What is the purpose of HDCP?

The purpose of HDCP, or High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, is to prevent unauthorized copying of digital video content. This technology is primarily used in the distribution of digital audio and video content to protect it from being intercepted and duplicated unlawfully. By encrypting the data between the source (like a Blu-ray player or computer) and the display (such as a TV or projector), HDCP ensures that only authorized devices can access and display the content. This level of protection is critical for content creators and distributors to safeguard their intellectual property and revenue streams from piracy.

In a broader context, HDCP plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of digital rights management (DRM) systems, allowing for the secure transmission of high-quality digital content over HDMI and other connections. The focus here is on the protection of content rather than enhancing audio quality, improving network security, or increasing bandwidth, which are not the primary objectives of HDCP.