I am having the same problem since May. The problem started only with
American Movie Classics (AMC) but has gotten much worse now that I got a
cable box for my computer. After much searching with no help from HP, I am
currently at this conclusion:
1) There is a technology of copy protection called CGMS-A which is used by
HBO and others. Read this:
http://www.edbott.com/mediacenter/archives/hbo-stops-working-with-media-center/
The CGMS-A uses something in Windows called DRM (Digital Rights
Management), which I think is causing our problems. I have an HP Media
Center computer, which came pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium. I
think the problem goes something like this: The manufacturer (in my case,
HP) installed Windows Vista on one computer. During that process, the DRM is
installed on that computer and it takes an inventory of the exact hardware
and settings in that computer to create a sort of digital signature for that
computer. Then, they create an image of that computer. An image is a
snapshot of the entire hard drive. Next, they use that image to copy Windows
Vista and other software HP wants you to have to thousands of computers.
Along the way, they may change certain hardware or settings based on market
forces. For example, they may start using a larger hard drive from another
manufacturer because that part is now cheaper. But they keep using the same
image. Computers created using that image will have the problem you and I
are having because the digital signature that is being copied to each machine
doesn't match the one that should be created for each new machine.
When you go to play a movie you recorded on HBO (or even try to watch one)
the DRM detects that this item is copy protected with CGMS-A. It then checks
your computer's hardware and so forth to see if a newly generated digital
signature for your actual computer matches the one of the recording (which
uses the signature copied from that original computer Vista was installed on
and doesn't match your computer). Then, DRM determines that you have made an
illegal copy of the movie you are attempting to watch and the whole thing
freezes up.
That's my guess.
Now, the fix: I think you need to uninstall DRM and re-install it somehow,
but the instructions in the above link are for Media Center 2005, which we do
not have.
Microsoft, HELP!!!
P.S. I tried an online chat with Microsoft and it determines that the
product ID that my HP came with is invalid. I paid over 1000 for my
sparkling new computer with Windows Vista Home Premium preloaded, and
Microsoft thinks I have pirate software! I'm beginning to hate Microsoft and
HP.
I am supposed to be entitled to 90 days of support from Microsoft, and I'm
well within that period, but can't get past their product id checker.
I'm beginning to think Linux isn't such a bad idea.
At least it is free and makes no pretence about free support.
"Rainman" wrote:
[Quoted Text] > My Comcast digital cable box is connected to my Media Center PC. The PC is
> new and running Vist Home Premium. The PC is has 4 GB of RAM with
> approximately 3.75 GB of unused memory.
>
> When I tune to a premium channel (HBO, Showtime, etc.) after about 30
> seconds the picture freezes, and the sound stops. All the other channels
> display correctly. When the picture freezes, the PC also freezes causing me
> to do a hard reboot.
>
> Any suggestions on what is causing this and how it can be corrected.
>
> Any assistance is appreciated.
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