HDCP Connection Overview

HDCP is a little known digital rights management tool utilized in HDMI and DVI connections. It stands for high-bandwidth digital content protection. Since both HDMI and DVI connections allow for the use of high-definition audio and video, it allows for the transmissions to be regulated and licensed through its protocol. This allows companies to keep in check those who might be transmitting illegally obtained copies of TV, movies and other forms of media.

Intel began developing HDCP as a way to combat pirating in the HD age. When a given studio applies for a HDCP license, they have to ensure that not only is their media protected but that the public is protected as well. This means that if a consumer purchases a HD movie, in either format, and do not own a HD-compliant DVD player, they will not be able to view the content in high-def. This forces both the consumer and the studio to either produce regular DVD content as well as perhaps upgrading to a new player to view the new HD product.

HDCP works on three levels. First, it utilizes an authentication of data to make sure that devices not registered to receive HD signal will not receive it. Next, it encrypts data sent over HDMI and DVI cables to prevent the transmission from being hijacked or copied by a third party device. Finally, that encryption also allows for non-licensed HD devices, such as those set-up to copy movies, to be blocked from receiving a signal during the authentication process.

In most cases, you will never run into a problem with a HDCP connection. However, if you are trying to watch illegal copies of films, whether you burned them yourself or purchased them, you will find that HDCP present in HDMI and DVI cables may make watching them impossible. By utilizing the HDCP protocol, film and TV makers can make sure that only legal copies of products are being watched by the mainstream viewing public. Otherwise, without such a connection, millions of dollars would be lost for all involved in the production of our favorite movie and TV shows.