What is the format DCP and how it differs from regular film?
DCP (Digital Cinema Package) – digital format, developed by consorcium of world leading cinema-studios, called by DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives). This format was developed to transition to digital cinema. Used in cinemas for showing the following categories:
- Feature films/cartoons
- Short films/cartoons
- Trailers / teasers
- Socials
- Commercials
The quality is almost equal, and in the near future will largely exceed the film. The format has the most high-quality video and audio, security and flexibility.
Why I need convert my video to DCP?
If we talk about the movie – for now many film-festivals require to submit materials for the competition in DCP format. In addition, you will have a copy of the film, which you can easily replicate, for showing in cinemas. As for advertising, the cinemas will deal more willingly with the advertisers who provide videos in DCP format. It often happens that cinemas simply do not have the equipment that can play non-DCP, or the use of such equipment is accompanied by certain technical difficulties.
If I want convert my video to DCP, in which format and resolution I need to provide materials?
For best quality, we recommend that you export the video content in the sequence of images in .dpx format or .tiff. In a professional environment, this is called DCDM (Digital Cinema Distribution Master). We can make the conversion from any video format, but option with DCDM is preferred.
Among the most common frame formats in the film industry are the following:
- Scope (2.39:1) – 2048×858 pixels (2K) / 4096×1716 pixels (4K)
- Flat (1.85:1) – 1998×1080 pixels (2K) / 3996×2160 pixels (4K)
It is desirable provide a video, already cropped in one of these resolutions. If this is not possible, also can be used video with FullHD resolution (1920×1080), it will be adapted to the “Flat” frame format.
Do I need to convert my video to 24 fps before creating DCP?
Recommended. Modern Digital Cinema servers support different frame rates, such as 25, 30, 48 and 60 frames per second. However, not all movie theaters found equipment capable of video playback with a non-standard framerate. Therefore it is recommended to use a 24 fps according to the standard DCI.
Can you convert my DVD-Video to DCP?
Yes, but we would recommend to abandon this venture because frame resolution DVD-Video is far from DCP’s quality. Unless of course quality does not matter for you, or you do not have this material in a different format / quality.
What is ‘KDM’?
KDM (Key Delivery Message), aka “key” – a special file required to open an encrypted DCP. KDM is generated for each Digital Cinema server. Thus, if the key, created for cinema1, randomly appeared in a cinema2, it just will not be defined on the server and the content will remain closed.
What is ‘Supplemental’?
Supplemental, aka ‘VF’ – an additional DCP-package, which refers to the main DCP. Using Supplemental-package, you can replace the audio track, add captions and additional video-content (advertising, trailers, etc.). If you are planning to release the film in several languages, supplemental package will save your time and resources.
How to transfer you movie for conversion?
You can use the file exchangers: fex.net, mega.nz, dropmefiles.com, dropbox.com, drive.google.com or any another, which you like. The main thing is to the speed was high enough and the file exchanger’s allowable size allowed you to put your files.
It is also possible to upload files directly to our ftp-server (address and username / password are issued individually).
Why does my drive with DCP-package is not defined on my computer?
Digital Cinema servers are running under OS Linux, its file system – EXT3. Often DCP-studios format their drives in this file system. Operating systems Windows and OS X by default does not have the support of file systems ext2/3/4. If you have a need to view the content of this drive, you must connect the drive to a computer with a Linux operating system, or install third-party software for support this file system in your OS.
Why does my drive with DCP is not defined on the server?
Most of Digital Cinema servers have support of file systems ext2/3/4, Fat32, NTFS. As far as we know, Digital Cinema servers do not support file systems exFat and HFS or their work is unstable. Most likely your drive is formatted in one of these unsupported file systems. Reformat your hard drive in one of the supported file systems (don’t forget backup your data before formatting).
Still have questions or want to order the service? Contact us by email dcp@dualvfilms.com.