Have you ever heard of HDCP? Ever wondered what it really means or why it exits?
HDCP is an acronym for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a form of digital copy protection that was developed by Intel with the intention of preventing the copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections. Being that HDCP is a digital technology, HDMI and DVI cables are used.
HCDP becomes relevant when it comes to moving audio and video signals over a network…..AV over IP Video Distribution. If a signal is protected by HDCP, once that signal is put into a video distribution system, it will pass if the device the signal is flowing into is HDCP compliant. There are two general standards in the HDCP world….1.4 and 2.XX. Without getting into the details on either, suffice it to say that in a professional AV Distribution System, the equipment you use should be compliant with both in order to provide both a legal solution and one that is flexible for your clients needs.
In our industry one of the main challenges that integrators face is with Apple. Using an Apple device as a source into an Encoder can create an issue even if the content being played is not HDCP protected. AV Integrators have told me that their customers often call and say that their Apple Device is not passing audio and video even when the content being played is not HDCP encrypted. By default Apple has HDCP Content protection enabled on their devices. Apple has presumably taken this route so they will not be liable for the actions of an end user.
To get around this, some encoding and decoding devices have a switch that enables them to turn HDCP off. In theory this appears to be a viable solution. The reality however is that the HDCP licensing agreement that all manufactures who wish to be in compliance sign, does not allow for this work around.
With ClearOne's View Pro System we fully support the HDCP standards of 1.4 and 2.XX. Our View Pro AV over IP Streaming Solution will never block protected or unprotected content. There is never a need to turn HDCP off. ClearOne has taken the position to comply with HDCP Licensing to the letter of the law.
For more information on HDCP, visit the link below.
As a leader in the AV community, we must provide equipment to our partners that protect their interests and their customers.
