Philips and Panasonic today announced the launch of a joint HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection system) testing service for HDMI/DVI interfaces at their laboratories in France and Japan. HDCP is a form of Digital Rights Management developed by Intel Corporation and was introduced (revision 1.1) back in June of 2003. HDCP will protect digital entertainment contents transmitted over HDMI/DVI interfaces.

The new testing service will enable device manufacturers to bring new HDCP compliant products to market quicker ensuring interoperability with other devices. The test will confirm that devices do not compromise content quality between the source device (DVD, HDD, Blu-Ray disc recorder) and the sink (display) device and that content cannot be copied or shared.

Patrick Lejoly, System and Application Manager, Data Converter Product Line, Multimarket BU, Philip Semiconductors, explains, "Delivering a compelling digital experience to the consumer, that also makes sense for service and content providers, means ensuring devices conform to HDCP specifications. In a landscape where technology is increasingly portable, and media can be transferred from device to device, digital rights management is an important challenge that must be addressed in all parts of the supply chain." He continued: "It is imperative that device manufacturers ensure that content portability does not compromise quality nor copy protection. This means ensuring that HDCP technology is correctly implemented into the devices proposed on the market."

Asaichi Akagi, Manager, Format Verification Lab of Panasonic, said, "Panasonic developed the test tool for the HDCP specification. Intel, the licensor of HDCP, approved the test tool as one of the useful verification tools and agreed to start the verification service. We are proud that HDCP test service will enable HDMI business participants to develop the user-friendly products."