It’s not uncommon to hear people use HDCP and HDMI interchangeably. However, these are two separate technologies that serve different purposes—but they work together to make it possible for you to enjoy digital content.
What Is HDCP?
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a communication protocol that protects copyrighted digital content from being recorded. That means, if you’re playing such content, every device you have, from the source to the display and the cable that connects them, must be HDCP-compliant. Otherwise, you will get a blank screen or an error message.
With HDCP, what happens is the source, such as a Blu-ray player, cable box, or streaming box, transmits an encoded signal through a cable to the display device, such as a smart TV, projector, or monitor. Then, the two devices initiate what’s known as a “handshake,” where the devices exchange security codes to authenticate each other using the HDCP protocol. If successful, the display device decodes the signal and displays the content to you.
One thing to note is that there are different versions of HDCP: HDCP 1.4 and HDCP 2.2. If you’reviewing anything in 4K quality and above, you must ensure your setup has HDCP 2.2-compliant devices and cables. Otherwise, if one of the components is HDCP 1.4, you’ll most likely experience adowngrade from 4K (UHD) to 1080p (Full HD)since the “handshake” will be partially complete.
What Is HDMI?
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a digital interface (a way of connecting two digital devices), allowing the transfer of audio and video. That’s why when you hear someone say “HDMI,” they’re usually talking about the cable, which connects to the HDMI ports of the source and display. These cables ensure the signal from the source is compatible with the display.
HDMI cables are HDCP-compliant, meaning you can connect two HDCP-compliant devices. Another HDCP-compliant cable is a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) cable, and it is also available on several display equipment.
HDCP vs. HDMI: The Difference
Now that you know what HDCP and HDMI mean, the difference is clearer: the former is software-related, and the latter is hardware-related. HDCP is a security measure that ensures copy-protected content cannot be captured when displayed. The latter is a physical medium, a cable, for transmitting signals between digital devices.
Never Confuse HDCP and HDMI Again
HDCP is solely for the benefit of content owners who want to combat piracy regarding their digital content. It can be inconvenient for you in some scenarios, but if all the components in your entertainment setup, including the HDMI cable, are HDCP-compliant, you should be able to enjoy the content without a hitch.
Knowing the difference between HDCP and HDMI will prevent you from using them interchangeably, as so many people do.
