DivX DRM FAQs

What is DRM? 

DivX Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a security technology infrastructure behind the DivX Video-on-Demand (VOD) solution. DRM technology is responsible for protecting copyrights and enabling users to enjoy purchases and rentals of digital video content legally. 

How does DivX DRM work? 

DivX DRM employs industry-standard cryptographic algorithms to protect content. Content is associated with user accounts, not devices, which enables consumers to enjoy video content seamlessly with the devices they own. It also makes it safe to invest in protected DivX files. If you get a new device, all your previously purchased content will work on your new device. The content does not need to be modified or re-licensed, only the new device has to be registered. Content purchased from different stores work the same on a user’s device. So you can buy a file from store A, buy a file from store B, and they will both play on the same DivX device registered to that user. 

Who provided input during the creation of the DivX DRM system? 

DivX DRM was developed with input from consumers, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), consumer electronics makers and major studios. DivX technology has been successfully protecting network-delivered video content since 2001. 

Does DivX DRM allow consumers to share content with their friends? 

A consumer may give their friends a copy, but the file will not play on their friend's devices or PC until they pay for it. Once the friend pays, the friend will get a small update to their copy of the file, and then the friend’s copy will play. 

Does a consumer have to enter a username and password every time they wish to play a DRM protected video? 

No. The consumer may set the DivX Player application to remember their username and password. 

Can a DivX DRM protected file be copied and played on another computer, such as the consumer's work computer? 

Yes. Content belongs to a user account, not a computer. The consumer simply needs to register the second computer with their username and password to play protected content. 

Are DivX VOD files copy protected? 

No, a consumer can make copies of their protected DivX file to any place they can copy and backup files (CD, DVD, USB flash drive, hard drive). A protected DivX file is just a regular file. However the file and copies are encrypted for a user and those copies will only play on their registered devices. 

Does a user's PC have to be connected to the network to get a key? 

Yes. A network connection is required to start playback on a PC. 

Does DivX video work only with a DivX VOD server? 

Unprotected DivX video has been traded on the Internet since 1999 and works on any PC or DivX Certified device. Protected DivX video comes from a DivX video service and also works on a PC or DivX Certified device. 

Are video files ever left unencrypted on consumer's storage? 

No. Content is never left unencrypted on a consumer's hard drive or disc. 

Does DivX DRM work with DivX Certified devices? 

Yes. Thanks to the DivX Certified Program for consumer electronics, DivX DRM protects files for content played on both PCs and consumer electronic devices that support DivX video. 

What is the DivX Certified Program? 

The DivX Certified Program for consumer electronics is a quality and interoperability standard that allows hardware manufacturers to create DivX capable electronics. DivX Certified devices are also tested to ensure compatibility with DivX Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. 

Does the DivX DRM solution link content to users or devices? 

DivX DRM links content to user accounts, not devices, allowing it to play on any device that is registered for that consumer. A consumer gets a registration code from their player, which they then associate to their account. They then get an activation video to play, which enables their player to work with protected content.

Are DivX Certified devices required to support DivX DRM?

Yes. Every DivX Certified device is required to support DivX DRM technology.