DRM error Shield TV

[jasondeanny]

The problem is not a cert expiring. The problem is the validation of the Android system that needs to happen when renewing the certificate.

CableCARD DRM channels work on Windows, XBox, and iPhone/iPad with the new certificates.

Validation of the Android system shouldn't take two months every time. If it's going to take two months, then the product shouldn't be offered on that system at all. That would be a shame as I'm sure many of us own multiple Android boxes.

I'm sure you have statistics on how many users you have using your product on which operating systems and hardware. While I doubt that information would be released to the public, I'm sure we would all be curious what kind of hit this is taking.

Non-techie people just want to know it's working and if it isn't, when will it be fixed (a.k.a. the Wife Acceptance Factor). They don't want to know why the refrigerator broke. They care they just lost a lot of food and do I have to buy a new one.

While it's great for us techies to get a little more behind the curtain with the explanation, it's only a small crumb into the problem.

At the end of the day, this goes deeper than a simple "it's broken, we fixed it, it happened again". There needs to be a true solution to the overall problem and not "we resolved this specific incident". If a cert is expiring and validation will take two months, how about getting started a lot earlier as a starting point?

And buying AppleTVs for multiple TVs is not the answer... remember we can buy Android boxes for less than $50 each and it's built-in to many others.

[bennyhugo]

I agree, we need a [technical] explanation. If it’s just a validation on the Android system, then why is it taking so long??

[ERamseth]

I agree, we need a [technical] explanation. If it’s just a validation on the Android system, then why is it taking so long??

Disagree. We don’t need an explanation. Just need working software.

[Ck595767]

Could we humbly ask for an ETA? To suddenly lose the ability to view DRM channels over a timeline of weeks is very frustrating but I think the user base understands that unfortunately these things happen. However the lack of clarity on when we can expect our devices to return to their normal, purchased feature set, really compounds that frustration.

[vfrjim]

Any status of this drm error on the shield?? Agrivating.

[Ck595767]

This is really dragging out a very long time with zero updates. Why would we buy more SD products if features disappear for months at a time with no updates on progress?

[bennyhugo]

Nicki, Jason, anybody —- can you give us an update on Prime and DRM?

[NedS]

This is really dragging out a very long time with zero updates. Why would we buy more SD products if features disappear for months at a time with no updates on progress?

If Google turns things off, then it won't matter who makes the product or how fast and hard they work to bring the feature back. That's what happened here. Our product, the parts we can control, do not exist in a vacuum. They have to work in concert with other devices, running other operating systems, from various companies. We can do the best we can, but honestly, Google or Amazon or Roku or whoever builds or controls enough hardware/software in the viewing device, can break anything they want, at any time. We're too small of a fish for them to care when we ask for help or more time. We thought we were getting a reprieve when they turned the old API back on for a while, but it looks like it's gone for good now.

We have to adapt to some new way of doing some kind of system check (I'm not a dev myself, so forgive me for not being more technical), and we're not at a point where we even know how long it will all take. We do know that this work will be done, because it also overlaps with ATSC 3.0 DRM, the other DRM-monkey on our back.

[Arty2024]

I had a feeling the issue was much deeper
And that Google is at the core of it

One of a few reasons why:

#1
In trying to temporarily find an alternate Android source for my DRM Verizon channels we lost on our andriod boxes.
I looked into Verizon's OWN TV App, that allows users/customers of Verizon to install their app,
on an Android box, and view all the channels under ones Verizon TV package they pay for.

Turns out, I can install it on my Moto Phone if I wanted to, but CANNOT install it on my 3 ONN Boxes, none of which are at all old, all support DRM.
All previouylsuy worked with DRM channels up until a few weeks ago.
But are now Ghosted in the installable devices list/Not Allowed to install from Verizon's Google Download app.

So to me this seems to be a hint that Google is trying to knock out competing devices and apps.

#2
The media / TV industry is very competitive, and Google is trying everything they can, to bring more viewers over to their TV app/services.
I refuse to use it, but in the last year, I costantantly see their apps, or Asking for a Review TV app. even though I dont use it on my ONN boxes.

Google would love to knock out any competitors if it could/can...
If it means they can gaine more market share/user data and control.

#3
Google should not be allowed to control ANYTHING related to TV services, ( Or DRM licensing) even if it is running on their own OS.
Google needs to be broken up, or at least corralled into a smaller, and less controlling company. ( And with much less access to User Data) Microsoft too!

#4
Google is not going to be in any hurry to fix/address things, if it potentially affects their business goals on their TV/Media agenda.
And in this present case/issue Google may be looking to put the nail in the coffin.
If it bring more chances of benefits to them.

[vfrjim]

If you want the Fios channels as of now, 2 ways to view is on the HDHomerun app on an IPhone or a Samsung Galaxy Tablet with the Verizon Fios app. Those I have personally tested.

[Arty2024]

I just tried out of curiosity, to install the FIOS app on my Moto Android phone,
and it installs but doesn't play. Generates some error,

Not that I would watch TV on my phone,
I think that is a bit rediculous, with such a small screen.

My 3 Android ONN boxes HDRun works, but just no more DRM in the last few weeks.
Livingroom, Kitchen, and bedroom.

And the of course my HDRun on my windiows pro 11 computer,
but that is also in the bedroom/computer room.

I am wondering if the Mini Windows PC boxes would be a worthwhile investment/replacement


I ddoubt Google will block/ throw road blocks up to DRM/Apps on Windows
as microsoft is not the small guy Google can kick around.

Google needs to be taken out to the barn

[vfrjim]

My Windows 11 pro will not work with DRM channels on Fios, do not know why.

[Arty2024]

Hmmm Thats odd the HDHR wont play on your Win 11 box

Does it generate an error of any kind?

Try installing MS DVD Player app

I remember some years back having an issue with DRM
And after Installing the Microsoft DVD app
everything worked fine ( That was with Win 10 at the time)

If my memory serves me, it was related to Video CODEC's

https:// apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nblggh2j19w?hl=en-US&gl=US

[vfrjim]

Actually, I just tried it again and now it works fine on Win11 pro

[Arty2024]

Microsoft has release a LOT OF bugs in many of their patches/updates in the last year
I was just reading an article the other day.

Worst number of bugs in years