Chromecast/Firestick

In my workshop I have no cable outlet but my wifi allows me to watch contour2 on my ipad.  I bought a small flatscreen for the workshop.  It use to work during college playoffs with no problem. This time when  I connected my Ipad directly to the tv using the hdmi, received a security error that my device was not authorized.  

I then tried using my firestick, no problem.  Then I tried my sons chromecast, no problem.  What the ***?  I WANT to use contour but apparently will not work unless you pay for a cable box.  This is just foolish on the part of cox.  If this turns out to be another cox money grab I may have to consider a switch to Direct.