HDHomerun and DRM Issue -- Is there ANY Box that will allow

[Arty2024]

HDHomerun and DRM Issues --


Is there ANY Andrtoid Box that will allow to play DRM channels right now?

As since many others like ONN boxes, can no longer play DRM, since the Google debacle/changes months back.


I am looking for alternatives to be able to view DRM Channels using Android,
or any other type/OS TV box using HDHomeRun app.


If anyone has any info they could provide would be greatly appreciated.

[NedS]

CableCARD DRM issue is affecting all Android-powered devices that are new installs.

[signcarver]

Nothing android you can get... currently what is required is to have a valid key which is typically valid for a year after install... so if you got that key renewed before the issue was up it still might be working for a few more months but Google messed things up and any new install or key renewal won't be able to validate the system. My suggestion in the mean time would be a mini windows 10/11 pc.

I had heard there would be another change in the supposed api replacement this month that may allow SD to move forward if there are some changes they need to implement but I do not know if the new api has everything needed by the app and I am just guessing at the api involved based on what has been claimed it did and the times it has failed (first time was the "launch" of the new replacement api, there were issues so they graced nearly another year to use the former, second time matched the date when the old feature was said to be permanently shut off, but access to some features of the replacement were supposedly restricted to certain developer keys coded in the app, which aren't supposed to be needed starting some time this month). There also may be some questions as to whether code they currently use can "easily" be switched without further certification which can take time. There was talk that the old software may end up basically using the new with no developer intervention sometime this month but I have a feeling they will need to write/certify some code to use the new system. I have also heard part of the new API might have a requirement to get such app from the play store rather than side loading. But only time will tell if SD can/will deliver such (my personal feeling is they will but it may take some time unless google makes things easier).

[Arty2024]

CableCARD DRM issue is affecting all Android-powered devices that are new installs.

I wasn't aware of that part "new installs"
I have been using HDHomerun for many years, but the ONN boxes (3 of them)
alll stopped when the lastest DRM issue arose some months back.

All 3 of the ONN boxese have been installed at least at a minimu of 1 year for the newer model,
and 2+ years, for the other 2 older models.

Changed to all ONN Android Boxes, because my older
Android boxes stopped working with the DRM some years back.


So it is my understanding that say, someone who installed the Android TV box 2 year ago,
isn't experiencing the latest DRM issue?

[Arty2024]

Nothing android you can get... currently what is required is to have a valid key which is typically valid for a year after install... so if you got that key renewed before the issue was up it still might be working for a few more months but Google messed things up and any new install or key renewal won't be able to validate the system. My suggestion in the mean time would be a mini windows 10/11 pc.

I had heard there would be another change in the supposed api replacement this month that may allow SD to move forward if there are some changes they need to implement but I do not know if the new api has everything needed by the app and I am just guessing at the api involved based on what has been claimed it did and the times it has failed (first time was the "launch" of the new replacement api, there were issues so they graced nearly another year to use the former, second time matched the date when the old feature was said to be permanently shut off, but access to some features of the replacement were supposedly restricted to certain developer keys coded in the app, which aren't supposed to be needed starting some time this month). There also may be some questions as to whether code they currently use can "easily" be switched without further certification which can take time. There was talk that the old software may end up basically using the new with no developer intervention sometime this month but I have a feeling they will need to write/certify some code to use the new system. I have also heard part of the new API might have a requirement to get such app from the play store rather than side loading. But only time will tell if SD can/will deliver such (my personal feeling is they will but it may take some time unless google makes things easier).

Thank you SGINCARVER
For the very detailed response/reply.

If I may ask,
If I replaced my ONN boxes with Google Chromecast boxes/dongles

Would I then be able to view DRM Channels,
utlizing HDHomeRun?

I would think Google wouldn't step on their own feet, technically?

Overall, I am looking for a cheap/ or reasonably priced alternative that would get us back, the DRM channels
Even if it ment buy a box from what I consider the enemy "Google"

I refuse to pay $144 + a year PER Verizon Box, as we have TV's in 3 rooms.
$12 per month, per box up to 2 boxes, 3rd box cost $6+ per month
Which would then cost /everyone who has FIOS over $360 a year for 3 Verizon TV boxes
Which is just nuts

[Arty2024]

My suggestion in the mean time would be a mini windows 10/11 pc.

I thought about "mini windows 10/11 pc." which is good for someone like me,
but the other 2 elder family members, not so much

I need a simeple TV box/remote type setup for them, nothing too technical.

Plus there is the cost aspects, as mini windows PC, are not what I would consider cheap
Plus their would be the cost of added TV/PC Remote to be purchased.

For me cost wish its a bit much considering we have three TV's

I do very much apprecaite the info though

[NedS]

I wasn't aware of that part "new installs"

That just means that it's possible for some people to have an old install on Android that still has a working certificate. The local cert works for about a year, but it depends on when it was renewed. Soon, even those users will have an issue.

[Arty2024]

I wasn't aware of that part "new installs"

That just means that it's possible for some people to have an old install on Android that still has a working certificate. The local cert works for about a year, but it depends on when it was renewed. Soon, even those users will have an issue.

Thanks NedS
For details and all the info you are providing

I had ( as everyone did) experienced the last DRM issue, I think was about 6-8 months ago
and then the most recent one, in the last roughly 2 months.

So if I understand you correctly, everyone no matter what Android Box brand ( even Google's Android Box/Donlge )
ALL will soon not be able to play DRM channels under HDHomeRun?

I would think from a technical aspect, Google Android TV boxes/dongle's would not experience this problem,
as that would mean Google is stepping on their own feet techically too.?

I was thinking about maybe replacing the ONN boxes with Googles Dongle or their newer 4K streamer.
As I would think they would still work with SD homerun app and DRM ?

Overall I am getting a bit tired of dealing with these DRM issues, constantly
It doesn't go over well, with non technical family members, saying
"No you can't watch your favorit DRM channels,
Google and DRM are to blame"

They start looking at you crosseyed
And just want their channels back


Rinse and repeat