- HDCP--short for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection and developed by Intel--is an intellectual property protection measure designed to prevent individuals from copying media as it moves from the source to a display, reports Digital Connection. In addition, all HDCP sources, such as a Blu-Ray player, require a display using HDCP, usually a TV, to take advantage of the high-definition media's fullest functions.
- Digital Connection reports that many major manufacturers, movie studios and consumer electronics companies are now using HDCP copy protection in their media devices, such as DVD players and especially HDTV cable boxes. Digital Content Protection reports that over 400 HDCP licenses are already in use, and HDCP keys exist in over 1 billion devices.
- HDCP has two parts: authentication and encryption, reports "HDCP Deciphered." In authentication, the HDCP source verifies that any output devices are HDCP compatible, as noted by the unique, 20 bit key given to each HDCP unit. Once authenticated, the HDCP source then proceeds to encrypt and send data to any receiver. Also, data is synchronized and checked for encryption every 2 seconds by the transmitter.
- Owners of the first High-Definition TVs that do not have HDMI lobby criticism that HDCP essentially forces them to purchase a new entertainment system to watch HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs at their highest quality, reports Audio Video Revolution. As many as 6 million early HDTVs exist that must stick with 480p, compared to HDCP compatible TVs which get the full 1080p from new HD media.
- HDCP technology will continue to evolve and make the authentication process simpler for HDCP sources and increase the security of their encrypted data streams, according to "HDCP Deciphered." The basic principles of HDCP will remain the same, though: protecting media integrity when it gets to the consumer, prevent the illegal distribution of media and stay as low-key as possible.