HDCP HDMI Capture

Introduction

I’m working on integrating a Chromecast with Kodi. Basically I want Kodi and my HTPC to work as a receiver, and handle all the input switching and video sources. Everything runs through Kodi and my TV is only ever on one input.

Why? Because it gives me more control. I can put Kodi menus over a Chromecast video in the background. I can turn off the TV when it’s not in use, regardless of what input it is on. I can turn my (non-HDMI) stereo on when the Chromecast goes on, etc. But most of all, it’s just a goal I’ve had for a while to build my own home theater “receiver”, and this brings me closer.

Problem

So I want to route an HDMI signal from a Chromecast (or anything else really) through my Linux PC. Of course I might run into a problem - HDCP. I typically wouldn’t blog about cracking or circumventing encryption, but HDCP is laughably easy to circumvent and many other blogs link to HDMI splitters that can be used.

I don’t like the splitters because they’re ugly and add a lot of wire clutter.

Solution

I came across a Chinese company called Mine Technology that manufactures a lot of HDMI devices, many of which “forget” to check for HDCP. Not all of their devices forget about HDCP, but they are easy enough to email and ask.

I purchased an HD887 1 CH HDMI Video Capture Card from AliExpress because it was their cheapest HDMI capture option and it arrived in just a few days.

Another option is an H.264/H.265 encoder like the E1005S H.265 HDMI Video Encoder. This will output a network stream that your Kodi box can pick up and play - and of course doesn’t require a PCI slot.

Hope this helps!