DRM

[Rekusu]

What ho one and all,

It is not the first and certainly will not be the last. I am asking because all my efforts in the past have produced zilch.

Want to watch a documentary that was broadcast yesterday on Channel 4 (in the UK) but I am informed that DRM needs to be active. Using Firefox, within Settings / Preferences, DRM is checked but still the program displays the message, enable DRM.

What next?

Thanks and toodle pip

[Rekusu]

As an aside, the program plays on both my and my wife's phone without checking the DRM box!

[fink]

Try another browser or try disabling any cookie or security related browser extensions on the firefox browser. Also make sure that the Firefox browser is accepting all cookies incl 3rd party from the site you're viewing that video broadcast.

[Rekusu]

Thanks, tried your suggestions but unfortunately, nothing works.

My wife has a newer version of FF and Opera; I have a sightly older FF esr version and r3dFox esr (advised that due to W7, am unable to update FF esr beyond what I currently have)

Also have the latest FF and Opera on the computer that we use to watch catch-up TV. Whatever I do, I receive the DRM message on everything.

What is strange, is we rarely watch Channel 4, but did so a few weeks ago without nay issue.

[fink]

Are you using a VPN? I've found that many media broadcast sites in the UK will only work with local/UK based ISP's.

[jdc2000]

Can you post a screen capture of the actual error message that you are getting? If there is a Details link or button to click on, post an image of any information that you get when you click on that also.

[Rekusu]

Thanks.

Here are the screen shots. The FAQ only takes me to the link below, which tells me how to activate DRM in various browsers. Also attached a shot of my FF setting showing that DRM is enabled.

Attachment 15926

Attachment 15927

https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/fa...eo-channel4com

[Rekusu]

Bit of Google searching and just tried

https://bitmovin.com/demos/stream-te...=hls&manifest=

with WideVine checked as that is an installed plug-in. Seems to be working but not for Channel 4.

Perhaps I should also point out that Channel 4 is a UK regular tv channel and I am based in the UK.

[Rekusu]

A little update that I do not understand.

First off, the computer on which we watch TV and catch-up programs, is not playing Channel 4 but has also now gives an activate DRM (it is active) message for all terrestrial channels with the exception of the BBC. Yesterday, I tried watching in Safe Mode and everything was fine, but still not in regular FF. Tried on my desktop in Safe and still receive the DRM message.

Doing a bit of searching, and found a recommendation that I should have the latest version of WideVine, which according to the thread I found should be 4.10.2891.0. But in the plug-in page, I only have 4.10.2710.0 but the automatic update is on and tells me that it was updated on May 19, 2025.

How do I get the latest version if FF says that I have the latest version?

[Rekusu]

Still have not managed to activate the DRM in FF. About:Config is checked, so don't understand why I am unable to open the TV channels which still give a DRM warning.

[Midknyte]

What is the exact version of Firefox ESR are you running? 115.28.0 just came out.
https://blog.mozilla.org/futurerelea...il-march-2026/
Today, we are extending support once again: Firefox ESR 115 will continue to receive security updates on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 until March 2026. This extension gives users more time to transition while ensuring critical security protections remain available. We still strongly encourage upgrading to a supported operating system to access the latest Firefox features and maintain long-term stability.

I found this thread, but not sure if it will be helpful:
https://msfn.org/board/topic/186529-...025-and-later/

[Rekusu]

Thanks, will try the options in the link.

Am using FF 115.6.0 ESR so may try to update. But not too hopeful as Widevine seems to be up-to-date and the DRM option is checked, but still receive the TV DRM not active message.

I have Opera but that only gives me a 'Opps! Something went wrong; try again' message following my e-mail address, and I am registered with Channel 4. As for Channel 5, receive a message telling me that I'm trying to access the app from outside the UK (which is not the case.) Disable the Opera VNP and I receive different messages but still, nothing will play.

WideVine but updates set to On, but only have v4.10.2710.0 How can I install the latest?

[Midknyte]

Please look at the link I posted:
WidevineCDM on Windows 7, 8.0 and 8.1 in 2025 and later.
https://msfn.org/board/topic/186529-...025-and-later/

[Rekusu]

I did; the first two links to Widevine zip give a Google 404 reply.

Found the relevant folder (widevinecdm.dll, widevinecdm.dll.sig, manifest.json and LICENSE in 4.10.2891.0 folder. ) and these files are present, and dated 19/5.25. However, my folder is actually 4.10.2710.0, not 2891. In FF plugins, auto-update is on but it is not updating.

[Midknyte]

You shouldn't have to download any zips.

- Firefox:
If you are using one of the latest versions of 115ESR, just update Widevine in the plugins tab.

I just installed 115.28, and it has gmp-widevinecdm 4.10.2891.0