HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a form of digital copy protection developed by Intel to prevent copying of audio and video as it travels from DVI (Digital Video Interface), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Gigabit Video Interface (GVIF), and other connectors. If a product wants to utilize this technology, they must obtain a license from Intel. The license not only charges an annual fee, but also asks they agree to conditions stated in the HDCP License Agreement.

Devices that utilize the HDCP technology come in three different types. They include repeaters, sinks, and sources. The differences can be found listed below:

• Repeaters - These devices accept the content, decrypts it so it may be used for the repeaters, and then re-encrypts the data and send it back out. An example may be a device that splits the TV signal between a set of multiple TVs, or perhaps a audio amplifier that boosts the sound. A source should have one HDCP/HDMI transmitter.
• Sinks - The sink includes at least one HDCP/HDMI receiver, and just reads in the signal and renders it to be viewed. An example of a sink would a TV.
• Source - This is what sends the original signal to be de-crypted. These include DVD players, Blu-Ray players, and even computer video cards. A repeater contains both HDCP/HDMI transmitters and receivers, since they need to take a signal in and then send it back out.

Many devices will tell you if they are HDCP capable or not right on the box. They will usually say things such as mentioning the word HDCP, or may tell you that it is HD capable. Always make sure to check before making a purchase.

Is there a way to get around it?

Yes, people have found ways to circumvent the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection system. When first introduced, many people wnated to get around it do to their displays not being able to play the HDCP protected data, so devices that could decrpt the data to be displayed on non-HDCP compliant displays arose. These devices are typically known as “HDCP strippers”, and basically just take the signal being output by the source and remove the HDCP information from the signal, leaving the raw unfiltered video for reception and viewing. Keep in mind that using such devices (or even purchasing them) may be illegal depending on where you live. Be sure to check copyright laws before trying to circumvent the aforementioned restrictions.

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