DRM and Encryption Standards in 4K and HDR Content

For HLS, generate a master playlist with individual variants tagged using VIDEO='HDR10' or VIDEO='DOVI' . Then match each variant with encrypted EXT-X-KEY declarations pointing to the correct AES-128 key or FairPlay initialization vector (IV). On the license server, inspect the DRM metadata passed through the license challenge or pssh box. Dolby Vision ELs include codec-specific information that you can use to determine the HDR profile requested. Based on this, you can apply granular license policies , such as disabling HDR10+ playback on uncertified Android devices. Example : Restrict Playback by Resolution and HDR Type in the License Payload { 'policyOverrides': { 'disable_hdcp': false, 'hdcp_required': 'HDCP_V2', 'max_resolution_pixels': 3840x2160, 'widevine_allowed_track_types': 'SD_ONLY' } } Use this code snippet to lock down HDR tracks on non-compliant devices, even if they spoof capability headers. Encryption Standards in 4K Content Encryption of 4K video involves to platform-specific requirements through proper packaging and content formats rather than just converting cleartext into ciphertext. The process starts with encrypted CMAF segments, which are fragmented MP4 (fMP4) files encrypted using Common Encryption (CENC) with AES-128 or AES-CTR/GCM modes. Example : Using Shaka Packager to Encrypt 4K Video packager \ input=video_4k.mp4,stream=video,output=video_encrypted.mp4 \ --enable_raw_key_encryption \ --keys label=HD:key_id=abcdef1234567890abcdef1234567890:key=1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef \ --protection_scheme=cenc \ --mpd_output=manifest.mpd Make sure to include PSSH boxes for each DRM system you intend to support. The key ID and the encryption key must come from a secure KMS, not be hardcoded or manually generated. License servers should bind decryption rights to the specific device ID, session, and user context for secure playback. For 4K, many platforms use per-segment keys when streaming over HLS with AES-128 encryption. This means that each 2-6 second segment is encrypted with a different key. Your manifest must point to the key URI, and keys must be served over HTTPS with session-based authentication. Example : Use a Key Info File Like This with FFmpeg When Using HLS ffmpeg -i source_4k.mp4 -hls_time 4 -hls_key_info_file key_info.txt -hls_playlist_type vod -f hls stream.m3u8 The key_info.txt should include the remote URI, the local key file, and the IV used. Encryption Standards in HDR Content Encryption of HDR content follows the same core logic as 4K, but with a key addition: you must encrypt the video stream and any metadata or enhancement layers. For example, Dolby Vision’s dual-layer setup requires synchronized encryption of base and enhancement tracks. If you fail to encrypt the enhancement layer, playback will fall back to SDR or fail on certified Dolby devices. Use the --protection_scheme=cbcs mode when targeting FairPlay, and cenc for Widevine/PlayReady. Shaka Packager and Bento4 support both. Properly reference metadata tracks in the manifest and encrypt them using the same key ID if required. In CMAF, separate adaptation sets are used for HDR and SDR variants. The manifest must include codec and color metadata, such as codecs='hvc1.2.4.L153.B0' for Dolby Vision. Your packager must write ColorInformationBox and MasteringDisplayColorVolume into the track headers for accurate HDR signaling. If you're packaging for HLS with fMP4, the EXT-X-MAP and EXT-X-KEY tags must align properly.

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