Content Protection - HDCP

Summary

This article is to discuss HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) requirements for common media formats and common issues with larger broadcast style environments like LED walls or Jumbotrons and broadcast style facilities in Stadiums, as well as individual use when trying to duplicate the image on a larger screen from a laptop or personal device.

More content formats are requiring HDCP to permit playback. This can be a requirement on Streaming media platforms, digital media files, Blu-ray discs, and even standard DVDs. When content requires HDCP it requires all components in the system from the source for the video to the screen to be able to pass HDCP. If it detects a break in the chain, it will not permit playback. 

General HDCP Information

Versions

• HDCP 1.4: Designed for full HD content.
• HDCP 2.2: Developed to support ultra 4K media, and is essential for 4K content delivery.
• HDCP 2.3: The latest version, supporting resolutions up to 8K@60Hz.
• HDCP 2.0 IIA: Interface Independent Adaptation, any IP-based interface Compressed or uncompressed video (only specified for compressed over PES though).
• HDCP 2.1 IIA: New mechanism to manage Type 1 content. Type 1 is a flag preventing content from going to v1.x HDCP. It is assumed that UHD content will require that. Resolves addition of devices to the HDMI tree without a full tree re-authentication by allowing ReceiverID_List to be asynchronous.

Backward Compatibility

HDCP 1.x vs. HDCP 2.x:

There's a significant difference between the HDCP 1.x series and the HDCP 2.x series. HDCP 2.2 and 2.3 were designed with different encryption methods compared to HDCP 1.4 and earlier versions.
Therefore, there is not a simple "backward compatibility" in the sense that an HDCP 2.3 device will always seamlessly display content from an HDCP 1.x source.

Potential Issues: If a source device uses HDCP 1.x, and a display or intermediary device requires HDCP 2.3 for certain content (like 4K), you could encounter problems.

HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 2.2:

It's important to note that HDCP 2.3 is generally designed to be backward compatible with HDCP 2.2. This means that an HDCP 2.3 display should typically be able to handle HDCP 2.2 content.

In Summary:

While devices might still function in some basic ways when mixing HDCP 1.x and 2.x, there's no guarantee of full compatibility, especially with high-resolution content.

Connectors

Only specific video connectors support HDCP. These are as follows: 

1. HDMI
2. DisplayPort
3. DVI (dual link)
4. USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (not all USB-C is Thunderbolt capable)
   *Please see the manufacturer's product documentation to determine if your device is HDCP compliant

Common Issues

We commonly hear about this in large stadiums with a broadcast room outputting to a LED wall or Jumbotron style screen, as well as individuals extending playback to TVs from personal devices. 

Large stadiums with large LED walls or Jumbotron style screens are designed to accommodate video recording and broadcasting of custom content that is produced in house and not really designed for theatrical style playback.

The following are some common issues that prevent HDCP:

1. These systems are typically wired and connected using SDI. SDI is not capable of supporting HDCP. Only HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI (dual link) are capable supporting HDCP. Any conversions to SDI, Coax, RCA or any other connection will drop HDCP.
2. Tri-casters and video switches being used with SDI will immediately drop HDCP. You *cannot* regain HDCP by converting to a supported connection
3. Another common culprit in these environments are HDMI audio splitters. Many of these will break HDCP as well and many are not fully visible as they may be a part of a larger video switching system like a Crestron or Extron switch. 
4. In many cases the screen itself is not HDCP complaint. This is the case with many LED wall devices, though it is said that newer LED walls are building in this capability now

Individuals using personal devices to stream content and extend content to a TV often report HDCP issues as well. This can be due to a few factors:

1. The device may not support HDCP output to the external monitor
2. An adapter inline may not support HDCP
3. Or the video may be on both screens. This can be resolved by only showing the video on the external screen rather than mirroring the screens

Wireless Display

In our experience, wireless displays/projectors typically do not support HDCP. For that reason, we always recommend using a wired connection to an HDCP compatible display.  

For streaming content, you may be able to work around this limitation by turning off graphics acceleration support within the settings of Chromium-based browsers.  In the latest version of Chrome, that setting can be found here: chrome://settings/?search=acceleration

​
 

However, please be aware that this work-around may change or be removed as browsers are updated by their publishers.

If you are using an AppleTV, please be aware you have the option of either:

• Mirroring their display to an AppleTV
• Casting the video stream to an AppleTV via AirPlay

If you’re using an Apple device, we recommend using the Safari browser and the AirPlay casting process if possible as this usually provides a more reliable result.  For full details, please refer to the following document - Apple AirPlay, AppleTV Casting
 

Swank Content Requirements

The table below outlines the HDCP requirements for Swank content. These requirements help maintain compliance with content protection protocols, safeguarding digital media against unauthorized copying or redistribution.

Product	Requirement
Cinelink Content	Required
Blu-Ray	Required
DVDs	Some DVDs may require HDCP. We strongly suggest you test each disc you receive one day prior to your showing, using the same equipment you plan to utilize for the event.
Streaming Content	Swank content streams do not require HDCP, however many modern browsers may enforce HDCP even when playing content that does not require HDCP.