"Display driver error" occurs when you play some content in Windows Media Center by using a DisplayPort device

Applies to: Windows 8.1Windows 8.1 ProWindows 8 More

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario: You have a computer connected to an external monitor using a DisplayPort connection. When playing back encrypted (protected) content in Windows Media Center, you may receive the following error message:
Display driver error – the video playback device does not support playback of protected content.

Cause

In order for some forms of protected content to play back in Media Center, there must be HDCP compliance across the video card, the connection type, and the external display. Although DisplayPort is HDCP compliant, Windows Media Center does not recognize a DisplayPort as being HDCP compliant. Windows Media Center only recognizes DVI and HDMI as HDCP compliant. Some protected content scenarios may work with DisplayPort with Media Center, but these are not officially validated.

Resolution

Use a DVI-D or HDMI connection to your external display when playing back protected content in Windows Media Center. This ensures that content is displayed natively without the output resolution being downsized.

More Information

Windows Media Center supports non-protected video playback over any of the following connection types:
  • Composite
  • Component
  • VGA
  • DVI
  • HDMI
  • DisplayPort
However, for playback of protected content over a digital connection to an external display, a DVI or HDMI connection is required. For more information on the connection types and maximum playback resolutions supported in Windows Media Center, click on the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article number:

944994 Describes the maximum resolutions that are supported to view or to record content in Xbox 360 or in Windows Vista Media Center