This article covers how Pulse-Eight Neo Matrix and OneIP products handle HDCP — the content protection system used by streaming services, Blu-ray players, and broadcast devices — and what to expect when distributing content from Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and similar devices.

HDCP Support Across the Product Range

All current Pulse-Eight Neo Matrix and OneIP products support HDCP 1.4, HDCP 2.2, and HDCP 2.3. HDCP 2.3 is the current standard and covers all content distributed by streaming services including Netflix 4K, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Sky Q/Sky Glass.

Streaming Device Compatibility

How HDCP Works Through the Matrix

When a streaming device outputs protected content, it performs an HDCP handshake with the downstream device. In a matrix installation, the handshake happens between the source and the matrix — the matrix then re-establishes HDCP with each receiver and display on the output side. This is handled automatically by the matrix and does not require any configuration.

For this to work correctly:

• The display connected to each receiver must support the HDCP version being used by the source. A 4K source outputting HDCP 2.2 content requires an HDCP 2.2 or 2.3 compatible display — an older HDCP 1.4-only display will not show the content.
• The EDID presented to the source must accurately reflect the capabilities of the downstream display. If the matrix presents an EDID that tells the source the display is 4K HDR capable, but the actual display is not, the source may output a signal the display cannot render. See EDID Handshake.

Common Issues with Streaming Devices

Black screen or "HDCP not supported" error

This typically means a display somewhere in the chain does not support the HDCP version the source is attempting to use. Check whether the display is HDCP 2.2 compatible — older displays may only support HDCP 1.4. If distributing to a mix of display types, the matrix EDID management will handle the handshake but the content may not play on non-compliant displays.

Source drops to lower resolution or SDR when connected through the matrix

The source is reading the EDID from the matrix and adjusting its output to match. Check the EDID assigned to that input in the matrix web interface (Device Settings → EDID) and confirm it accurately reflects the capability of the destination display. See EDID Handshake.

Netflix / Disney+ / Prime plays in HD but not 4K

Streaming services determine the maximum resolution to deliver based on the HDCP version reported by the player. If the player reports HDCP 1.4 rather than HDCP 2.2/2.3, the service will limit delivery to HD. This is a device-level issue — confirm the streaming device is reporting the correct HDCP version. This is not a matrix limitation.

Intermittent dropouts or renegotiation on Apple TV

Apple TV is known to be sensitive to HDCP renegotiation events during routing changes on a matrix. If a zone switches to a different source and then back to Apple TV, a brief HDCP renegotiation may occur. This is normal behaviour and resolves within a few seconds. It is not a fault. Some control system integrators add a short delay after input switching to allow the HDCP handshake to complete before the end user interacts with the source.

Related Articles

• EDID Handshake
• Neo Matrix — Transmitter, Receiver and HDBaseT Range Guide
• Which Neo Matrix Do I Need?