This site has popup crap but it does have an answer:

To understand how HDCP could affect you, it's important to learn about the underlying concept. Machines like cable boxes and Blu-ray disc players scramble video before they send it to your television set. Before it can descramble and display a signal, the TV must exchange codes with the other device. This process stops you from recording video as you watch a copyrighted program. To view a protected digital show or motion picture, all of your equipment must comply with HDCP. This requirement goes beyond movie players and TVs. A complex home theater system won't support HDCP when you use a non-compliant splitter, tuner, wireless transmitter, repeater or audio-video receiver. If you want to enjoy a high-resolution video, you may need to replace older devices. Keep in mind that HDCP only becomes an issue when you watch programs from companies that use this kind of protection. Disney, Warner Brothers, and Sony normally incorporate it into every show they produce. If you don't own the right equipment, you could end up with an error message or blank screen when you try to view this content. Blu-ray discs, DVDs, pay-per-view events and satellite or cable channels may feature protected material.

Playing Movies
This copy protection system might block access to films if you have an entirely digital entertainment system but some components lack HDCP compliance. For example, perhaps you attached a high-definition TV to your Blu-ray disc player with a DVI or HDMI cable. The player won't let you view a protected movie if you have an early HDTV that doesn't support this technology. You'll need to replace the digital cable with component video cords. If the only problem is a non-compliant cable, you can solve it by purchasing an HDCP-certified DVI or HDMI wire.

My viewing is pretty basic so I haven't come across this problem - or at least, I haven't had problems that couldn't be solved by changing devices, usually upgrading.

That said, I am not surprised. It is a long time since I have tried to record or rip my own copies of films or programs, though I have a robust file of previously recorded stuff that streams ok around the house. I used to fight the battle of getting past the security settings even when I owned a film and simply wanted to convert for my various devices. Most of the software that lets you get past the security stuff is illegal in the US. (Of course it is! Sony and others see to that.)