VdoCipherOutput Protection
Output protection prevents protected video from being captured as it leaves a device through physical or virtual outputs. HDCP protects HDMI and DisplayPort against capture cards, while OS-level protections guard the display path. DRM licenses can require it for high resolutions, but it does not stop screen software recording or cameras.
What is Output Protection?
Output protection stops protected video from being captured as it leaves the device through outputs like HDMI, DisplayPort, or the OS display path. It closes the routes where content could be intercepted after decryption but before or during display.
How It Works
On physical outputs, HDCP encrypts the signal between device and display so capture cards receive nothing usable. On some operating systems, DRM can also request a protected display path that prevents software from reading the video surface. DRM licenses can make these protections a condition for serving HD or 4K.
What It Does and Does Not Cover
- Closes: Capture cards on the cable and, on capable platforms, screen-grab of the protected surface.
- Does not close: A camera filming the screen, which is outside every output path.
- Version-sensitive: Older display hardware may not meet the required HDCP version.
For Platform Owners
Output protection is one layer. Pair it with DRM for the stream and watermarking for the camera and software-recording routes it cannot address.