Even though I’m an HDTV fanatic, it wasn’t until this past weekend, that I finally made the jump to an HD monitor. While I don’t have HDTV tuners on my Media Center, I do have an HD camcorder and it was important for me to be able to edit my high resolution videos.
After doing a little bit of research, I decided to pick up a SyncMasterTM 226BW from Samsung. Between the new monitor and my ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT video card, the resolution looks absolutely stunning. Even my home movies look fantastic in HDTV. I really couldn’t have been happier with the upgrade.
Unfortunately, Hollywood isn’t quite as thrilled about my new HD Media Dream Machine and they’ve decided to punish me by revoking my Watch Now privileges from Netflix.
I first found out about the problem on New Year’s Eve, when I went to log into my account. When I tried to launch a streaming movie, I was greeted with an error message asking me to “reset” my DRM. Luckily, Netflix’s help page on the topic included a link to a DRM reset utility, but when I went to install the program, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this warning.
The minute I saw“this will potentially remove playback licenses from your computer, including those from companies other than Netflix or Microsoft” I knew better than to hit continue. Before nuking my entire digital library, I decided to call Netflix’s technical support, to see if I could get to the bottom of my C00D11B1 error message.
When I called them they confirmed my worst fears. In order to access the Watch Now service, I had to give Microsoft’s DRM sniffing program access to all of the files on my hard drive. If the software found any non-Netflix video files, it would revoke my rights to the content and invalidate the DRM. This means that I would lose all the movies that I’ve purchased from Amazon’s Unbox, just to troubleshoot the issue.
Technically, there is a way to back up the licenses before doing a DRM reset, but it’s a pretty complex process, even by my standards. When I asked Netflix for more details, they referred me to Amazon for assistance.
Perhaps even worse than having to choose between having access to Netflix or giving up my Unbox movies was the realization that my real problems were actually tied to the shiny new monitor that I’ve already grown fond of.
Netflix’s software allows them to look at the video card, cables and the monitor that you are using and when they checked mine out, it was apparently a little too high def to pass their DRM filters.
Because my computer allows me to send an unrestricted HDTV feed to my monitor, Hollywood has decided to revoke my ability to stream 480 resolution video files from Netflix. In order to fix my problem, Netflix recommended that I downgrade to a lower res VGA setup.
As part of their agreement with Hollywood, Netflix uses a program called COPP (Certified Output Protection Protocal). COPP is made by Microsoft and the protocol restricts how you are able to transfer digital files off of your PC. When I ran COPP to identify the error on my machine, it gave me an ominous warning that “the exclusive semaphere is owned by another process.”
My Netflix technician told me that he had never heard of this particular error and thought that it was unique to my setup. When I consulted Microsoft, they suggested that I consult the creator of the program. Since Microsoft wrote the COPP software, I wasn’t sure who to turn to after that.
The irony in all of this, is that the DRM that Hollywood is so much in love with, is really only harming their paying customers. When you do a DRM reset, it’s not your pirated files that get revoked, it’s the ones that you already paid for that are at risk. I’m not allowed to watch low res Netflix files, even though I have the capability to download high def torrents? How does this even make sense? It’s as if the studios want their digital strategies to fail.
While I understand the need for the studios to protect their content, I believe that these measures go too far. It makes little sense to block my ability to copy low res internet movies, when I can always rip the DVD straight from my Netflix discs instead. By blocking access to my Netflix membership, Hollywood is once again punishing their customers by pushing defective DRM.
#1 by Hans on January 5, 2008 - 9:35 am
Do what I have done, dual boot your machine. I installed Vista and then created a partition for XP and installed it. Now I decide what OS to use depending on the known shortcomings. Google for Vista dualboot and you will find plenty of detailed guides how to install XP on a PC that shipped with vista or where vista was installed from disc. In other words you can keep your PC the way it is, just use the vista built in ability to shrink the primary partition and create a second partition for XP.
#2 by Davis on January 5, 2008 - 9:44 am
Hans thanks for the suggestion, I will look into this to see if this might be a solution. I don’t mind doing some tech work if I could get Netflix back, but I don’t like the idea of having to pay Microsoft more money just so their DRM will play nice.
#3 by oomu on January 5, 2008 - 10:39 am
I never buy drm-crap-video and contents.
I buy content, yeah. for example amazon’s mp3, drm free music on itunes store or others sources
but NO DRM ! no , it’s too much hassle, complications and even a Torrent software is easier to deal with !
DRM is an industrial cataclysm.
So, I’m waiting. I can wait a long time, me and my money. I will not die If I’m not watching the latest will smith’s movie or whatever.
#4 by Lurky on January 5, 2008 - 2:13 pm
Simply put, they are not punishing you, they are screwing you. They always have, and they always will try. Their dream is to get you to have to pay twice (or more) for the same product.
Screw them back, Harder.
IRL, it is called “shoot, shovel, and shut up.”
#5 by Azzy on January 5, 2008 - 2:19 pm
Well, my Linux (ubuntu) can do what your vista can. It also can do twice more and always will be a few steps ahead. And never close to DRM.
Ah… Should I mention it is free?
I have never ever considered to have vista on my pc. This is the direct effect of all Hollywood and MS games. Well even I am obliged to pay more for hardware because of the MS and all the DRM things (which makes drivers more expensive hence all the hardware).
One thing I don’t quite understand: why you people keep using this crap?
#6 by Anthony on January 5, 2008 - 2:29 pm
You hit the nail on the head. Thanks for writing that.
#7 by snarkolpesy on January 5, 2008 - 4:06 pm
“One thing I don’t quite understand: why you people keep using this crap?”
Because, occasionally we’d like to be able to use some Apps? When are those Linux guys going to get around to creating some Apps? I’ve been waiting for like 20 years.
Oh – wait. Its free? That explains it.
Never.
#8 by Azzy on January 6, 2008 - 1:57 am
Maybe you should make some research about linux apps analogs to the windows ones you use.
I got to admit that yes, the Adobe products do not run most of the time under linux (with WINE). It really depends what you are using like software.
One is sure: for the average PC user the Linux is enough and will never miss functionality.
If you are not an average user (but, say, a designer or something… well, use a mac).
There is actually a lot more software for linux than you think. And it is clearly more accessible.
#9 by Rernst on January 6, 2008 - 8:54 pm
a.) I have completely switched to Linux as my day-to-day operating system. If you feel like Windows and M$ is screwing you, maybe you should do, too.
b.) It does not take a rocket scientist to un-DRM Netflix downloads. Next time DRM rips you off, maybe you should have given that consideration.
c.) Amazon Unbox downloads are about as close to un-DRM’d as it gets. It’s a one-click operation.
I will not be caught dead being locked into this issue.
For the record: yes, I am a paying Netflix customer and never pass on any of their material or otherwise use it beyond the scope that it was intended. Well, maybe I won’t let Netflix prescribe what size monitor I can watch my videos on.
Yes, I pay for all my Amazon Unbox downloads. But the first thing I do is to remove the DRM.
I have received your error message before myself. But in contrast to you, I was not robbed.
What is my point: Once the industry realizes that DRM just doesn’t work but instead impedes a valid customer base it will eventually follow suit in what many music companies have already realized, namely to sell cripple-free.
#10 by pomaikai on January 7, 2008 - 12:01 pm
More than likely someone will sue the movie industry because they bought a 1080p movie that wont play at 1080p because of there setup. If you buy a 1080p movie you should be able to watch it in its full resolution if your devices support that resolution. Same thing with DRM. Lets see them sell there DRM content with warnings that say “May not work and theres nothing you can do about it.”
#11 by Tony Lauck on January 7, 2008 - 9:33 pm
I have never purchased a DRM audio or video. I never intend to. I don’t watch movies and I try to buy all my music from independent labels that do not belong to the RIAA.
Unfortunately, like all WXP and Vista customers, I am subject to DRM when it comes to my operating system. This became apparent a few months ago when I upgraded my XP system disk and was told that my computer required re-activation which could not be done automatically and would require a telephone call to Microsoft.
Fortunately (for them) after I verbally assured them that I was replacing a failing disk they gave me the necessary activation codes over the telephone and I could continue to use my computer. Had they denied or delayed me, there would have been one more Linux user and I would have been looking to join a class action lawsuit.
We have only ourselves to blame if we keep giving these companies our money.
#12 by Huh? on January 7, 2008 - 9:46 pm
I have used a few DRM services.. all of them that I know of like iTunes.. keep a record of what you buy, which is more than block buster does if something gets damaged.
Confirm that if you reset the DRM you can then re-download the content and keep going.
Some one said hey itunes won’t do this.. how many vendors does Apple license it DRM to? O ZERO.. as long as you only want to do business with Apple its a great system.
#13 by Edward Johnson on January 8, 2008 - 3:31 am
This is a HOLLYWOOD problem, not a Netflix problem. Netflix is being required to do this by movie companies. Hollywood is terrified that you will steal the high quality digital stream and duplicate perfect copies for the world to steal.
If you want to effect change, refuse to buy the products. Hollywood only responds to money. They would love to get rid of DVDs: creation, shipping and management of physical product cuts into their profits. Downloads cut cost to a minimum, keeping the profit high.
#14 by Anonymous on January 8, 2008 - 7:40 am
A ways back Jonathan said
When Microsoft was developing Vista the media companies set the requirements for how premium (HD) content needed to be protected. The choice was a simple one: either implement those requirements or produce an operating system which is unable to serve premium content to your customers.
And the simple correct choice was the latter. Microsoft could have said “Hey hollywood, if you want premium content to be displayable on 95 percent of the world’s computers and media centers, then abandon DRM”. But then, Microsoft wouldn’t be getting a licensing cut on every piece of content out there, would it?
Hollywood is not responsible for Vista’s misfeatures.
#15 by Josh Straub on January 9, 2008 - 10:22 am
“Anonymous” in the last message managed to notice “Jonathan”‘s flawed argument (via fallacy of false dilemma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_dilemma). That is, his bogus suggestion that Microsoft could either comply with Hollywood’s draconian DRM powergrab, or simply not play “premium content” (another loaded industry term).
Instead, Microsoft could (and should) have been a good will ambassador for their hundreds of millions of Windows customers and rightly demanded that they retain control of what’s absolutely THEIR property – THEIR computers. NOT for someone else to sieze control of and delete files from.
Tony Lauck, your Windows XP “Product Activation” (or Product Deactivation in your case) revealed the subtle control Microsoft has siezed on your computer. You were able to reach their call center and revive your dead property after Microsoft “permitted” you to do so. What happens when they decide to discontinue that call center?
I’m still running Windows 2000, the last great Windows OS not infected with the requirement to sacrifice ownership of your property.
#16 by CybrSage on January 12, 2008 - 8:10 pm
Windows Media Center Edition 2005 requires WMP11 and COPP and DRM and all that bad stuff to play the Netflix downloads.
It then fails if you try to use analog for any viewing.
#17 by CybrSage on January 12, 2008 - 8:40 pm
Josh,
Your argument would work if Microsoft was more powerful than the entertainment industry.
It is not. Sony, by itself, has 1.5 times the revenue of Microsoft. Sony is just one of many in the entertainment industry.
In comparison to the entertainment industry, Microsoft is a small fry.
#18 by Coyote on January 13, 2008 - 12:44 pm
Davis,
Don’t listen to the FUD. I find it ironic the same fools who complain the US government is trying to make everyone paranoid about terrorism put their tinfoil hats on and spout this crap the minute someone says “Vista” or “DRM”.
The error you are getting is a software component failure and has nothing to do with your monitor not having HDCP or the like. COPP can downscale or prevent playback on non-compliant monitors, but only if it is enabled in the DRM restrictions, and so far no one is using it.
I have a Dell 2405FPW (24″ Widescreen LCD) that is connected via DVI. It does not support HDCP and is not COPP compliant. Windows Vista Ultimate. Netflix Instant Viewer works fine for me.
You might need to reset your DRM, and you will have to reacquire your licenses, but your monitor and/or Vista’s DRM model is not the problem.
#19 by raytracer on January 15, 2008 - 1:42 pm
I just got off a lengthy troubleshoot with netflix with this same exact problem. Turns out, if I hook my old VGA monitor in addition to my LCD, set vga display as primary, I can launch the video successfully, and then drag it onto my LCD where it plays just fine. Unfortunately, this is not a long term solution for me.
#20 by Davis on January 15, 2008 - 4:21 pm
Thanks for the sharing your tip Ray. I may end up trying that. I tried to hook up some old monitors to my system, but couldn’t even get them to work. (these were really old monitors) Instead I’ve gone out and purchased a DVI converter that lets me connect a VGA cord to the back of my computer and then plug it into my new monitor. After running the Netflix DRM reset, it finally allowed me to use it again, but I don’t like having to give up my HD quality, in order to get past the DRM. I may start looking around for a cheap monitor at a garage sale so I can use your trick. It’s an awkward solution, but its the first one that lets me have my Netflix and HD at the same time.
#21 by Dan on January 17, 2008 - 1:08 pm
Davis,
I too had problems with streaming Netflix movies. In my case, the DRM would not allow the movie to play on my Windows XP MCE (2005) machine because I was only using the S-Video port on my video card to drive my Standard Def TV. For some reason, their DRM found this unacceptable. Netflix tech support was sympathetic, but told me I had to have a monitor connected to the PC for their movies to work. This is unacceptable, as this is our ‘Media Center’ machine and is in the middle of our living room. An additional monitor simply wouldn’t cut it. So, after doing a little research, I built a dummy VGA terminator (see http://tvtool.info/english/dummy_e.htm for instructions on making your own) to trick my video card into thinking I had an analog monitor connected.
After plugging this into one of my monitor outputs, I simply set up the video drivers as a cloned dual-display (i.e. the same thing is shown on both displays). If you only have DVI outputs, you might have to use a DVI->VGA converter plug.
Now I’m happily streaming video to my TV.
Perhaps this solution would work in your case as well.
Good luck!
~ Dan
#22 by bb on January 20, 2008 - 10:13 pm
Hello,
I’m having the same problem.
My setup: Win XP; nVidia8800GT (2 DVI-only outputs); LCD monitor 1280×1024 with VGA and DVI inputs; LCD HDTV 780p with VGA and HDMI inputs, set up as a secondary monitor at 1024×768.
The only workaround that I found is to use the VGA interface: both of my monitors play netflix content just fine over VGA, but DVI gives me the error.
#23 by Joe on January 21, 2008 - 9:51 am
I was recently bitten by the WMP11 requirement. It revoked Watch Instantly playback on a 7600GS’s component dongle – Receiver – HD CRT display connection. I’m writing an e-mail to reed.hastings(at)netflix/dot/com for whatever good that’ll do. It’s a shame too, because Watch Instantly done well should make Netflix much more profitable.
#24 by Joe on January 21, 2008 - 12:01 pm
I did get a call from Netflix after writing my e-mail. Matthew guided me through basically making a 15″ VGA monitor I had sitting around the primary display when starting Watch Instantly. The solution works, but is kind of incompatible with anything requiring graphics acceleration (like my current BeyondTV setup). In any event, a VGA monitor running as a primary display bypasses the DRM restriction.
Tech support was really nice about it all but I suspect he’s a cheezed about these restictions as anyone here.
#25 by Matt on February 22, 2008 - 9:29 am
Solved it!
Go into Display Properties ->Settings->Advanced->Monitor->Properties
Update the driver to “Plug and Play Monitor”. I was previously using Philips LCDTV Driver
That’s it…. took me 10 hours to figure that little gem out.
-Matt
#26 by Davis on February 25, 2008 - 4:58 pm
@Matt – Thanks for the tip, but when I tried to update the driver to plug and play, but it wasn’t listed as an option. When I did update my drivers, they told me I was current. Can you walk me through the exact path for Vista, I’m pretty sure that they merged Display properties into something else. If anyone else can get Matt’s solution to work, I’m very interested in hearing how you did.
#27 by Anonymous on February 25, 2008 - 6:24 pm
ARGH! VISTA! I did my trick on XP…. Sorry. I loath Vista. I hope you can manage it. It shouldn’t be this hard to play stuff you pay for!
-Matt
#28 by Davis on February 25, 2008 - 6:58 pm
Whether it’s Vista or XP, you shouldn’t have to spend 10 hours troubleshooting your television. If I would have known about the DRM issues in Vista, I would have stuck in there with XP.
#29 by hello on February 29, 2008 - 9:26 pm
Hi, I thought DVI (or HDMI) is a one way street that only sends video signals
to the monitor and gets nothing back, which implies that the PC can not
possibly know if the monitor is HDCP compliant or not.
I suspect that the problem is with the DVI Video card itself, as not all
DVI cards support HDCP.
Am I wrong ?
#30 by solved on March 1, 2008 - 2:30 pm
I had a lot problems ever since I did Netflix DRM reset on my Windows Vista
two weeks ago. I repeat the Netflix DRM reset procedure again today, and the problems are gone.
#31 by Kevin on March 10, 2008 - 11:02 am
I spent too many hours troubleshooting this same issue. It is not just a vista issue. I am using XP on both computers.
It seems to come up for me anytime I try to start a netflix stream using S-video. If I am using my laptop it’s not a big deal, just set it up to extend the desktop to the tv and start the video on the lcd, then drag it over to the tv side. I prefer to use my pc desktop dedicated for the home theater, but it only uses S-video out to the tv. I even tried cloning a monitor and S-video, but it did not work either. Anytime it detects that I am trying to view the signal on an S-video connection, it pops up that stupid drm error.
I don’t understand why they are so concerned about me trying to copy something I can stream anytime I want. I have no use to “save” or “copy” it. Just log in and watch whatever I want. If I really wanted a copy I probably order the DVD and figure out how to copy that!… They ruined a great service with this crap.
#32 by Michael on April 3, 2008 - 8:41 am
My son has this DRM problem. He uses XP Pro. Netflix “watch it now” functions flawlessly on his CRT but, when he purchased a 30″ monitor, it fails to work on that. He has a new, killer video card and the monitor is awesome but he can’t view “watch it now” on the thing. We’ve used the “DRM Reset” utility that Netflix says will resolve the issue. It doesn’t.
#33 by mkrauss on May 3, 2008 - 6:23 am
I have a Samsung 226BW as well David. The strange thing is that I can play back Netflix videos on my Samsung, but when I connect my HDTV via component cables, I then run into the same problems you describe above. If I start the movie in a window on my Samsung and drag it over to the HDTV, the movie continues playing (I can hear audio) but the video goes black.
#34 by Adam on May 22, 2008 - 10:02 am
I had the exact same problem with my 1080P projector and Denon AV receiver but when I took my Denon out of the loop and went direct from the DVI/HDMI output of my graphic card to the PTV it worked perfect.
now I have to figure out some sort of HDMI switch because the wires are in the wall and can not run another HDMI cable to the PTV.
#35 by Khoolguy on June 11, 2008 - 7:15 am
OK folks I also received DRM error while trying to watch movie on my XP Pro with IE 7 installed. I have one desktop and 3 laptops all with XP. I can watch movies on all but one and I get DRM error. I followed instructions on Netflix help site and reset DRM successfully several times, rebooted machine but that did not help. Came to this blog and several other blogs and tried deleting Netflix, delete ting Windows Media than rebooted machine, than reinstalled Netflix and WM Version 11 than rebooted machine again but no good and same problem again. Did not want to but called Netflix and the guy told me same things I had already tried than he gave up. I read other blogs and found that nothing helped me. After two day of hair pulling called Netflix again and this guy like last guy took over my machine and did same things like last guy. He could not help either. Now it started bothering me like an itch that you have to itche. I had admin rights on my laptop than why this issue. I created another profile with admin rights and after reboot I logged in under new profile and guess what I CAN WATCH MOVIES WITH NO ISSUES now on this laptop as well. I was sooooo happy that I had to come here and brag lol
#36 by Davis Freeberg on June 11, 2008 - 3:24 pm
Thanks Khoolguy, it sounds like an interesting solution. I’m glad that you were able to get it to work, even though you had to jump through some hoops.
#37 by Jack on June 23, 2008 - 10:38 am
I have been looking at DRM/HDCP issues on my Vista implementation too. I have found that the major roadblock for Netflix live is in the video card implementation. Like many high def lovers I greatly prefer component video over the poor quality HDMI cables. Well, this was a problem with my 8800GTS nVidia card. Component does not support HDCP so no Netflix streaming. Fortunately the card supports cloned dual monitors and my mobo supports two digital audio channels (optical and coax). So I have now set up two separate devices on my Denon 4306, one running component and coax digital audio (VCR-1), and one HDMI (though a DVI to HDMI connector) and the optical digital audio (VCR-2). For my BluRay/high def stuff I switch the Denon to VCR-1 and for the Netflix/DRM challenged stuff I switch to VCR-2. It works. I JUST SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS!!! (Sorry for the rant.)
So for many of you, take a look at your video card and how it implements HDCP. Could make a difference.
#38 by Jack on June 23, 2008 - 12:52 pm
I had just implemented the above and did not have a lot of time to test it. Since the posting I have found that just having the HDMI/DRM connection to my Denon is sufficient: It plays the Netflix streaming video just fine on the component connection now. I do not even have to switch to the HDMI connection to initiate the video playback. Apparently it looks for any connection via HDMI and if things negotiate OK it will play on all video outputs. Still a pain to work out and something a consumer should not have to do to get perfectly legal services…
#39 by Kelly on July 15, 2008 - 7:17 pm
For the record, I have XP SP3 outputting 720p into an HDTV and I have the exact same error code. I don’t believe going back to XP will help. I for one plan on stepping down to the 1 DVD plan and letting Netflix know why they are receiving significantly less money.
#40 by Techie_dude on July 21, 2008 - 6:38 pm
Have any of you tried calling Netflix Technical support?
They have fixes for almost all of the problems mentioned here, with the exception of the ATI 2xxx and 3xxx HD cards. Sorry, but that is just an ATI video driver issue for all drivers past 7.10
and Netflix isn’t making you pay for these movies. They are FREE with your regular subscription. but they still have to submit to MS’s DRM scheme otherwise the movie studios won’t let them stream them to you for free.
#41 by anonymous on September 16, 2008 - 12:13 pm
Quote from Techie_dude:
“Netflix isn’t making you pay for these movies. They are FREE with your regular subscription.”
uh…How does that work?
So, it is “free” as long as you pay (subscribe)?
Doesn’t sound “free” to me.
I won’t use it. I don’t have any movies on my PC but I am not going to let the RIAA/MS scan all my files for “free” unless they pay and subscribe.
#42 by swanlake on October 3, 2008 - 6:48 pm
i downloaded vista premium to upgrade from xp now i can hear sound but no video why? please help.
#43 by Anonymous on November 7, 2008 - 2:16 am
swanlake, if the video your trying to watch is .avi maybe you should download divx.
#44 by Shane on January 25, 2009 - 6:45 pm
Just an FYI… you can get around the “Reset DRM Operation Failed†error by stopping the Windows service named “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service†first. No need to abandon Vista.
#45 by MR on January 31, 2009 - 4:41 pm
You are seeing this while using an account with adequate privileges to run the background DRM software, not the Guest account, correct? This can happen in a low-privilege account, regardless of M$/RIAA stupidity.