What does HDCP stand for in relation to digital signals?

HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, which is a protocol used to protect digital audio and video content as it is transmitted across connections like HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort. This protection is crucial for preventing the unauthorized copying of digital media. HDCP ensures that only authorized devices can receive and display content, helping to maintain copyright protections for digital media distributed by content providers. The term "bandwidth" in the name reflects its design to accommodate high-definition content without degradation, emphasizing its importance in protecting high-quality digital signals.