TeknologikL

After looking online for possible solutions to my HDCP Handshake issue (and trying many of them), I finally bit-the-bullet and ordered an HDCP stripper. An HDCP stripper does exactly what the name implies; it removes or strips the copy protection signal and passes the unprotected source video to a number of different output options.

They aren't cheap and can cost anywhere from $100-300 depending upon the model.

After reviewing the specs and prices of the three different HDFury models, I decided to go with the HDFury2. The original HDFury didn't have an HDMI input, so that version was immediately off the list. Although the just-released HDFury3 has a lot of new features, I only needed the device to stop the static flicker on my monitor. If I needed it to pass sound to my receiver then I would have spent the extra $100 and went with the HDFury3, which supports Dolby/DTS 5.1 channel surround sound.

The most prominent distributor of the HDFury line of products is CurtPalme.com, a home theater equipment retailer, but the devices are also available elsewhere including Monoprice, eBay, and a few other online electronics retailers.

Although CurePalme seemed to be the safest bet, offering a complete money back guarantee, I decided to order the HDFury2 from Monoprice's ebay store and save $75. After seeing many auctions ending about the same price I paid, I figured I could always just sell it if it didn't work for me.

Power Supply (Usually) Required
When the HDFury arrived, I tried hooking it up but the device wouldn't power on. Apparently it can come with an optional power cable that Monoprice doesn't include with their orders. After looking online, I read that some devices, such as the Xbox 360 and PS3, could power the HDFury directly through the HDMI cable, but most other devices didn't carry enough current in the HDMI cable to power the HDFury.

I saw some power supplies at Radio Shack and eBay that would work with the HDFury, but was intrigued by the power supply that CurtPalme includes with all of their orders. The power supply they sold works in a wall outlet, but also has a USB connection to power the HDFury via a nearby device's USB. Since my Popcorn Hour had 2 USB ports on the back, I went with that route to save an outlet on my power strip. In hindsight, I probably would have just ordered directly from CurtPalme from the beginning.

Final Thoughts
After attaching the HDFury to my newly acquired power supply, it worked exactly as intended. There is now no flickering when turning on an HDCP device, and the picture is indistinguishable from the original picture without the stripper attached.

I have to say I am extremely pleased with the HDFury line of products and should have placed my order a year ago.

Blacklist Concerns
Some people have expressed concern that these HDCP strippers could be "blacklisted" and the signal would no longer be accepted as passing the HDCP test. Although there is some truth to that possibility, the HDFury models seem to be by far the most popular, easy to find HDCP stripper so far none of them have had any of these problems in almost 5 years on the market. Although this could change in the future, if that did ever happen, the equipment and media you already own wouldn't even have the updated blacklist.

There have been three different HDFury models released. Each one adds some more features than the previous model. Below is a list the major features and differences of each version:

HDFury
10 bit, 175 Mhz Processor
1080p/60
DVI Input
No Sound Output

HDFury2
11 bit, 200 Mhz
1080p/60
HDMI 1.2 input
2 Channel Stereo Output

HDFury3
11 bit, 225 Mhz
1080p/72
Two (2) HDMI 1.3 inputs
Dolby/DTS 5.1 digital Output

If anyone has used a device like this before, share your experience below. Check the next post for a review of another product by the same manufacturer called Gamma-X.

More Info:
HDFury3 HDMI 1.3 to Component/RGB Converter
HDFury2 HDMI to Component/RGB Converter
HDFury Customer Reviews from Monoprice