--- title: HDCP isn't just another useless acronym description: HDCP isn't just another useless acronym image: https://blog.clearone.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blog-header-hdcp.jpg --- [Log In](https://www.clearone.com/user/login) [![Home](https://blog.clearone.com/hubfs/ClearOne_April2018/image/logo_1_0.png)](https://www.clearone.com/) - [Meeting Space Solutions](https://www.clearone.com/meeting-room-av-solutions) - [Large Meeting Spaces](https://www.clearone.com/meeting-room-av-solutions/large-meeting-room-av-solutions) - [Medium Meeting Spaces](https://www.clearone.com/meeting-room-av-solutions/medium-meeting-room-av-solutions) - [Small Meeting Spaces](https://www.clearone.com/meeting-room-av-solutions/small-meeting-room-av-solutions) - [Home Office Solutions](https://www.clearone.com/meeting-room-av-solutions/home-office-av-solutions) - [Products](https://www.clearone.com/products) - [Audio Conferencing](https://www.clearone.com/products/audio-conferencing) - [Visual Collaboration](https://www.clearone.com/products/visual-collaboration) - [AV Networking](https://www.clearone.com/products/av-networking) - [Support & Training](https://www.clearone.com/support-training) - [**Consultant Portal**](https://www.clearone.com/consultant-portal) - [**Support**](https://www.clearone.com/support-training) - [Warranty Policy](https://www.clearone.com/warranty-policy) - [Product Returns](https://www.clearone.com/product-returns) - [Purchase Orders T&C](https://www.clearone.com/purchase-order) - [Resource library](https://www.clearone.com/rl-home) - [Contact Support](https://www.clearone.com/contact-support) - [**Training**](https://www.clearone.com/training-landing) - [Live Webinar Training](https://www.clearone.com/live-webinar-training) - [Self Paced Product Overviews](https://www.clearone.com/self-paced-product-overviews) - [ClearOne University Video Library](https://www.clearone.com/clearone-university-video-library) - [Company](https://www.clearone.com/company-about-us) - [About Us](https://www.clearone.com/company-about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.clearone.com/contact-us) - [Careers](https://www.clearone.com/careers) - [Success Stories](https://www.clearone.com/success-stories) - [Global Citizenship](https://www.clearone.com/global-citizenship) - [News](https://investors.clearone.com/press-releases) - [Events](https://www.clearone.com/events-tradeshows) - [Blog](https://blog.clearone.com/blog) - [**Become a Partner**](https://www.clearone.com/become-a-partner) - [**Investor Relations**](https://investors.clearone.com/) # HDCP isn't just another useless acronym Oct 11, 2016 - - - - [mailto:?subject=HDCP%20isn't%20just%20another%20useless%20acronym&body=HDCP%20isn't%20just%20another%20useless%20acronym%20https://blog.clearone.com/blog/hdcp-isnt-just-another-useless-acronym](mailto:?subject=HDCP%20isn't%20just%20another%20useless%20acronym&body=HDCP%20isn't%20just%20another%20useless%20acronym%20https://blog.clearone.com/blog/hdcp-isnt-just-another-useless-acronym) 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](http://www.clearone.com/products_viewpro) 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.  [http://www.digital-cp.com](http://www.digital-cp.com).  As a leader in the AV community, we must provide equipment to our partners that protect their interests and their customers.  Related Stories [View More](https://blog.clearone.com/blog) Sep 30, 2020 ## [Cloud-based Video Collaboration has Never Been More SECURE!](https://blog.clearone.com/blog/cloud-based-video-collaboration-has-never-been-more-secure) Sep 04, 2018 ## [Learn More about Communication Technologies with These Free Resources](https://blog.clearone.com/blog/learn-more-about-communication-technologies-with-these-free-resources) Would you like to save time on installations, deliver better results for your customers, and improve your skills? ClearOne lets you do that and more, and the trainings are all free. The ClearOne University classes and resources provide tips, tricks, and best practices so you Jun 20, 2018 ## [InfoComm Recap: These Products Turned Heads and Earned Honors](https://blog.clearone.com/blog/infocomm-recap-these-products-turned-heads-and-earned-honors) It’s a wrap on another successful InfoComm. It was great to meet so many customers and talk about ClearOne’s exciting new audiovisual products. Every company wants to simplify and improve collaboration and these products were designed to do exactly that. ![End Value Chain](https://blog.clearone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ClearOne_April2018/image/end-to-end-icon.png?width=70&name=end-to-end-icon.png) ##### End- to- end value chain ![Workspace](https://blog.clearone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ClearOne_April2018/image/space-icon.png?width=70&name=space-icon.png) ##### Any workspace ![Market](https://blog.clearone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ClearOne_April2018/image/cloud-icon.png?width=70&name=cloud-icon.png) ##### Market leadership #### LET'S START SOMETHING GOOD ClearOne Difference When it’s worth saying, we make sure it gets heard. When it’s worth sharing, we make sure it gets seen. At ClearOne, we provide the solutions that connect the world, allowing users to communicate and collaborate from anywhere with anyone. 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