As technology advances, more and more new features are emerging.
Some new features that have been making waves recently are HDCP 2.2 and ARC. But what are these? And are they the same thing?
We have found that HDCP 2.2 and ARC are completely different features. HDCP 2.2 is a new version of encryption technology that protects digital content from being copied. ARC is an HDMI feature that allows you to divert audio to an external audio system using only one HDMI cable.
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What Is HDCP 2.2?
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a technology that protects digital audio and video from being copied illegally.
It does this by sending a signal through the connecting cable to see if the receiving display has HDCP technology. It is compatible with several types of connections, including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and USB.
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If it senses that the receiving device does have HDCP, it will allow the audio or video signal through.
However, if the receiving device doesn’t have HDCP, it won’t send the audio or video signal. This prevents the digital content from going to devices that might be rigged to copy it.
HDCP 2.2 is one of the newer models of this kind of technology, and it was developed specifically to protect high-quality digital content like 4K and 8K videos.
Because 4K and 8K content are higher in quality (and thus more expensive to create), HDCP 2.2 uses more advanced encryption to protect the copyrights of the content.
HDCP 2.2 also employs something called a locality check, which continuously checks that the sink is connected properly by sending a signal. If the signal isn’t received within 20 milliseconds, the connection is terminated.
What Are the Perks of HDCP 2.2?
The perks of using HDCP 2.2 aren’t that many – at least, not for now.
Since it’s made to offer advanced encryption for ultra high-quality content like 4K and 8K videos, it doesn’t really add much value for most people since many still watch 1080p or 2K content.
And luckily, even if you have an HDCP 2.2 device, you can use it with other non-HDCP 2.2 devices – as long as the content source is not using HDCP 2.2.
However, 4K and even 8K content is rising, and might become the standard within a few years.
So, if you’re planning on buying new displays and devices, it might be worth the investment to get HDCP 2.2. This will help future-proof your purchases.
What Are the Downsides of HDCP 2.2?
Although you can send content from a non-HDCP 2.2 device to an HDCP 2.2 device just fine, you can’t do the opposite.
This means that if the content source has HDCP 2.2, it will only be able to work with receiving devices (such as displays and soundbars) that also have HDCP 2.2.
So if you’re planning to future-proof, you might have to rehaul your whole setup just to be able to stream content!
How Do You Know If Your Device Has HDCP 2.2?
The best way to know if your device has HDCP 2.2 is to check the box or the manual that came with it.
But if you can’t find those, you can also try going to the manufacturer’s website and searching for your model’s specifications.
What Is HDMI ARC?
Audio Return Channel (ARC) is an HDMI feature that allows you to send audio from your display’s HDMI input port to your external audio system.
To do this, it basically makes a two-way connection so that the audio can be sent from the HDMI input port against the regular flow of signals and out to the external audio system.
This allows you to use only one cable for both video and audio, making it extremely neat and efficient.
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What Are the Perks of HDMI ARC?
The main perk of HDMI ARC is that it allows you to connect everything with one HDMI cable.
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This can be especially handy if your audio system only has a few input ports.
What Are the Downsides of HDMI ARC?
The main downside of HDMI ARC is that both the display and the external audio system need to have ARC.
If they don’t, then you won’t be able to use just one cable to set up everything.
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How Do You Know If Your Device Has HDMI ARC?
Most manufacturers mark HDMI inputs with a special “(ARC)” label if they have ARC as a feature.
However, it’s best to check your model’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website to be completely sure.
Is HDCP 2.2 the Same as ARC?
To summarize everything written above: no, HDCP 2.2 is NOT the same as ARC.
HDCP 2.2 is a technology that protects ultra high definition digital content from being copied.
ARC is an HDMI feature that allows you to streamline your setup through one cable for external audio devices.
Are HDCP 2.2 and HDMI ARC Compatible?
HDCP 2.2 and HDMI ARC should be able to work together – but only if they’re on the same input port.
If they’re not, you won’t be able to use ARC, which means you won’t be able to use just one cable for both audio and video.
How Do You Use HDCP 2.2 and HDMI ARC at the Same Time?
To use HDCP 2.2 and HDMI ARC simultaneously, you simply need to connect the HDMI jack on the source to the HDMI jack on the receiver.
However, you do have to be sure to use a high speed HDMI cable with Ethernet that has ARC and HDCP 2.2 compatibility.
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Conclusion
HDCP 2.2 is a technology that protects digital audio and video from being copied. You can check your device’s specifications to see if it has HDCP 2.2.
Its biggest perk is that it future-proofs your devices. Its biggest downside is that you need to ensure the receiver has HDCP 2.2 if the source has HDCP 2.2.
ARC is an HDMI feature that lets you use one HDMI cable to connect to an external audio system. The HDMI input port should be labeled with “(ARC).”
Its biggest perk is how it streamlines your setup. Its biggest downside is that both the display and audio system need to have ARC.
Thus, HDCP 2.2 is not the same as ARC. They are, however, compatible if they’re on the same input port.
Simply connect the source to the receiver using a high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet, ARC, and HDCP 2.2.
We hope this article helped you!
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.