High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) is a copyright protection that broadcasters can add to their TV signal. It prevents other devices from making illegal recordings. If a broadcast or video stream includes HDCP, in order to play everything correctly, the device playing the broadcast needs to be HDCP-compliant, the TV needs to be HDCP-compliant, and the two must be connected with an HDCP-compliant HDMI cable. Some cable providers and video-streaming sites utilize HDCP to protect their content. Play it safe and make sure any HDMI cables you select;support HDCP.