What is HDCP?
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a digital copy protection technology designed to prevent unauthorized recording or interception of high-value audio/video content (like movies, TV shows, or games) as it travels between devices over digital interfaces like HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI.
Key things about HDCP
- Anti-Piracy Purpose: Its core job is to stop protected content from being copied while it’s being transmitted from a source device (Blu-ray player, streaming box, game console, PC) to a sink device (TV, monitor, projector, AV receiver).
- Encryption: HDCP encrypts the digital audio/video signal at the source.
- Authentication (“Handshake”): Before playing protected content, the source and sink must perform an authentication process:
- The source requests the sink’s unique HDCP key.
- The sink sends its key.
- The source verifies the key is valid and hasn’t been revoked (isn’t on a “blacklist”).
- If valid, they agree on a session key and encrypted transmission begins.
- If authentication fails (incompatible versions, fake/revoked key, faulty cable), protected content will not display (usually resulting in a black screen or error message).
- Versions Matter: HDCP has evolved through versions (1.x, 2.x, 2.3). Newer versions (like HDCP 2.2, 2.3) offer stronger encryption and are required for modern content (e.g., 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, some 4K streaming). All devices in the chain (source, cable, sink) must support the required HDCP version.
- Where It’s Used: Found on virtually all modern devices handling licensed video:
- Sources: Blu-ray players, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV), game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), PCs/laptops (HDMI/DP outputs).
- Sinks: TVs, monitors, projectors, AV receivers, soundbars.
- Cables: HDMI and DisplayPort cables must be capable of supporting the required HDCP version.
- Common Issues:
- Black Screen: The most frequent problem, caused by a failed handshake (incompatible versions, bad cable, faulty port).
- Resolution Downgrade: If devices can’t negotiate the required HDCP version, the source might send a lower-resolution signal instead.