Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are implemented for compressing high-definition video content. Consistent with one such implementation, a device is implemented for preparing a media stream containing high-definition video content for transmission over a transmission channel. A receiver unit is arranged to receive the media stream in a high-definition encoding format that does not compress the high-definition video content contained therein. A decoder unit is arranged to decode the media stream. A compression unit is arranged to compress the decoded media stream to produce a compressed media stream. An encapsulation unit is arranged to encapsulate the compressed media stream within an uncompressed video content format. An encoding unit is arranged to encode the encapsulated media stream using the high-definition format to produce a data stream and may be arranged to encrypt the data stream, e.g., using High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP).