Technique for securely transferring programming content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. Upon request to transfer protected content to the second device, the first device authenticates the second device. After authentication, the first device transfers the protected content and a rights file associated therewith to the second device. The rights file specifies the rights of the second device to use the protected content, according to its security level. These rights may concern, the number of times that the second device may subsequently transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the second device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the second device is, the more rights accorded thereto. The second device may further need to meet a minimum security level in order for it to receive the protected content.