Caveat Emptor: HDCP

[foodfightr]

Introduction
If you are already familiar with the HDCP controversy (that is that graphics cards that say HDCP support can't actually be used for HDCP) then this post may not be for you. However, if you are not familiar with HDCP this post may save you thousands of dollars and plenty of headaches. Keep reading, it gets worse.

What is HDCP?
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. Essentially, this is a technology that will verify the integrity of information as it travels across your electronic devices. In order to support HDCP, every device transferring and receiving the signal MUST support HDCP.

HDCP: The Marketing
HDCP is being marketed as a technology that will ensure video quality because each of the devices with HDCP support will essentially interact in a way that will protect the signal of the content being transmitted. That is, ensure that it has not been adversely affected along the way, ensuring optimal picture quality. Sounds great right? Wrong!

HDCP: The Truth
While DVD movies look great, they are not high definition. New, high definition disks (blu-ray and others) are being developed to hold enough data for a high definition video. What?s the catch? The media industry is refusing to release content for these formats unless they support HDCP. Why? In order to support HDCP, EVERY device that touches the signal must have an HDCP key. Enter big brother.

What's In A Key?
The Digital Content Protection LLC, responsible for HDCP licensing states that in order to receive a license a device must be inspected to be both "robust" and "compliant" in order to "ensure that HDCP implementations both protect the confidentiality of keys and other values from compromise." Only after a device has been determined to be safe enough for the media to be protected will it be able to support the HDCP signal.

Things Get Interesting
An HDCP key can be revoked at anytime. If a device is said to have been compromised it can and will be rendered incapable of functioning. How will this happen? Disks will contain lists of keys for devices that are no longer allowed to play HDCP content. So one night you bring home a new movie power up your computer or entertainment center and then... click. Not only can you no longer watch the new movie, you won't be able to play any HDCP content including your movie collection. All because one person, anywhere in the world, has found a way around the protection for any of the devices in your home theater or computer. Or worse, what if a major manufacturer such as Sony had its key codes leaked? Bad news for everyone.

Things Get Even More Interesting
Most of you are aware that there have been many great deals available on Dell monitors lately. Why? Windows Vista supports HDCP and is right around the corner. See the big picture? New disks, new operating system, obsolete monitors. In order to support HDCP, every device transferring and receiving the signal MUST support HDCP. Most manufacturers, like Dell, are quickly trying to move product that will be obsolete in the near future to make way for HDCP compliant product lines.

Money Wasted
So you finally splurged and spent your hard earned money on a brand new TV just one or two years ago. You picked up that widescreen LCD monitor that looks so nice on your desk. You sir, are out of luck. There will be no breathtaking video quality of the future on your TV. To make things worse, video card manufacturers have been deceptively marketing there products as being able to support HDCP, but left out that minor detail that they DO NOT and WILL NOT be capable of being assigned an HDCP key. Just bought a new graphics card or a new computer? Well if you paid $300 for a video card or $800 for SLi, you are out of luck.

The Big Picture
What it boils down to is this. When HDCP catches on later this year with the release of Windows Vista, you will be faced with the following:

• Your entertainment center will be obsolete.
• Your computer (graphics card) will be obsolete.
• Your monitor will be obsolete.

Don't think it will catch on? As long as the media industry is putting pressure on manufacturers they will need to produce HDCP protected products or they will be unable to compete with manufacturers who do. Take a look at Microsoft, Intel, Dell, Sony and the others, you'd be hard pressed to find a major brand that isn't gearing up for HDCP.

Conclusion
All this for what? An unnecessary technology forcing us to buy an entirely new entertainment center. Because after all, In order to support HDCP, every device transferring and receiving the signal MUST support HDCP.

 

[EvilYoda]

Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

 

[foodfightr]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

 

[Kilgor]

Cliffs

HDCP=BAD

foodfightr Get's mad and shakes fist in air.

 

[MX2]

Your entertainment center will be obsolete.
Your computer (graphics card) will be obsolete.
Your monitor will be obsolete.

Seems we hear that about every month now

 

[foodfightr]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Your entertainment center will be obsolete.
Your computer (graphics card) will be obsolete.
Your monitor will be obsolete.

Seems we hear that about every month now

Generally we say that because we don't like playing games without all the goodies turned up to the max. This is more like you either buy everything all over again with HDCP support, or you can't use it at all.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

bah..the vieo cards are HDCP compatible. the thing is, the rest of the PC is not which puts the video card out of the discussion...hence the publicity....the press bit the first thing they saw..and they were wrong.

 

[foodfightr]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

bah..the vieo cards are HDCP compatible. the thing is, the rest of the PC is not which puts the video card out of the discussion...hence the publicity....the press bit the first thing they saw..and they were wrong.

Wrong. We've all been lied too. HDCP compatible does not mean it can support HDCP. Text We're still waiting for graphics cards to truly support HDCP.

 

[EvilYoda]

Components, as in audio video...I couldn't care less about my computer being compliant. for now.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

bah..the vieo cards are HDCP compatible. the thing is, the rest of the PC is not which puts the video card out of the discussion...hence the publicity....the press bit the first thing they saw..and they were wrong.

Wrong. We've all been lied too. HDCP compatible does not mean it can support HDCP. Text We're still waiting for graphics cards to truly support HDCP.

IIRC, all the correct hardware is there except the keys and such which need to be licensed,

 

[foodfightr]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

bah..the vieo cards are HDCP compatible. the thing is, the rest of the PC is not which puts the video card out of the discussion...hence the publicity....the press bit the first thing they saw..and they were wrong.

Wrong. We've all been lied too. HDCP compatible does not mean it can support HDCP. Text We're still waiting for graphics cards to truly support HDCP.

IIRC, all the correct hardware is there except the keys and such which need to be licensed,

Yup, except manufacturers are not offering a way to "upgrade" your existing card with the keys.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: Goosemaster

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Well I guess Microsoft is looking out for us, giving us more and more time to get HDCP-ready.

I'm all set, component-wise, no worries.

Almost impossible, your graphics card doesn't have HDCP support does it? And you have one of the eight or so monitors currently available for HDCP?

bah..the vieo cards are HDCP compatible. the thing is, the rest of the PC is not which puts the video card out of the discussion...hence the publicity....the press bit the first thing they saw..and they were wrong.

Wrong. We've all been lied too. HDCP compatible does not mean it can support HDCP. Text We're still waiting for graphics cards to truly support HDCP.

IIRC, all the correct hardware is there except the keys and such which need to be licensed,

Yup, except manufacturers are not offering a way to "upgrade" your existing card with the keys.

that would open a security hole.

 

[GoingUp]

Linux here I come.

 

[Continuity28]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
Linux here I come.

Uhh... you won't have an easier time than on Windows watching HD-DVD/Blu-Ray at above 640x480. In fact Windows cracks around HDCP would likely be around first, because more people use Windows.

 

[archcommus]

I think anyone that thinks monitors will be obsolete in a few months is an idiot.

Keep in mind that 80% of the population doesn't give a sh!t what features come with their monitor/computer/home theater equipment. You really think that by the end of this year everyone on the fvcking planet that owns non-HDCP equipment will have to throw it all away or at the very least not buy any new movies or games until they do? That's completely laughable!

I understand that according to the spec you will simply not be able to play HD content on a non-HDCP device. And I'm telling you that won't become mainstream, period. Consider the kind of person that makes up the majority of these companies' sales, and then consider that kind of person understanding and agreeing with this idea. Not gonna happen!

 

[foodfightr]

Originally posted by: archcommus
I think anyone that thinks monitors will be obsolete in a few months is an idiot.

Keep in mind that 80% of the population doesn't give a sh!t what features come with their monitor/computer/home theater equipment. You really think that by the end of this year everyone on the fvcking planet that owns non-HDCP equipment will have to throw it all away or at the very least not buy any new movies or games until they do? That's completely laughable!

I understand that according to the spec you will simply not be able to play HD content on a non-HDCP device. And I'm telling you that won't become mainstream, period. Consider the kind of person that makes up the majority of these companies' sales, and then consider that kind of person understanding and agreeing with this idea. Not gonna happen!

You're forgetting some very important details...

Notice First, Buy Later
The average joe consumer is the person who goes out and buys what... DISCS! CDs, DVDs, Etc. More people than not (techs aside) assume P2P is dead, buy DVDs and CDs. (Unless they pay for it on iTunes.) You're telling me this consumer won't be interested in the new disc? That'd be like saying that CDs will never catch on because we have records.

Buy First, Notice Later
Many consumers will buy a new TV, or computer that comes fully bundled and prepared for HDCP. The change is being forced by manufacturers who are designing systems around the concept. Much of the population will switch to HDCP without even knowing, forcing those of us who do know what it is to suffer the consequences.

 

[chibchakan]

DVI extenders that strip HDCP FTW.

 

[BillGates]

It'll be hacked within minutes of being public anyway... no biggie

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
Components, as in audio video...I couldn't care less about my computer being compliant. for now.

That's what I'm talking about. BFD if I can't watch a movie on my computer.

As long as I can buy an HD DVD player when they are reasonably priced, and it plays on my HT system, I'm not worried about this at all.
Plus, HD DVD really won't be relevant IMO...if they go back and re-release old movies on HD DVD, they aren't going to look much, if any better. Not more than a good up-converting DVD can make them look now.

Plus, on the bright side, I'm pretty ripe for an upgrade anyway, monitor and graphics card-wise, so this means I'll just wait a bit longer and see if I care about HD content for my computer then.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: archcommus
I think anyone that thinks monitors will be obsolete in a few months is an idiot.

Keep in mind that 80% of the population doesn't give a sh!t what features come with their monitor/computer/home theater equipment. You really think that by the end of this year everyone on the fvcking planet that owns non-HDCP equipment will have to throw it all away or at the very least not buy any new movies or games until they do? That's completely laughable!

I understand that according to the spec you will simply not be able to play HD content on a non-HDCP device. And I'm telling you that won't become mainstream, period. Consider the kind of person that makes up the majority of these companies' sales, and then consider that kind of person understanding and agreeing with this idea. Not gonna happen!

You're forgetting some very important details...

Notice First, Buy Later
The average joe consumer is the person who goes out and buys what... DISCS! CDs, DVDs, Etc. More people than not (techs aside) assume P2P is dead, buy DVDs and CDs. (Unless they pay for it on iTunes.) You're telling me this consumer won't be interested in the new disc? That'd be like saying that CDs will never catch on because we have records.

Buy First, Notice Later
Many consumers will buy a new TV, or computer that comes fully bundled and prepared for HDCP. The change is being forced by manufacturers who are designing systems around the concept. Much of the population will switch to HDCP without even knowing, forcing those of us who do know what it is to suffer the consequences.

You are right that many people will convert unknowingly because they buy bundles, but still, consider Joe Schmo going to pick up the latest movie put out on Blu-Ray and takes it home and tells his family it will be the best picture they've ever seen only to discover it won't display at highest quality on the 50" TV he bought a mere 18 months ago. Ain't gonna happen! The manufacturers will cater to those with the older tech, they always have, and they always will. Their number one concern is their sales.

 

[archcommus]

There's really very little to hack I think when it comes to set-top players and TVs, but as far as computers are concerned, people will figure out ways to rip the content straight off the disc, I'm sure.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: foodfightr

Originally posted by: archcommus
I think anyone that thinks monitors will be obsolete in a few months is an idiot.

Keep in mind that 80% of the population doesn't give a sh!t what features come with their monitor/computer/home theater equipment. You really think that by the end of this year everyone on the fvcking planet that owns non-HDCP equipment will have to throw it all away or at the very least not buy any new movies or games until they do? That's completely laughable!

I understand that according to the spec you will simply not be able to play HD content on a non-HDCP device. And I'm telling you that won't become mainstream, period. Consider the kind of person that makes up the majority of these companies' sales, and then consider that kind of person understanding and agreeing with this idea. Not gonna happen!

You're forgetting some very important details...

Notice First, Buy Later
The average joe consumer is the person who goes out and buys what... DISCS! CDs, DVDs, Etc. More people than not (techs aside) assume P2P is dead, buy DVDs and CDs. (Unless they pay for it on iTunes.) You're telling me this consumer won't be interested in the new disc? That'd be like saying that CDs will never catch on because we have records.

Buy First, Notice Later
Many consumers will buy a new TV, or computer that comes fully bundled and prepared for HDCP. The change is being forced by manufacturers who are designing systems around the concept. Much of the population will switch to HDCP without even knowing, forcing those of us who do know what it is to suffer the consequences.

You are right that many people will convert unknowingly because they buy bundles, but still, consider Joe Schmo going to pick up the latest movie put out on Blu-Ray and takes it home and tells his family it will be the best picture they've ever seen only to discover it won't display at highest quality on the 50" TV he bought a mere 18 months ago. Ain't gonna happen! The manufacturers will cater to those with the older tech, they always have, and they always will. Their number one concern is their sales.

He probably won't notice the lower quality.

 

[jagec]

When Microsoft releases a new OS, you wait for the service pack, and then you buy it.
When anyone releases new DRM/anti-piracy software, you wait for the crack, and then you buy it.

You guys should know this by now.

 

[TerryMathews]

You see problems, I see opportunities.

How many 2405FPWs will I be able to buy for $100/pc when all the Dell dummies realize they can't watch their new movies on it?

I have no intention of watching movies on my PC. Movies belong on the PJ or the TV, where theres nice comfy chairs and a couch.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
You see problems, I see opportunities.

How many 2405FPWs will I be able to buy for $100/pc when all the Dell dummies realize they can't watch their new movies on it?

I have no intention of watching movies on my PC. Movies belong on the PJ or the TV, where theres nice comfy chairs and a couch.

Projector+PC = win