High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)

This is a bastard technology developed by Intel that prevents legitimate use and backup of digital video source. HDCP is a way of encrypting and transmitting a video signal stream. An HDCP encrypted signal may be applied DVI, HDMI, GVIF, and UDI connections. All devices with High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectors are "HDCP compliant," meaning the devices have anti-copy technology built into them.

The goal of HDCP is to plug the Analog Hole, and is similar, in purpose, to the old Macrovision analog copy protection scheme. It is a type of Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Note: It is recommended that consumers DO NOT PURCHASE devices with HDCP built in technology. Send a message to the manufacturers, that you do not want to be controlled and have your rights restricted. Windows Vista is an example of a technology with HDCP built into the operating system itself.

HDCP is supposed to eliminate the possibility of intercepting digital data midstream between the source to the display. The format designed by Intel and licensed by Digital Content Protection, LLC using an authentication and key exchange procedure before video and audio is presented. Products compatible with the HDCP scheme such as DVD players, satellite and cable HDTV set-top-boxes, as well as few entertainment PCs requires a secure connection to a compliant display, the process often described as the handshake. Due to the increase in manufacturers employing HDCP in their equipment, it is highly recommended consumers take action now in sending a message saying "We don't want our rights restricted with HDCP!"

Blu-ray and HD-DVD technologies are integrated with HDCP. Pre-HDCP complaint televisions and video equipment that are very capable of displaying the high definition provided by Blu-ray are purposely blocked from receiving the high quality signal due to the corporate greed behind HDCP.

One notable anti-HDCP group states, "The movie industry assumes you are a criminal, and has added technologies to Blu-ray and HD-DVD that vastly restrict your potential enjoyment of their HD movies."

The MPAA is one of the driving forces behind pushing HDCP on you and restricting your rights and disabling the capabilities of your high definition video equipment.