Netflix On Xbox 360 Demands HDCP Copy-Protection

The news that Netflix would be offering high-definition streaming movies on the Xbox 360 prompted expressions of joy: from November 19th, users of the updated Xbox Experience will be able to access both standard and high-definition streams in the same way as owners of Roku's Netflix box can.  However depending on your Xbox 360 setup, you may find yourself frustrated; Netflix are insisting on HDCP protection for the digital connection.

In a way, this isn't surprising.  Studios and content providers are so fearful of copyright infringement that they tend to insist on protection systems such as HDCP (High-Definition Copyright Protection), which won't allow content to display if it isn't being suitably encrypted first.

If, though, you're using a non-HDCP monitor – such as an LCD display connected via DVI – to play your Xbox 360 games on, you'll not be able to use it to watch streaming Netflix content.  It's also unclear as to whether owners of older Xbox 360 consoles, which lack the digital output and instead have component connections, will be limited to 480p definition.

[thanks Tyler!]