The SVP is "an open technology specification for digital content protection", developed through an alliance of members. It operates as a hardware-based solution so that "an SVP-Compliant chip can be embedded in any device that has a digital processor".
The MPAA and its member companies worked closely with the SVPLA (Licensing Authority) on the SVP technical licensing terms to ensure that the studios’ security needs were met while enabling these new capabilities, according to a statement in early 2006 by Brad Hunt, chief technology officer for the MPAA. SVP licenses are available on what’s called “a reasonable and non-discriminatory basis (RaND).” They are also available on a low cost non-royalty basis, which is intended to help to drive implementation.