HDCP is a form of DRM created by Intel to protect high-quality digital content during transfer. Many devices contain HDCP, and it works by verifying the receiver’s HDCP license. Violations can result in fines and revoked access. In 2001, researchers claimed to have hacked HDCP, but it was approved by the FCC in 2004.
High-Bandwidth Digital-Content Protection (HDCP) is a form of digital rights management (DRM) created by Intel. It is designed to protect the transfer of high quality digital content from a video source, such as a computer, satellite television receiver or DVD player, to a receiver such as a television screen or computer monitor. In particular, technology has sought to achieve some degree of copyright protection in audio and video content, such as film, video and television.
Many video and audio playback devices contain the HDCP specification. While not all computers are HDCP compliant, some computer manufacturers have turned to HDCP to ensure additional security measures are in place. For example, computers running Windows® Vista® typically have the HDCP specification. The HDCP specification can be found in some digital video interfaces (DVI), a video interface standard found in display devices such as flat panel LCDs. HDCP can also be found in many monitors, game consoles, Blu-ray players equipped with High Definition Multimedia Interfaces (HDMI), as well as monitors and home theater systems equipped with DisplayPort interfaces.
HDCP basically works like this. When a DVD or Blu-ray disc is inserted into a computer or DVD player, or when a satellite receiver is turned on, the transmitter immediately verifies that the receiver is licensed with HDCP key controls. If the machine is not properly licensed, it will not be allowed to receive and view HDCP-protected material. If the proper HDCP controls are in place, the DVD or audio and video content will appear on your computer monitor or television screen.
The HDCP license is checked throughout the viewing session, not just at the start of the broadcast. In general, HDCP controls allow for friendly exchanges between the transmitter and receiver, preventing other receivers from intercepting, stealing, or otherwise viewing the content.
Violations of the HDCP license can result in fines and the ability to view HDCP protected content may be revoked. In 2001, a group of researchers claims they were able to hack HDCP and bypass cryptographic protections. However, the Federal Communications Commission approved the protection technology in 2004.
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