Content protection mechanisms such as HDCP are a fact of life in pro AV, sometimes even when the application doesn't require it. Tim Kridel explores some common headaches and how to resolve them.
Need another example of how the consumer market often calls the shots for pro AV? Look no further than content protection mechanisms such as High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).
Years ago, one common problem was displays that went black when their source was routed through a matrix switcher. That routing created handshaking delays that weren’t anticipated by a standard written for short, direct connections, such as between a set-top box and a TV in a home.
Pro vendors have mitigated that problem with products such as Gefen’s Fast Switching Technology, which shortens handshake durations. Another example is the Instagate Pro technology in AMX’s ENOVA line.
“Each source device need only provide a single HDCP key, regardless of how many displays are showing the image at the same time,†says Brian Davies, AMX Europe technology director. “The blanking of all displays when a signal is switched is eliminated, as are the switch delays caused by HDCP handshaking.â€
But when one problem is knocked down, others often pop up.
Tim Kridel explores the challenges posed by the BYOD trend as well as considerations when deploying videoconferencing systems and a heads up on HDCP 2.2 and digital rights mechanisms (DRM).
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