[SOLVED] [Vive] HDCP Error, Headset Tracks but Display is Black

[Cyclone]

Hi all.
I've had my Vive for a while now and it has refused to work properly. The headset powers on, SteamVR sees it and is able to track its movement (using the on-PC VR view), but SteamVR says, a minute or so after launch, that it encounters an HDCP error. I've done some searching around and I found out that on the Vive forums, the HDCP error has to do with an HDMI cable's DRM?

Anyways, the Vive's display does not power on or show a signal whatsoever. Whenever I've had tracking issues and the headset would lose tracking, the screen would go a pale gray-blue color, but this is not the case. It's completely black, no light.

My general system specs are as follows:
OS: Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU: AMD FX-6300 Black 6-core CPU, 3.5 GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, 4GB VRAM
MB: ASUS Pro Gaming Aura 970
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Nothing is overclocked (I undid my OC a week or so ago to make my system more stable, but these issues with the Vive have been happening since yesterday)

I am using a 25ft (7.6m) long HDMI cable and a USB 3.0 extension cable to reach a room big enough for my VR setup. I have also tried using a DisplayPort cable (and then an extension/converter to mini DisplayPort for the link box) but the issue persists.

I would like some assistance or possible insight into the issue(s) that may be occurring with my system.

[Bob Loblaw]

One thing that can generate this error is if your PC thinks the HMD is a second monitor. This is what direct mode is supposed to prevent. Make sure windows thinks you only have 1 monitor, plug the HDMI from the link box into your GPU, and set SteamVR to Directmode. And use the latest GPU drivers.

[Cyclone]

Originally posted by Bob Loblaw:

One thing that can generate this error is if your PC thinks the HMD is a second monitor. This is what direct mode is supposed to prevent. Make sure windows thinks you only have 1 monitor, plug the HDMI from the link box into your GPU, and set SteamVR to Directmode. And use the latest GPU drivers.

When I encountered the issue, I tried pretty much everything standard for issues with software and hardware. GPU drivers are updated, Windows is updated, SteamVR is updated (both beta and main versions yield the same issue), restarting PC, restarting Steam, restarting SteamVR, uninstalling & reinstalling SteamVR, etc. .I always run SteamVR in direct mode. Windows only sees my two actual/main monitors and doesn't see the Vive as another desktop display.

[brackno]

I have a similar issue but i can't even find the direct mode in the developer tab, any one know where I can find it?

[deathbytoes]

Click the hamburger menu ( near STEAMVR 1.9.15 ) and look for a Developer link. ( above help ). Then click developer settings.

Originally posted by brackno:

I have a similar issue but i can't even find the direct mode in the developer tab, any one know where I can find it?

[Cyclone]

Issue solved. Displayport cable decided to work. SteamVR is a buggy mess and it's a mystery on how it randomly decides to work or not.

[IcyyDicy]

Posting an alternate solution because I had a similar problem it it might help another unfortunate soul that comes across this problem with their HDMI/Link box (Sorry for posting in a dead thread)

I was able to get it to work by directly plugging in my Vive's HDMI and USB into the computer. Simple as that.
(Reinstalling SteamVR, updating drivers and windows, rebooting, did nothing. )

[Bob Loblaw]

Originally posted by IcyyDicy:

I was able to get it to work by directly plugging in my Vive's HDMI and USB into the computer. Simple as that.:D:
(Reinstalling SteamVR, updating drivers and windows, rebooting, did nothing. )

That's good information. So do you still have a link box powered and linking audio, or no linkbox? Did you inspect the link box's USB and HDMI ports for debris or bent pins? Does your PC have bluetooth (I've heard the linkbox does bluetooth, but I've also heard it's the HMD itself that does bluetooth to connect the motion controllers).

[Biauy]

Originally posted by IcyyDicy:

I was able to get it to work by directly plugging in my Vive's HDMI and USB into the computer. Simple as that.

Wouldn't have thought of that in a million years... o_O
Previously I've switched USB and HDMI cables, but still used Connect Box in every case.
That solved the issue for me as well so thanks a lot, man! :D I wish you all the best!

[malonge]

I've tried everything you guys suggested, so I looked into what HDCP is about, and it turns out that it's a streaming DRM High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). So, I was wondering why the hell am I getting DRM streaming errors when I'm trying to play some games in VR? I checked my Steam settings and remote play was enabled which would allow me to stream games to my laptop. I disabled it on my PC and laptop. So far everything seams to work now.

[EUKJaguar]

Hi guys
Just had the same issue with an HTC Vive on my RTX2060, My Oculus Rift CV1 worked perfectly. after searching everywhere for a fix and finding nothing I ended up just unplugging my Main Monitor out of the Displayport and using my older monitor on DVI then plugged in the VIVE and it worked a treat. playing VR for hours now on the vive. Not sure how I can run both a DisplayPort and the vive on HDMI, hopefully Nvidia can sort out some drivers to fix this issue