1. A client device, comprising: a network interface card to receive content over a network; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program code; and one or more processors configured to execute the computer program code to perform steps, comprising: sending a request for access to protected content over the network; receiving, in response to the request, a content protection query module; executing the content protection query module within the client device to: generate a plurality of queries to the client device about content protection items supported on the client device; receive responses to the plurality of queries from the client device; apply a content protection policy to the responses to the plurality of queries, the content protection policy prioritizing a content protection configuration based on a digital rights management module, container format and decryption key system supported on the client device; select the content protection configuration based on the application of the content protection policy to the responses to the plurality of queries; and instruct the client device to configure the client device to receive the protected content in the selected content protection configuration; receiving the protected content in the selected content protection configuration; and playing the received protected content using the selected content protection configuration.