Whenever new screen technology comes out, companies expect us to run and update right away. In the case of 4k video, though, it might be a better idea to wait a bit.

HDCP 2.2 is the name of the latest standard of content protection for the 4K generation, and while 4K itself will make everything look incredible (the jump is as big as from DVD to Blu-ray) it also means bad news from some of the gadgets you already own. HDCP 2.2 is not backwards compatible with previous generations, and there’s even several 4K devices that don’t support it. Basically, if you got a 4k TV in the last year, there’s a chance you might still be behind the times.

HDCP 2.2 is the standard of protection meant to ensure the lack of (or at least reduce) piracy when it comes to the latest movies, shows, and digital content. It creates a secure connection in between the source and a display ensuring content can be copied. So far, the code remains unbroken and successful, but as everything else when it comes to these things, it’s only a matter of time. It doesn’t matter if you use HDMI, HDMI 2.9, DVI, USB or others, the new HDCP 2.2 is supposed to be there to ensure that, say, your copy of Captain America 2 doesn’t get copied.

The latest production batch of 4K TVs by Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and Sony amongst others are being created with the HDCP 2.2 compliance in mind, so if you’re not getting a first brand, be sure to check out the specs to ensure this compatibility. If this compatibility doesn’t exist, new 4K content will just not work on your TV and users will be greeted with a black screen instead of whatever they’ve chosen to watch.

This affects more than TVs, extending to soundbars or receivers that will also need to be HDCP 2.2 compliant. You don’t need to rush and dump your current set-up, though. This revolves exclusively around the 4K world, and if you’re planning to stick with 1080 for the meanwhile, there’s no reason to worry about it right now. Your current blu-rays, dvds, video game consoles and gear will still work, but the next generation might be something different. Keep it in mind, and do your research before spending your hard-earned money!

Via CNET

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