Methods and apparatus for protecting copyrighted information, e.g., video
signals, from unauthorized use are described. Encrypted video signals are transmitted
from a source device, e.g., display adapter, to a display device, e.g., monitor,
over analog signal lines after the identity of the destination device is confirmed
by receipt of a certificate assigned to the destination device. A session key,
used for encrypting the analog signals, is generated and exchanged between the
source and destination devices. The source and destination devices each include
a pseudo-random number generator driven by the session key. As part of the encryption
process a false video signal is generated. The false video signal and R, G, B video
signals are transmitted to the display device over four lines. The lines used to
transmit the R, G, B and false video signals are periodically swapped as a function
of the output of the pseudo random number generator to encrypt, e.g., scramble,
the video signals. To avoid having to provide an additional line between the display
adapter and the display device beyond those used in conventional displays, horizontal
synchronization information is combined with, e.g., modulated on, one or more of
the other signals transmitted to the display. The horizontal sync line is then
used to convey one of the four video signals. The display device extracts the horizontal
timing information from the received video signals and decrypts the signals using
the output of its pseudo random number generator to reverse the scrambling process
used to encrypt the transmitted video signals.