Widevine DRM

Widevine DRM introduction, security and integration

What is Widevine DRM?

Widevine DRM is a widely adopted digital rights management (DRM) technology developed and maintained by Google. It provides encryption and licensing solutions to protect video content from unauthorized downloads across browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Additionally, it secures content playback on Android devices, Android TV, and Chromecast. Widevine DRM supports streaming via MPEG-DASH and HLS protocols.

Many OTT platforms and e-learning services utilize Widevine DRM to safeguard their content and maximize revenue by preventing unauthorized distribution and piracy.

Widevine DRM Security Levels

Google Widevine DRM offers three levels of security, categorized based on whether encryption and decryption occur at the hardware or software level. These are Widevine L1, L2, and L3.

Widevine DRM Security Levels

Widevine L1 (Highest Security Level)

In L1 security, DRM keys and decrypted content never interact with the device’s main CPU.

Instead, a secure hardware processor (Trusted Execution Environment - TEE) handles decryption and media playback.

This prevents screen capture and ensures high security.

Platforms like Netflix restrict full HD (1080p) and 4K playback to L1-certified devices.

TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) ensures encryption keys remain protected and cannot be stolen.

Widevine L2

Like L1, decryption happens in secure hardware, but the decrypted video buffers are sent to the CPU for playback.

Unlike L1, TEE does not handle video processing.

L2 is primarily used for non-mobile devices.

Widevine L3 (Software-Based Security)

L3 relies entirely on software for decryption and playback, without a secure hardware component.

Budget smartphones and older devices typically support only L3.

Chromium-based desktop browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, and Firefox) use L3.

Widevine DRM Compatibility

VidInfra provides detailed documentation on Widevine DRM compatibility across different browsers, operating systems, and devices to ensure seamless playback.

How Does Widevine DRM Work?

Widevine DRM operates through a secure decryption process involving multiple exchanges between the Content Decryption Module (CDM) and the Widevine DRM license server. An HTML5 video player facilitates these interactions but cannot independently decrypt the encrypted content.

DRM Overview

Step-by-Step Decryption Process for Playback

Video File Received from CDN

The encrypted video file is delivered via a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to the user’s device.

Browser Identifies Encrypted Content

When a user presses ‘play,’ the browser detects whether the video is encrypted.

If encrypted, the browser extracts ‘initData’ (initialization data) and passes it to the video player.

Data Sent to the Content Decryption Module (CDM)

The video player sends the extracted initialization data to the CDM for further processing.

CDM Generates a License Request

Based on the received data, CDM generates a license request and forwards it to the video player.

Widevine License Server Processes the Request

The video player sends the license request to the Widevine DRM license server, which verifies the request and prepares a license response.

License Sent to the Player

The license server sends the Widevine license back to the video player in an encrypted format.

CDM Receives and Processes the License

The video player forwards the received license to CDM for decryption.

Decryption via OEMCrypto Module

The OEMCrypto module within the device decrypts the content using the license key.

Decrypted Video is Streamed in Chunks

Once decrypted, the video is delivered to the player in small chunks for seamless playback while ensuring security.

10.

Playback Begins Securely

The user can now watch the video securely, with DRM protection preventing unauthorized downloads or screen recording.

VidInfra and Widevine DRM

VidInfra fully supports Widevine DRM, ensuring high-level security and seamless streaming across all supported devices. By integrating Widevine, VidInfra helps content creators and businesses protect their digital assets, prevent piracy, and ensure smooth playback across browsers and mobile devices.

Supported DRM Systems at VidInfra:

Widevine DRM (Google)

FairPlay DRM (Apple)

With VidInfra’s DRM integration, you can confidently stream your content while maintaining full control over its security and accessibility.

What is Widevine DRM?#

Widevine DRM Security Levels#

Widevine L1 (Highest Security Level)#

Widevine L2#

Widevine L3 (Software-Based Security)#

Widevine DRM Compatibility#

How Does Widevine DRM Work?#

Step-by-Step Decryption Process for Playback#

VidInfra and Widevine DRM#

Supported DRM Systems at VidInfra:#

What is Widevine DRM?

Widevine DRM Security Levels

Widevine L1 (Highest Security Level)

Widevine L2

Widevine L3 (Software-Based Security)

Widevine DRM Compatibility

How Does Widevine DRM Work?

Step-by-Step Decryption Process for Playback

VidInfra and Widevine DRM

Supported DRM Systems at VidInfra: