Caravan PostWhat is a DCP?
A Digital Cinema Package is the format cinemas play films from. It isn't a single video file. It's a folder of picture, sound and subtitle files plus a few small XML files that tell the cinema server how to play them. Picture is stored as JPEG 2000 in the XYZ colour space, and sound as uncompressed 24-bit, 48 kHz audio.
You can't make one by exporting from your editing software with default settings and hoping. It has to be built to the cinema standard and checked, or it may not load on the cinema's server.
The choices you'll need to make
Resolution: 2K or 4K
2K is still the most common for festivals and is accepted almost everywhere. 4K is worth it if you shot and finished in 4K and the festival or cinema can play it. If in doubt, make a 2K DCP (or both if budget allows).
Aspect ratio: Flat, Scope or Full
| Container | Ratio | 2K pixels | 4K pixels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | 1.85:1 | 1998 × 1080 | 3996 × 2160 |
| Scope | 2.39:1 | 2048 × 858 | 4096 × 1716 |
| Full (DCI) | 1.90:1 | 2048 × 1080 | 4096 × 2160 |
Flat and Scope are what almost every cinema is set up for. Full container uses the whole DCI frame and suits films finished at 1.90:1, but some festivals and older cinemas don't support it, so check first. Films framed at 16:9 (1.78:1) usually go in a Flat container with thin black bars at the sides.
Frame rate
24 fps is the safe choice. Many films shot at 25 fps for New Zealand or Australian television are delivered to cinemas at 25 fps, which most modern servers play. Converting 25 fps to 24 fps changes the running time and the pitch of the sound, so it needs care.
If you need to convert to 24p, let us know. We can take care of everything, including the sound mix.
SMPTE or Interop
These are two versions of the DCP standard. SMPTE is the current one and is what most festivals now ask for. Interop is the older format. Make SMPTE unless the festival specifically asks otherwise.
Encrypted or not
An encrypted DCP needs a key, called a KDM, made for each cinema's server and valid only for set dates. Most festivals prefer unencrypted DCPs, because KDMs add one more thing that can go wrong on the day. For commercial theatrical release, encryption is normal.
Subtitles
Subtitles can be burnt into the picture, or supplied as a separate cinema subtitle file that the server lays over the image. Burnt-in is the simplest and plays everywhere. A separate file keeps the picture clean and lets one DCP screen with or without subtitles, or in more than one language.
Delivery
DCPs used to travel on specially formatted hard drives. Today most can be delivered electronically: the DCP is uploaded once to a delivery network and each festival or cinema downloads it. We use Deluxe for easy worldwide delivery. See DCP & cinema delivery for details and pricing.