Confused about what HDCP really does.

[Pez D Spencer]

Ok. I understand what HDCP means and what it essentially does but I'm having trouble grasping what its exact purpose is. Ive searched around a little but I still don't quite get it. I hope nobody flames me for being a box 'o rocks on this one.

Does HDCP prevent the copying of DVD's and other copyrighted material? Or does HDCP simply prevent media from being displayed on a device (TV, monitor, etc), that is not HDCP compliant? If the reason is the latter than what purpose does this serve besides making everyone buy HDCP compliant devices?

Im completely lost.

 

[ZimZum]

Originally posted by: Pez D Spencer

Does HDCP prevent the copying of DVD's and other copyrighted material?

Yes thats its main purpose.

If your display is HDCP it will still accept input from any source. It doesn't matter if the devices are HDCP compliant or not. However a Source Component such as a Cable Box or DVD player, that is HDCP compliant will NOT output to a NON HDCP compliant Display over a digital connection. They will still output over the analog connections though (SVideo, component, etc).

 

[RaiderJ]

It scares people into thinking everything they own needs it otherwise Windows Vista will not like them.