7 What is HDCP?

Basics

HDCP is an acronym for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a coding scheme developed by Intel and approved by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to protect audio and video signals traveling through DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. HDCP prevents copying and illegal interception of audio and video during a streaming session by creating a secure connection between the source and the display.  It also shields the transfer of digital content from a video source like a computer or DVD player to a receiver like a monitor or TV screen. 

Copyright infringement occurs when works like books, movies, art, music, graphics, videos, web page information, or any intellectual property in a tangible form are shared without permission from the copyright holder. While copyright infringement covers many things, the focus of HDCP is audio and video. Certain exclusive rights are given to the copyright holder of the digital or written content like the right to display, distribute, or reproduce the work. Using these works without permission costs the creator or owner money. When you download a pirated movie, then give it to 10 other people, you've just cost the owner a fairly substantial amount in royalties. Digital piracy is expected to cost the television and film industry over $52 billion dollars this year so it makes sense that the creators are eager to protect their content.

You should know the following terms:

  • Copyright infringement
  • DisplayPort
  • DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
  • HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection)
  • HDMI

There are 3 types of HDCP security rules:

  1. Data traveling through HDCP-enabled cabling is encrypted to stay hidden from cyber criminals.

  2. Digital devices that end up being compromised have their keys taken away. This means the device can no longer get data.

  3. Authentication prevents data and content from being sent to digital devices that don’t have a license.

These security rules are not always transparent to the end user but here's a scenario of how it works:

  • A user places a DVD in a computer. The transmitter makes sure the receiver (the computer) has the right license to access the DVD with HDCP key controls.

    • If the computer doesn’t have the right license, it won’t receive the content data and cannot display the HDCP-encrypted data.

    • If the computer does have HDCP controls, the movie will be displayed on the computer screen.

This process happens throughout the playing of the video. It is not just a one-time check at the beginning. Breaking the HDCP rule can result in a fine or losing the ability to watch HDCP content. HDCP is a voluntary licensing relationship between the DCP and its valued companies. 

No amount of upgrading software will "fix" a DHCP error. Usually the issue is the type of connection. Check to see whether your device is HDCP compatible on the DCP Website.

Resource Credits: 

Here are additional resources you may find useful:

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Use the DCP Website to determine how many district devices are HDCP compatible. Add this data to your Systems Overview Data spreadsheet.