Output control
To comply with their studio contracts, operators use output control, also known as usage rules, to control premium content access. The rules can vary, depending on the device and the technology. The SDK receives usage rules metadata, extracted from the licence, and enforces the rules as needed.
HDCP enabled device
| Usage rule | Display already connected when content selected | Display connected after content selected | Display disconnected |
|---|---|---|---|
Blocking | Playback does not start on either the device or external display. | Playback is paused on both the device and external display. | Playback resumes on the device. |
Bitrate capped | Playback starts on the device and external display but pauses after a few seconds. | Playback starts on the external display but pauses on both the display and the device after a few seconds. | Playback remains paused on the device until reselected. |
Resolution capped | Playback starts on the device and the external display but pauses after a few seconds | Playback starts on the external display but then pauses on both the display and the device after a few seconds. | Playback remains paused on the device until reselected. |
Restricted | Playback does not start on the device or the external display. | Playback starts on the external display but then pauses on both the display and the device after a few seconds. | Playback continues on the device. |
No control | Playback starts. | Playback continues on both the external display and the device. | Playback pauses. |
Airplay
| Usage rule | Airplay already connected when content selected | Airplay connected after content selected | Airplay disconnected |
|---|---|---|---|
Blocking | Playback does not start on either the device or Airplay. | Playback is paused on both the device and Airplay. | Playback paused on the device until play is pressed. |
No control | Playback starts on both Airplay and the device. | Playback continues on both Airplay and the device. | Playback resumes on the device. |
Compromised devices
| Usage rule | Device only | HDCP, all scenarios | Airplay, all scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
Blocking | No playback only white screen and spinner. | No playback only white screen and spinner. | No playback only white screen and spinner. |
Bitrate capped | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. |
Resolution capped | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. | Playback only occurs for a few seconds then pauses. |
No control | Playback starts. | Playback starts. | Playback starts. |