Digital encryption - by the pixel

Intel has unveiled a copy protection scheme that will add a layer of encryption between the system and the digital display.

High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection, or HDCP, encrypts each pixel as it moves from a PC or set-top box to digital displays, such as digital flat panels and high-definition televisions.

HDCP uses a 56-bit key, with individual keys distributed to the various vendors. A violated key could be tracked down and revoked over a satellite broadcast network, for example.

An Intel official said he expects HDCP-compliant silicon will be ready by late summer.

The full story is available at www.techweb.com.