What is HDCP 2.2?
HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection and has been used in correlation with HDMI for more than a decade. Version 2.2 was made to help prevent piracy of 4K UHD content. You will need every piece of hardware in your display chain to be compliant. Since HDCP 2.2 does not have backwards compatibility, this may prove difficult for some consumers. For the most part, this technology affects TV owners, but a number of 4K monitors are now HDCP compatible. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video which have 4K content available may not work if your devices and monitor are not compatible. This means that, unfortunately, some earlier 4K TVs and monitors don’t work with this version of HDCP. You can read more about HDCP 2.2 here and here.
Why is it a problem?
Although the hardware companies released this technology with ‘good’ intentions, hoping to curb illegal activity surrounding their products, HDCP 2.2 has had an adverse effect (like many other DRM policies and technologies). Instead of stopping piracy, it has only added a small barrier to it, in addition to creating inconvenience and confusion for consumers who haven’t done anything wrong. This problem won’t just stem from your monitor/TV, but it can come from any part in the chain, i.e. receivers, soundbars, consoles, etc.
How to tell if a device is HDCP compliant:
Most TVs will list somewhere in their specifications whether they are compatible with HDCP 2.2. At this point, HDCP 2.2 has become the standard for monitors beyond the resolution of 1920 x 1200. Because of this, it’s harder to find this specification with monitors. Oftentimes, it will be marked in the specs wherever elements such as HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort are listed. If a product uses HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.3, and onwards, it should be compatible with HDCP 2.2. With DVIs, it can be a bit more iffy and it normally has more to do with the products connected through it, like the monitor, GPU, receiver, etc. The best way to find out is to really dig through a product’s specifications, or if you just can’t find it listed, check through the reviews and FAQ, or even email the producer’s support team. If all else fails, you can test it out yourself to check.
Luckily, there are more and more monitors that are compatible. If you are looking to set up a 4K display for streaming premium content, check out our list of the best HDCP compliant 4K monitors:
Update 2024: It’s now harder to find a monitor that isn’t HDCP compliant simply because the feature is already built into modern connectivity standards. If you have a modern display with at least HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2, it most likely has HDCP 2.2 built in.
LG 27UQ850-W
The LG 27UQ850-W is a reasonably-priced mixed use monitor that focuses on daily use and all-day comfort. It’s a reasonably-priced 4K IPS Black monitor that offers massive improvements over its predecessors. It’s a strong choice for entertainment because of its IPS Black panel, while its excellent color quality makes it a suitable pick for professional use.
INNOCN 32A6V
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The INNOCN 32A6V is our favorite budget 4K gaming monitor because of its jaw-dropping specifications. It has a mini-LED backlight that enables fantastic HDR performance, and it goes up to 144Hz for buttery-smooth gaming. It has a lot of extra features, but it costs half of what a premium alternative commands for ownership.
Asus ProArt PA329CV
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The Asus ProArt PA329CV is a true-blue prosumer monitor with a pre-calibrated 4K panel that offers excellent vibrancy and accuracy. However, its also viable for entertainment purposes like streaming and connecting to a Bluray player. It has a 90-watt USB-C and a desk clamp option for streamlining your setup into a bonafide professional desktop.
Dell U3223QE
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The Dell U3223QE is one of our favorite all-around 4K monitors thanks to its excellent features and performance. It has a 4K IPS Black panel which produces amazing contrast for an IPS type, making it substantially better for games and movies versus regular IPS models. It also carries a lot of add-ons like USB-C connectivity, enabling it to be a jack of trades for both work and play.
Lenovo Legion Y32p-30
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The Lenovo Legion Y32p-30 works great for gaming and productivity thanks to its fast 32-inch 4K screen. it also works great for streaming and media consumption, so you get more out of every dollar you spend for it. We like its robust design amidst its competitive price, plus it doesn’t look too gamer-centric like other options in its category.
If you’re looking for TVs, download this PDF and take a look.