Output protection is the set of policies a DRM license imposes on what the device may do with the decrypted picture: which display outputs are permitted, what HDCP level is required, whether analog outputs are blocked, and whether screen capture or external recording is disallowed. It closes the "analog hole" and screen-grab paths that encryption alone cannot.
These controls are dictated by content contracts - studios specify them per content tier (especially 4K/HDR and early-window releases). The license server returns them with the key, and the player and platform secure module must enforce them, downgrading or blocking playback when the device cannot meet the requirement. Output protection is therefore a contractual obligation as much as a technical feature.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
Output protection rules in the DRM license decide which screens, cables, and capture paths may show the decrypted picture. The seven volumes cover the video stack; for output protection start with Volume 3 on DRM, license policy, and players, then Volume 1 on HDR and 4K encoding, with packaging in Volume 2. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Rights holders asking for output protection rules you cannot yet enforce?
We will review your DRM license policies and devices and send an output control plan per content tier. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
