secure audio path (copy protection) (SAP)

With the Secure Audio Path(SAP) copy protection developed by Microsoft, audio data is affected by interfering signals in such a way that the files can only be played back by a specific computer. When played back on other computers, the playback is impaired. When played back on the designated computer, the SAP copy protection detects the interfering signals and then filters them out in the sound card.

The Protected Media Path ( PMP ) method has evolved from the Secure Audio Path copy protection.