System and method for effectively protecting electronic content information

A machine-implemented method for effectively protecting electronic content, comprising the steps of:

• coordinating a channel setup procedure with a channel setup module to create a secure communications channel;
• utilizing a source DRM module to generate and transmit a content key from a content drive to a display module over said secure communications channel, said source DRM module being solely responsible for generating and transmitting said content key without negotiations with any destination entity;
• initiating a content playback procedure with a content playback module for utilizing said electronic content, said source DRM module responsively encrypting said electronic content with said content key, said channel setup module and said content playback module being unable to access or utilize said content key;
• and
• receiving said electronic content with a destination DRM module over said secure communications channel, said destination DRM module utilizing said content key to decrypt said electronic content, wherein a device manufacturer implements said content drive with said source DRM module and said display module with said destination DRM module to support securely and legally reproducing said electronic content from content drive by utilizing Open Source versions of said channel setup module and said content playback module.