Mark Russinovich, knower of all things NT (and most everything else in computer science) has posted one of the best articles to date on some of the core NT kernel changes in Windows Vista.
Read it here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2007/02/VistaKernel/default.aspx
I will keep FAQ and post really simple and straightforward as there has been a tremendous amount of confusion, incorrect info and obfuscation around HDCP, Vista’s Output Content Protection (OCP) and DRM support.
Q: What is HDCP?
A: HDCP is an acronym referring to High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a set of DRM protocols developed by Intel Corporation and widely adopted by the Movie and Cable TV industries to protect next-generation high-definition content.
Q: Who is using HDCP?
A: All major studios producing HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disks and the majority of digital cable and satellite providers have adopted and implemented HDCP for digital video output.
Q: What type of device do I need to play HDCP encrypted content?
A: HDCP encrypted content requires and HDCP complaint playback device such as a stand-alone HD-DVD player or a computer with an HDCP enabled media player.
Q: What interfaces does HDCP impact?
A: HDCP output via digital outputs (DVI and HDMI) requires a display device (flat panel monitor, HDTV or projector) that is HDCP enabled. For computers, the requirement for HDCP support is also extended to the Video Card (and supporting device drivers). So, for example, if you wish to output HDCP protected content from your cable box to your HDTV via DVI or HDMI connection, your TV must support HDCP. If you wish to play an HDCP protected HD-DVD on your computer that is connected via DVI to your monitor, your media playback software, video card and monitor must all be HDCP enabled.
Q: What about VGA (D-Sub) and Component connections?
A: HDCP provides for a flag called the Image Constraint Token that content producers can optionally enable. When enabled this reduces the resolution for analog output of HDCP protected content. The original rational for this feature was due to the very high quality of analog HD 1080i/p output would still allow for high-quality source recordings for creating pirated content. However, no current HDCP content enables this flag, the major content producers have agreed to not enable ICT for the foreseeable future and it is quite possible that it will never be enabled (due to the large number of non-HDCP capable HDTV’s currently deployed). Provided the ICT is not present, output will be at an unrestricted native HDTV resolution (720p, 1080i or 1080p).
Q: So if I connect my HD-DVD player or Media Center Computer via component or VGA, I can watch movies in 1080p?
A: In the case of the closed box HD-DVD player, yes. For a PC you will also need an HD-DVD drive and compliant player software (http://www.cyberlink.com/multi/products/main_112_ENU.html).
Q: What is Output Content Protection in Windows Vista?
A: It is multi-faceted set of technologies and framework that are incorporated in Windows Vista to provide end-to-end support (from storage medium, across internal busses and to output devices) for protecting digital content running on a Personal Computer. This is the framework used to implement content protection schemes such as HDCP and DTCP (digital transmission content protection).
Q: Is this the DRM that raises the cost of my computer and lets Microsoft and the RIAA prevent me from copying CD as reported recently?
A: No such DRM exists in Windows Vista. This type of framework already existed for XP in a more primitive form (COPP), though Vista’s implementation is far more complete. However all this technology is opt-in by content producers and has absolutely no “remote enforcement” mechanisms. In short, if the content (MP3, WMV, WAV, AVI) is not DRM enabled/protected using a solution built on OCP, there is no mechanism to prevent playback or copy of said content beyond what exists today. In short, it will work exactly like it would on Windows XP (or any other OS).
Q: Where can I find more information on OCP?
A: http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/stream/output_protect.mspx
Q: I don’t want any of this HDCP, DTCP or OCP crap, what about fair use and the right to do what I want with my computer?
A: If you want to play next generation High-Def content, you will have to do it on a device or platform that supports DRM and content protection the media companies have endorsed. Period. Their concern is that 1920×1080p (2 megapixel) digital content is nearly master quality and must be protected. Whether this is a valid concern and whether or not stringent DRM and Content Protection violates fair use privileges is a matter for the government and courts to decide.
Q: You work for Microsoft so of course you are defending this DRM crap.
A: I am not supporting DRM, I am merely stating facts. Content producers will not allow playback of their high definition content on open hardware architectures (such as the PC) without these mechanisms.
