Intel has released CPUs that can break 4K Blu-Ray disc playback. The new CPUs, which are part of the company’s 8th Generation Core processors, have been specifically designed to handle the high resolution and complex video content found on 4K Blu-Ray discs. The new CPUs are able to decode the high resolution video content found on 4K Blu-Ray discs more quickly than previous generations of processors. This allows users to watch movies and TV shows in their full resolution without any noticeable lag or slowdown. 4K Blu-Ray discs are becoming increasingly popular among movie fans and PC gamers alike. Their high resolution visuals and complex video content make them a perfect choice for watching movies and TV shows on a large screen television or PC monitor. If you’re looking to upgrade your computer’s graphics capabilities, or if you plan on buying a 4K Blu-Ray player in the near future, be sure to consider the 8th Generation Core processors from Intel. They’ll help ensure that your movies and TV shows look their best on whatever device you choose to watch them on." ..
The issue was first reported by CyberLink, a maker of a popular media player. Intel has dropped support for the Intel SGX DRM in its latest chips, leaving on the 7th through 10th generation Intel chips able to handle Ultra HD Blu-ray discs on PC.
“The removal of the SGX feature, and its compatibility with the latest Windows OS and drivers, has caused a substantial challenge for CyberLink to continue supporting Ultra HD Blu-ray movie playback in our player software. So much so that it has been determined that it is no longer feasible for CyberLink to support the Ultra HD Blu-ray playback on newer CPUs and the latest Windows platforms.” said the company in a customer service post.
Intel didn’t drop SGX without reason. It was commonly targeted by researchers who discovered numerous vulnerabilities and attack methods that could be exploited, as pointed out by Bleeping Computer. These holes prompted Intel to remove it.
We also have to imagine the number of PC users watching 4K Blu-ray movies on their computers is low enough that the openings left by SGX were worth closing.
CyberLink also speculated that Intel could remove SGX from existing processors. The company advises users to “continue using the 7th-10th generation Core series of Intel CPUs and motherboards that support the Intel SGX feature.” It also said to avoid updating to Windows 11 to ensure you keep support for the technology if you enjoy watching 4K Blu-ray discs.
We can’t say whether Intel will actually do this, but you also need to consider whether using a subset of discs is worth keeping your computer behind on current updates. Personally, I’d rather have the latest drivers and operating system, but it’s ultimately your decision.
