Overview
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a form of digital copy protection used on HDMI connections to prevent unauthorized recording or distribution of protected content. In a Just Add Power system, HDCP behavior can be managed at both the Encoder and Decoder level to ensure compatibility with a wide range of sources and displays.
This article explains how HDCP settings function within a JUst Add Power system and provides detailed descriptions of each available mode.
Why HDCP Settings Matter
Proper HDCP configuration is critical for system stability and performance. Incorrect settings can result in:
- No video output
- Intermittent signal loss
- Handshake failures between source and display
- Resolution or format limitations
Because Just Add Power systems distribute HDMI signals over IP, HDCP must be handled carefully to maintain compatibility across all connected devices.
HDCP Settings in the Web Interface
Just Add Power devices provide three configurable HDCP options in the webUI. These settings control how the Encoder reports HDCP capability to the source device.
Important: Only one of these settings can be enabled at a time.
Reject HDCP
If Enabled: The device reports itself as not HDCP compliant.
If Disabled: HDCP behavior follows the device’s normal hardware capabilities.
- The source is told that HDCP is not supported.
- The source will attempt to send unencrypted video.
Use Case:
Primarily used for troubleshooting or when working with non-HDCP-compliant equipment such as capture devices or legacy displays.
Important Behavior:
Many modern sources (such as streaming devices and set-top boxes) will refuse to output video if HDCP is rejected, resulting in a blank screen.
Force HDCP v1.4
If Enabled: The device reports itself as HDCP 1.4 compliant, regardless of the actual capabilities of the connected display or source.
If Disabled: HDCP behavior follows the device’s normal hardware capabilities.
- The source is forced to use HDCP 1.4.
- This can prevent negotiation of higher HDCP versions such as 2.2.
Use Case:
Useful in mixed environments where some displays or devices do not support HDCP 2.2, or when interoperability issues occur with newer HDCP versions.
Important Behavior:
Forcing HDCP 1.4 may limit the ability of some sources to output 4K or protected 4K content, as many require HDCP 2.2 for full-resolution playback.
Force HDCP v2.2
If Enabled: The device reports itself as HDCP 2.2 compliant, regardless of source or display conditions.
If Disabled: Default behavior is used based on device hardware.
- The source is encouraged to output using HDCP 2.2.
- This is typically required for modern 4K protected content.
Use Case:
Recommended for systems using 4K sources and displays that fully support HDCP 2.2.
Important Behavior:
If any device in the signal chain does not support HDCP 2.2, video may fail or not display at all.
Encoder vs Decoder Behavior
HDCP handling in a Just Add Power system primarily occurs at the Encoder, as this is the device that communicates directly with the source.
- Encoder: Advertises HDCP capability to the source and manages encryption expectations.
- Decoder: Reports display capabilities and participates in the HDCP handshake.
Because of this relationship, changing HDCP settings on the Encoder has the greatest impact on system behavior.
Best Practices
- Use Force On when dealing with sources that require HDCP to output video.
- Ensure all devices in the signal chain support the selected HDCP mode.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If there is no video, verify HDCP compatibility across all devices.
- Temporarily set HDCP to Force Off to determine if HDCP is the cause of the issue.
- Check source device requirements—some sources will not output without HDCP enabled.
- Confirm firmware is up to date on all Encoders and Decoders.
Understanding and correctly configuring HDCP settings ensures reliable operation and prevents common signal issues in distributed AV systems.
