DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Help and support for HDHomeRun DVR and HDHomeRun software for Windows 10, Mac, Android, XBox, etc.
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element1133
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:14 am
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DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by element1133 »

I am having an issue with playing DRM channels with all my android devices (Galaxy S21ultra,ShiedTv Pro, Galaxy Tab) using my Prime. Non-DRM channels work and everything worked fine till yesterday although I was away over the weekend so it may have broke then.

I first noticed the issue on my shieldTv. I made sure there were no updates pending and everything was updated. I then tried sideloading the previous Homerun App thinking the Homerun app update maybe the issue, still same issue. To rule out my Prime or cablecard issue it tried my windows laptop and it all works. To rule out the shieldTv I tried it on my phone which is all updated and it has the same issue. My final check was to try it on my tablet which has been powered off for a month plus. So no updates to android or the Homerun App and still DRM channels wont play.

Is anyone else seeing a similar issue or have any ideas what the issue could be?

I turned on diagnostics, device id is 13100A5F

Ken.F
Posts: 2582
Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:20 am
Device ID: 1041A706, 1043EB32, 104BAD9E, 13168DC5, 1322A7AC
Location: West Rockhill, PA
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by Ken.F »

element1133 wrote: Tue Aug 06, 2024 5:12 pm Is anyone else seeing a similar issue or have any ideas what the issue could be?
DRM is currently working on my Android phone, Shield, onn box and Chromecast with Google TV. When DRM is broken the first thing I try is rebooting the Android device.

element1133
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:14 am
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by element1133 »

I did try reboots already.

I forgot to post the times for the diagnostics I will run through some channels now.

Device id: 13100A5F

foxbat121
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Device ID: 10A57CFF
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by foxbat121 »

On Android devices, make sure you grant location permission to the HDHR app in order for DRM to work. Sometimes, the app will prompt you for it but in my experience, most of time this is not the case. I always manually check and make sure location permission is explicitly granted.

Android OS will now automatically remove permissions for apps that have not been used for a while.

NedS
Silicondust
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by NedS »

CableCARD DRM won't work on Android on new installs until we switch over to a new API thing from Google. On old installations the DRM certificate will still be valid for a while.

element1133
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by element1133 »

I did also check their permissions for the app and disabled the "remove permissions for apps that have not been used for a while"
CableCARD DRM won't work on Android on new installs until we switch over to a new API thing from Google. On old installations the DRM certificate will still be valid for a while.
Is it also possible that even old installs that have been working for years can be affected? I think that a expired certificate might be the case since every android device I have all have the same issue and all happened at the same time. This includes one of my tablets that's been completely powered down for over a month. I powered it up just to test that an update didn't break something.

Thanks

jasonl
Silicondust
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by jasonl »

Yes, the certificates are good for 1 year from when they are issued.

Jojo613
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Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:20 am
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by Jojo613 »

I'm having the same issue... no DRM protected content is playing on my HD Home Run app via my android TV. (Through Verizon Stream TV Device).
So no fox news, fox business and others.
First time this has happened and I just noticed it today.

RF2016
Posts: 227
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 6:45 am
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by RF2016 »

As of August 13th (Today)

I am no longer able to play DRM Channels on my ONN Android TV Box

It seems to have started just after the latests Android Update ( Android System WebView Update File dated Aug 6th, 2024)
I use this box and another ONN Android TV Box daily with no problems, up to todays problem.

Ironically, the DRM not working,
the Androud Ssytem WebView update was released
the SAME day people started to experience the DRM not playing issue. ( based upon the posting here)



I have rebooted my Box's 3 times
Also initiated a HD Homerun Channle Scan for the cable card.

Overall the 2 ONN boxes have been working fine for a long time,
up until today and after the Android System WebView update was install
And then it stopped playing DRM channels.
Last edited by RF2016 on Tue Aug 13, 2024 8:55 am, edited 1 time in total.

leerandall
Posts: 939
Joined: Sat Mar 16, 2013 5:49 pm
Device ID: 131102D9, 1326E147
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by leerandall »

My Onn box can still receive DRM channels as of today.

ETA: My Onn box also received the Aug. 6th update.
Last edited by leerandall on Tue Aug 13, 2024 8:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

Ken.F
Posts: 2582
Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:20 am
Device ID: 1041A706, 1043EB32, 104BAD9E, 13168DC5, 1322A7AC
Location: West Rockhill, PA
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by Ken.F »

RF2016 wrote: Tue Aug 13, 2024 6:18 am It seems to have started just after the latests Android Update ( Android System WebView Update File dated Aug 6th, 2024)
I use this box and another ONN Android TV Box daily with no problems, up to todays problem.

Ironically, the DRM not working,
the Androud Ssytem WebView update was released
the SAME day people started to experience the DRM not playing issue. ( based upon the posting here)
My onn box got the Aug 6th Android System Webview update and DRM is still working for me.

RF2016
Posts: 227
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 6:45 am
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by RF2016 »

Hmmmmm


Which ONN box are you utilizing?
The older version, or the newer ?

leerandall
Posts: 939
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Device ID: 131102D9, 1326E147
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by leerandall »

I have the 4K version.

RF2016
Posts: 227
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by RF2016 »

2 ONN TV Boxes
1 plays DRM
Newer ONN TV Box just stopped playing DRM

"" Unable to play channel
Content Protection Error
Communication Error
Content Protection Required
"

The ONN Box that No longer plays DRM



ONN 4k TV - New ONN Box
Android 12
Android TV OS Security Patch Level May 1, 2024
OS Build SGZ2.230609.066A1.11892932


The ONN Box that STILL plays DRM channels

ONN 4k TV
Android 12
Android TV OS Security Patch Level Nov 5, 2023
OS Build SC.20231117




Very odd

leerandall
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Device ID: 131102D9, 1326E147
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Re: DRM Channels Not Working on Android Devices

Post by leerandall »

My working 4K box info matches verbatim the info you listed for your 4K that does NOT work.

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