Error code: ERR_PLAYER_P212 . Optik TV suddenly won't broadcast on an older-model TV

[squirrel2]

My Optik TV box suddenly stopped working correctly with an older-model TV last Tuesday.  Every time I try to watch live TV, a recording, or on-demand programs, I get a black screen and the same error code: ERR_PLAYER_P212.  I have called technical support twice, rebooted the box, changed out the HDMI cord, replaced the box, rebooted the wireless boosters, and nothing works.  I keep getting the same error.  Separately, the TV works fine, and I can access the internet, my account, the live TV guide, and lists of recordings, previously watched programs, and on-demand offerings.  The boxes, when connected to different TVs work fine.  There's clearly something going on with how the box and my TV work together. Tech support has no other suggestions to give me other than trying a high-end HDMI cable, but were doubtful about whether that would work.

I am wondering if there was a faulty software update last week that suddenly made Optik TV no longer work with certain televisions.  

[TELUS_Support]

Hi @squirrel2 - That error is related to issues with the HDMI cable. We see that a new cable was tested, has a new TV been tested?

We will send you a message to assist in case that the boxes need to be looked at more closely

[squirrel2]

I've tried three different HDMI cables and two different boxes with the TV in question, and none resolve the issue.  I have also tried connecting the boxes to a different TV and they work fine.  It really seems to be an issue relating to the combination of my TV and your box.

I had been able to play live TV and recorded programs since I signed  up with Telus at the end of March, until this error appeared last week.  

[squirrel2 · Accepted solution]

Telus Support privately suggested that the HDMI port on my TV may be failing.  I tried connecting a different device to my TV with an HDMI cable, and while a laptop would work with the TV, a DVD player would not, so it is likely a port issue rather than a cable issue. 

Since it's an older TV with only one HDMI port, my options were to either buy an adapter so I could use a different set of ports, or a new TV.  I opted for the former.  I purchased an HDMI to RCA adapter, and it works, although the image and sound quality aren't as good as before.  Not sure if the difference has to do with with the quality of the adapter I purchased, or if the downgrade is inevitable because the digital signal is being converted to analog. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the adapter needs a power source.  Only some Telus TV+ boxes have a USB port on them.  I ended up keeping the slightly older 21-T box and sending back the newer 24-S box because the latter does not have a USB port.

[malik78876]

The ERR_PLAYER_P212 error often signals a playback issue. Try unplugging both the Optik TV box and the TV for a full reboot. If it’s an older TV, there could be a compatibility issue—try switching HDMI ports or using a different cable. If that doesn’t help, contacting Telus support might be the best next step.

[squirrel2]

Please read the entire thread before commenting.  The solutions you offer have either already been tried or are not possible. Unplugging and rebooting the TV and Optik TV box was one of the first things I tried, and did not resolve the issue.  There is only one HDMI port on the TV, so I can't switch to a different one.  The HDMI to RCA adapter option was the only solution available with my current TV.