Why Does The “Sorry, This Video Can not Be Played While Your Device is Connected To This External Monitor” Error Message Show Up?
Have you ever tried to stream a video/music from a site and got a message that read- “Sorry, this video cannot be played while your device is connected to this external monitor?” If you have, then it must have perplexed you.
After all, why will a monitor or TV screen not play a video? Mainly when the device displays other videos and pictures otherwise perfectly? Know that here I will answer these questions. Also, I will tell you the way to watch those videos again.
Why Do We See The Above Error Message?
If you get this specific error message, then the content you are trying to view must be protected through HDCP. As such, the video or content can only be viewed on authorized devices that support HDCP. So this means that the current device showing the error message doesn’t support HDCP.
Now, I know that you might be confused about HDCP and what it means. So I will explain below what this term means
What Is HDCP?
HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a kind of digital copy protection. Note that it was developed to end the copying and duplication of digital video and audio content. Know that it works as the digital signal travels across multiple connections.
So this system checks all the devices present in the entire chain that lets you see the content. So yes, this includes the monitor and cables as well. Now, if your system isn’t HDCP compliant, you might witness the below errors along with the one I mentioned in the introductory paragraph:
- Your video player will show an error
- The device will only play the audio or video
- Neither the video nor the audio will play
Many users mailed back the respective companies in charge of the sites that caused the video playing problems. They were all advised by the companies to use an HDCP authorized device.
But everyone can’t buy a new TV or monitor just for this purpose. So below, I will tell you how you can avoid the error messages and watch the video you want.
How To Stop This HDCP Error Message And View The Blocked Content?
The worst part about this HDCP protection system is the lack of an HDCP-compliant process that avoids the error messages without buying a new HDCP supportive device. But I don’t believe people should buy whole new TV sets or upgrade their otherwise perfectly well functional audio-video receiver to view a few HDCP blocked content.
It just feels like a huge wastage of money to me. So I will tell you a way to avoid this issue. Know that you can avoid this issue by using an HDMI splitter that can ignore the HDCP requests. Yes, this is the only feasible way to circumvent that headache-inducing error message and see the content behind the HDCP wall.
Know that you don’t have to buy expensive splitters. A $20 splitter will also work. However, I would advise you to do your bit of research regarding the HDC compliance status. This is because I have found that there’s just no consistency in splitters, even if they were from the same company.
Conclusion:
So read the manufacturer details and check reviews of the splitter before buying. Know that using the HDMI splitter is easy as well. All you need to do is place it right in between your display and output device. For example, if you want to plug in a Chromecast, then you will generally put it straight into the old monitor you have.
But instead of doing that, plug Chromecast correctly into your HDMI splitter’s input. Also, here’s a little tip from me: if your audio-video receiver isn’t working with the old HDTV you have, then plug all of the HDMI devices right into your receiver. After that, place your HDMI splitter correctly between the display and receiver.
Know that if you want to find out if your HDMI cable works with HDCP, then check its status at the hdmi.org site. Also, you should check the packaging it came with. This should clue you in regarding its HDCP compliance status.
So a simple HDMI splitter will help you avoid the error messages on HDCP non-compliant devices. Also, you will find that it is a much cheaper solution than buying a whole new monitor just because of one error message. First, however, you need to check the status of the splitter before purchase and ensure that it is indeed HDCP authorized.
About the Author Michael E. Yates
Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!
