Fix HDCP Troubles with the PS3 and PSTV // Josh Nichols Blog

Problem

HDCP, which stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, is a security measure to protect digital video content from being copied. On most modern gaming consoles, this can be disabled for capturing game footage or upscaling. The exception is the Playstation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation TV (PSTV). They do not have a way to disable HDCP.

This is a problem if you want to capture game footage or upscale game video through HDMI using a device like the RetroTINK 4k. HDCP will not allow the signal to be recorded processed.

Solution

The good news is there are several options to solve this problem. The bad news is it might be trial and error to find one and it may add an extra device to your setup. Brand name devices will honor HDCP, but some generic devices won’t.

I’ll share some of the ways I’ve been able to strip HDCP on the PS3 and PS TV so I can capture game footage and upscale.

Photo of converter Photo of splitters that strip HDCP Photo of devices that strip HDCP

Option 1: Convert to Analog Video

A surefire way to fix this problem is to just use analog video. The PS3 can output component video natively, so you are good to go there. Grab some high-quality component cables and get started!

The PSTV is HDMI out only. Using an HDMI to Component converter is a way to convert the signal.

Once the signal is analog, HDCP no longer applies and can be fed into a scaler or a component to HDMI converter for game capture. The RetroTINK 4K can handle full 1080p signals, but the RetroTINK 5x tops out at 1080i. You may have to adjust the console video out to accommodate the device you have.

Below are some devices that should be lag-free. Check the return policy before buying so you can return if they don’t work for you.

HDMI to Component Devices

These take the HDMI signal from your console and convert to analog video making HDCP go away. You will want something that doesn’t upscale or downscale.

Once the signal is analog, you may need to convert it back to HDMI for TVs or capture devices. You will want something that doesn’t upscale or downscale. You only need this device if you want to convert the signal back to HDMI.

Option 2: Find a Device that Ignores HDCP

Another option is to find a device that ignores or strips HDCP. I’ve found two HDMI 1x2 splitters that allow me to capture PS3 and PSTV game footage. Look for Model: VHD-1X2MN3D.

Put this adaptor before your game capture device or RetroTinK 4k and HDCP won’t be a problem anymore.

If you only want to capture game footage, a generic USB capture device will ignore HDCP. I’ve used a couple that capture PS3 footage over HDMI without a problem. I think the key is looking for a no-name device and seeing what the reviews say about PS3, PSTV capture. I find these devices work better with OBS than expensive Elgato ones anyway.

Be sure to check return policies before you buy one. If it doesn’t work, return it and try another device.

Devices that Didn’t Work For Me

A list of devices that did not bypass HDCP. Don’t get these!

I’ll add more as I find them. Good luck finding a device that works for you!