Glossary A–ZLetter H
HDCP
HDCP is a copy protection system that encrypts digital video signals on their way from the source to the screen.
The abbreviation stands for “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection”. It is used with HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI.
When they connect, source and screen check whether each supports HDCP. The source only outputs protected content, for example from television receivers, streaming services or Blu-ray, if this check succeeds; otherwise the screen stays black or shows a message. 4K content usually requires the HDCP 2.2 version. Many media players output their own content without copy protection.
Every device in the signal path has to cooperate: splitters, extenders, switches and matrix switches must support the required version. The number of devices to which a protected signal may be passed on is limited, which can make large distributions to many screens difficult. Operators who want to put live TV on screens should check the whole signal path for HDCP in advance. HDCP only governs the technology, not whether content may be shown in public.