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.