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IT Support & Hardware · Intermediate

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)

Copy protection that encrypts digital video between a source and display over HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI.

Definition

HDCP requires every device in the chain to support the needed version; otherwise protected content shows a black screen or error. Older monitors, splitters, or capture devices often cause HDCP failures. HDCP 2.2 or later is required for most 4K streaming.

Example

A streaming app shows a black screen through an older HDMI splitter that lacks HDCP 2.2.

Exam tip

Black screen only on protected content = HDCP mismatch somewhere in the chain.

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