HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a specified method from Intel for protecting copyrighted digital entertainment content that uses the Digital Video Interface (DVI) by encrypting its transmission between the video source and the digital display (receiver). The video source might be a computer, set-top boxLCD), television, plasma panel, or projector.

All authorized devices are given a set of unique secret device keys from the Digital Content Protection LLC, which is the organization that licenses technologies for digital content protection. During the authentication process, the receiver must demonstrate its knowledge of the secret device keys before content is sent. After the receiver acknowledges the keys, both devices generate a shared secret value that is designed to prevent eavesdroppers from stealing the content. After authentication, the content is encrypted and sent to the receiver that decrypts it. If the Digital Content Protection LLC determines that a set of secret device keys has been compromised, it places the keys on a revocation list and provides the authorized devices with a new set of keys, which is called renewability. During authentication, the transmitter checks the revocation list before sending any content.