The good news is that, unlike 4K TVs sold in 2013 and early 2014, current branded 4K TVs mostly come with a built-in HEVC set-top box, so they shouldn`t have trouble playing HEVC compressed 4K content. However, it`s still possible that a 4K TV equipped with a HEVC set-top box won`t play 4K HEVC content, which we saw with the Panasonic AX800/802 series in 2014. In this particular case (which was fixed by a firmware update in October 2014), they couldn`t play Netflix`s 4K streams because the TV`s processing chip didn`t meet Netflix`s certification requirements. There is no firmware upgrade when version 2.2 is running on a product other than 2.2. At least not on a product that has not been developed with at least one index out of 2.2. For now, as I said, it doesn`t matter if you plan to stick to 1080p. In short, if you`re buying a new 4K TV (or home theater projector or receiver) today, it`s in your best interest to make sure it supports HDCP 2.2. Although the latest listings from most brands have it, it`s always good to check it either by checking the spec sheet or with the seller. Many consumers like to buy from second- or third-tier brands because they tend to be more affordable. and while there`s nothing wrong with that, keep in mind that these TVs often lack the latest features like HDCP 2.2. While this is bad news for the bad guys, it`s also a potential problem for the rest of us.

HDCP 2.2 is not backwards compatible with previous versions of HDCP currently used by most HD devices in all our homes. Thanks to its infamous history of exploits, the protocol required a clean update, and since it`s implemented at the hardware level, manufacturers can`t just release new firmware to update old devices. HDCP was developed by Intel to secure the transmission of high-definition digital content when transmitted to a display via cables from Blu-ray players, satellite receivers, cable set-top boxes, AV receivers, and other home entertainment components. The goal is to prevent someone from connecting a Blu-ray player to a DVR to make a copy of a movie. Do you have any comments on the article for editors? You can reach them here. 4K content streams are still just a trickle, but that doesn`t stop the industry from launching a proactive defense to protect them. The crackdown takes the form of HDCP 2.2, a revision of the decades-old HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) specification. The problem extends to the whole chain. Do you pass your HDMI through a receiver or soundbar? They must also comply with HDCP 2.2.

It is important to note that this year many receivers will ship that have HDMI 2.0 but are not HDCP 2.2 compatible. This could be a problem at some point, as we have discussed. Unfortunately for Hollywood, technology has never really lived up to its promise. Cryptanalysts demonstrated that HDCP is fragile three years before the FCC as a “digital output protection technology” in 2004. In 2010, a master key was leaked that effectively neutralized HDCP v1. Versions 2.0 and 2.1 were also cracked without any form of trial. Now, HDCP 2.2 is really designed for 4K content, so it`s okay if you think you`ll stick to 1080p all the way. In other words, as long as it`s 1080p content, you`re safe, even if there`s a mix of HDCP 2.2 and non-2.2 devices in the chain. So it`s possible that the 4K TV you bought last year, or even the receiver you buy this year, won`t be able to receive/share all future 4K content. The result, unfortunately, is a potential hassle for those of us who aren`t trying to steal content, just trying to set up a new TV.

What`s up? Version 2.2 key encryption is more advanced than previous versions, which theoretically makes the entire chain harder to break. Another interesting change with 2.2 is a “locality control”. The source sends a signal to the receiver, and if the receiver does not receive that signal within 20 ms, the source terminates the connection. Theoretically, even with long HDMI runs, this shouldn`t cause problems in home setups (unless you have more than 3,740 miles of cable). So, if you stick to 1080p video transmission, you don`t have to worry just now and your system is fine. HowToAV.tv offers a range of advice, tricks and technological know-how for the professional audiovisual industry. If you have a question for our AV experts, contact us now. Subscribe now to our YouTube channel in howtoav.tv for the latest video broadcasts or send us your questions at findout@howtoav.tv But don`t take down your home theater setup just yet. As we said, HDCP 2.2 aims to protect 4K Ultra HD content, so if you plan to stick to 1080p, you don`t need to read any further.

Even the average consumer who plans to switch to 4K at some point doesn`t have much to worry about until Hollywood, pay-TV providers, broadcasters, and other video providers begin rolling out 4K content over the next few years. Right now, Ultra HD content is vastly outpaced by hardware, and most of them are expensive high-end TVs. And even if more and more devices hit the market, it can take years for them to reach mass market prices. HDCP (or High-Definition Digital Content Protection) is a digital content protection technology developed by Intel to prevent copying of digital AV content – thereby reducing piracy of movies and video content from DVDs, BluRay, digital streaming, etc. by connecting a recording device to an AV system. At this early stage, the majority of the content we display is in standard or HD resolution. Therefore, you don`t need to change all the devices in your systems immediately! Where does that leave you? If the promise of boastful rights requires you to spend thousands of dollars on one of the new 2.2-compatible 4K TVs from Sony, Panasonic, or Samsung, your old Blu-ray player will work fine with it. Only 1080p content is displayed.