HDCP feature in Monitors?

[therock003]

I briefly know of HDCP being some kind of protection for video signals, but what does that mean when it comes as a feature in monitors? Like HDCP support? It supports decoding of HDCP? Why would someone choose HDCP in the first Place?

[jagabo]

HDCP is the encryption protocol used for DVI and HDMI (Displayport too?) connections. Without it many HD devices will not output HD video. PowerDVD will not play Blu-ray discs without a fully HDCP compliant system (that means graphics card and monitor). Your cable box or satellite box will not output HD video to non HDCP compliant devices. Upscaling DVD players will not upscale without HDCP. Etc.

[therock003]

Why does this encryption exist though? I mean who thought of that, and for what purposes?

I dont care about Disk players and Signal Receivers. I intend to buy a 2560x1600 Monitor but it doesnt have HDCP support, but i mostly need it for Computer use, so i guess it wont be an issue.

[Baldrick]

To prevent copying/recording.

[therock003]

So that signal can only be played back but not captured, right. Is everything coming out a Digital Output from this sources GDCP protected? How will you know if it is?

[jagabo]

Hollywood wanted it. Intel engineered it. All the hardware manufacturers go along with it.

If you don't plan on watching Blu-ray discs on your PC you don't need HDCP. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if high def streaming video sites someday require it.