USB-IF plans USB spec for HDCP protected content

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The USB Implementer’s Forum has announced that it is developing a version of USB which incorporates HDCP (high band width digital-content protection).

The HDCP specification was developed by Intel for the protection of digital entertainment content.

HDCP encrypts digital content, protecting it as it is being transferred between a transmitter such as a computer or set-top box, and a digital display or receiver such as a TV.

The Forum’s proposed new USB standard would allow high definition content, protected with HDCT, to be sent over USB wires.

This could allow devices such as PCs and TVs to communicate via a method other than HDMI or DVI.

The USB-IF hasn’t revealed whether the spec will require new hardware, or whether a software upgrade will be released to convert existing equipment with USB ports into compatible systems.