Intel prevents 11th, 12th generation CPUs from playing 4K . Blu-ray

After one failed attempt, Intel removed support for software protection extensions (SGX) on 11 and 12th generation Intel Core processors last week, preventing modern PCs from playing Blu-ray discs at 4K resolution.

Blu-ray discs with digital rights management require SGX support. SGX provides hardware-based memory encryption to isolate application-specific code and data in memory — something transferred to the Intel CPU from receive. This security extension technology allows code to be separated into different levels of security, classifying some as more private than others.

Ultra HD Blu-ray with 4K resolution requires SGX as part of chain of beliefs. This protects the content from being read or saved by any process other than its intended use. Since Intel will remove SGX from 11th and 12th generation processors (including the upcoming Alder Lake lineup), compatibility with 4K Blu-ray playback will be gone. While this may seem like a significant inconvenience to affected users, there’s a reason why the SGX isn’t worth the trouble anymore.

SGX is Intel proprietary, which means developers need to design specifically with SGX, like in contrast to other competitor systems. During the life of SGX, a number of vulnerabilities were found in the security extension that allows the execution of various attacks including malware, allowing hackers to circumvent the PC system using Intel SGX.

Most modern PCs don’t even have drives, and many people stream while watching TV shows and movies. However, if you can’t run your favorite Blu-ray titles on your PC, you’ll have to use a 10th Gen Intel CPU or higher or a non-Intel-based CPU system. Regardless, it’s something to consider for anyone looking to combine a new PC with their home entertainment needs.