PowerDVD, HDCP, and the Westinghouse LVM-42w2

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

Monitor:
Westinghouse LVM-42w2

Program:
PowerDVD Ultra 7.3 (with the latest patch)

PC:
Intel Core Duo E8400 3.0GHz
XFX 8600GT (HDCP Compatible)
4GB RAM
Vista Ultimate x64

I unfortunately have a LVM-42w2 monitor with a bad HDMI port. The problem is that basically devices are not waiting long enough for the LVM-42w2 to respond to their HDCP handshake request. Sony fixed this through a firmware update and I currently can play Blu-Rays without a problem via my PS3, but I cannot do so when I use my HTPC. If I connect the PC to my DVI 1 port, Blu-Ray playback is perfect, but when I connect it to my HDMI port, playback begins skipping and eventually PowerDVD states that it's not connected to an HDCP-compliant device. Is there a way to manually adjust how long it will wait before timing out? This is getting irritating because I want to have everything going through the single HDMI port via my A/V receiver (one remote instead of two). If I try to connect my receiver to any port other than the HDMI port, it fixes the HTPC, but I lose audio from the PS3. In other words, I have to use the HDMI port on my monitor.

Anyone have any ideas?

[HDTV1080P]

A friend of mine also had a problem with a Westinghouse 37 1080P monitor when they tried to use HDCP devices. Westinghouse did not offer any firmware updates to correct the issue so they were forced to use component video at 1080I resolution. Now my friend got rid of the 37 inch Westinghouse since the digital inputs would not work with HDCP devices.
You could try contacting Westinghouse and see if they offer any firmware updates to correct the HDCP issue. Possible a firmware update to the graphics card might help but the problem is with the Westinghouse. It sounds like every HDCP device you connect to the Westinghouse there is a issue with the HDCP handshaking. Sony did a work around the Westinghouse issue with a firmware update.
The real solution would be for Westinghouse to write a software update to their HDMI and DVI ports on some of their 1080P monitors to fix the HDCP handshaking request issue.

[Obiit]

You could try AnyDVD HD and see if it sorts the problem out? There is a free trial available.

HTH

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

I could and I suspect AnyDVD HD would fix the problem, but I've sunk a lot of money into this thing and I don't feel like sinking another $100+ into it. In addition, I've heard that some Blu-ray titles are not playing back in PowerDVD because PowerDVD is looking for the copyright protection and will not play the disc if AnyDVD HD removes said protection.

It's a rather annoying problem. Westinghouse's online support tried to lie to me and tell me that there were no firmware updates at this time (a quick search on AVS's forums would tell anyone otherwise). I'm pretty much stuck for now, unfortunately. I'll just have to remember this and not buy any more Westinghouse products.

[Obiit]

Try the free trial but turn off Blu-Ray support. It's the HDCP you want to remove not Blu-Ray encryption. Cyberlink did start putting checks but slysoft do do work arounds and their forums are very helpful.

If it works then you do have an alternative if Westinghouse don't solve it for you.

I can understand your feelings as i bought an ATI HD2600 and i needed AnyDVD HD to counteract the fact PowerDVD didn't see the link as secure. Turned out 3 driver revisions later it was ATI's fault not my TV or Cyberlinks and i'd spent the money on AnyDVD HD.

Frustrating when everything is supposed to be standardised but it's not