have "HDCP: 1" on my Samsung UE48H6270 with the exact same setup otherwise.

Bottom line: I think if the TV supports any level of HDCP but the Mi Box says "HDCP: unprotected", it can (likely?) be a Mi Box fault and not a TV incompatibility - so replacing the Mi Box might fix the issue.

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Links:

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/6mapz0/mibox_netfix_issue_fix/

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/67rzua/mi_box_4k_max_supported_hdcp_level/

[3] http://en.miui.com/thread-428000-1-1.html

souvaki

yes there are batches of mi box with HDCP issues. I owned six boxes and if I remember correctly 2 boxes have HDCP issues. I have six TVs from 2009 to 2015 model all four boxes doesnt have any HDCP issues even on the oldest TV 2009 model. the other 2 suspected boxes connected to six Television sets have HDCP issues.

I really dont know why that "guy" is always telling us that our TV is crappy and doesnt meets the HDCP standards of the mibox.

So you're not alone. I've had those boxes replaced and both of them now working.

this is clearly a mi box issue.

koshergoy

Couple of questions for you...not covered in your very cogent post.

Pardon my curiosity but there are several elements in your well related account that are unique circumstances I have never experienced in 18 months and close to 400 up close encounters with Mibox and a plethora of screens.

Does Netflix finally work with your replacement MiBox?

If so, then congratulations for your persistence

Please confirm max resolution streaming from Netflix by playing this Netflix created diagnostic video---Test Patterns, Season 2 Episode 8, which is designed for 1080 devices. You can search in normal manner inside Netflix. After a few minutes it should reach 1920 X 1080 resolution.

What is your typical internet bandwidth? Wired or wireless?

Has your tv received a firmware update recently?

None of the documentation I could locate about your Czech Republic specific model had any reference to HDCP. Lots of other stuff going on like various flavors of tv tuners installed and 3D function. But there is no hint of HDCP present on any of the 4 HDMI ports on this TV. This may have been resolved behind the scenes via a firmware update that was recently made available, latest release in March 2018 for the Czech models.

Can you play Netflix from MiBox connected to each of the 4 ports or just specific ports show valid HDCP ?

I am truly puzzled by the original MiBox working on the 4K Panasonic screen. Typically, there is no distinction between the MiBox responding to HDCP 1.x vs HDCP 2.2. Either it supports DRM or not. Never experienced one that only responded to HDCP 2.2 and failed to recognize valid HDCP 1.x. Not surprised by failure with antiquated Sony and lack of model number for the 32" Samsung doesn't give info that can be researched, although I am persuaded that DRMINFO is authoritative in these cases.

My final guess is that somehow your original 48" Samsung rectified itself from an unnoticed update, serendipitous static discharge, changing phase of the moon, or it is subject to unpredictable and variable performance as to HDCP sensitivity.

Interested in your take on this unique scenario.

souvaki

usual reply from that guy.. your TV has crappy HDCP implementation . replace it and keep your mibox..

umairmalik2410

So I recently tested if my TV supported hdcp by using my ps4. My ps4 has hdcp enabled and everything works just fine, including Netflix. Mibox says unprotected. Tried changing cables. Used the original ps4 cable too. No help. It is a hardware issue in most cases if not all.