HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It was enforced to ensure that digital video content stays safe without anyone being able to copy it. The system checks the devices and components such as the monitor. But this is only possible in HDCP compliant systems. Now, we are sure you are asking yourself, “Is my monitor HDCP compliant?” We know how you can find out!
About HDCP
For HDCP to work, all the devices involved in the connection must comply with it, not just the monitor. This means, your monitor needs to allow HDMI or DVI digital connections. Why does this matter so much? It matters because HDCP will not let you connect the device to a recording device for the purpose of copying video content without the owner’s permission. So, it encrypts the data whilst it is transferred. Unless all devices are compliant, this cannot happen.
When HDCP was launched, it was quite rare with support only from a few monitors. But today, it is the standard. Almost all monitors are HDCP compliant. The only exception is monitors that don’t have HDMI/DVI ports and have less than 1920 x 1080 p resolution.
Is my Monitor HDCP Compliant?
There are a couple of ways to find out.
- Check the instruction manual. If it is HDCP compliant, it will be mentioned there.
- Go through the product listing on the respective website. The product page usually has this detail.
- Speak to the manufacturer and ask about it directly. This is a sure-fire way of getting the answer.
As aforementioned, it is not enough for your monitor to be compliant. The player and the graphics card, for example, should also follow the same. Also, analog signals are not encrypted. So, you should always use HDMI or DVI cables only.
How to Enable HDCP
Now that you know whether your monitor is HDCP compliant, you may also be interested in learning about enabling and disabling it.
Usually, HDCP is enabled by default. You don’t have to take extra steps for this. If you want to disable it for any reason, you can find the option in Settings or Monitor Settings. Just uncheck the box and you are done.
P.S. When HDCP is enabled, you will not be able to connect any device that does not comply with HDCP.
People also ask
Here are answers to a few questions we receive on this topic.
1) Is my HDMI cable HDCP compliant?
New HDMI cables are HDCP compliant. However, the HDMI cables of old TVs and monitors may not be. Going through the manufacturer’s specifications will help you get a clear answer.
2) Is my Mac monitor HDCP compliant?
Mostly no. Apple monitors and laptops usually do not support HDCP outputs.
3) What if my TV is not HDCP compliant?
Certain video streams will not be able to play on your TV.
4) What is HDCP monitor?
HDCP stands for High-Definition Digital Content Protection. This means that a HDCP monitor will not allow transmission of illegal sounds and images through HDMI or DVI.
5) Do laptops have HDCP?
Laptops don’t usually need HDCP.
6) Can HDCP be upgraded?
No, it can’t.
We hope this article gave you the answers you were looking for. If you have any questions or doubts, you know what to do – just comment!