Digital Cinema Knowledge Base
DCP Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about preparing, delivering, and handling your Digital Cinema Package.
Creating and curating nearly 2,000 DCPs every year.
The Quick Hit
Preparing Your File? Start Here.
Send us your final movie as an MOV or MP4 with embedded audio, in its native aspect ratio. Do not add letterboxing, countdowns, color bars, or extra frames.
For the best results, we prefer high-quality ProRes 422 or ProRes 422 HQ masters. The quality of your finished DCP depends heavily on the quality of your source file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common DCP Questions
Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often from filmmakers.
What is a DCP?
DCP stands for Digital Cinema Package. It is a collection of digital files used to present movies in professional digital cinema theaters and film festivals.
DCPs follow established digital cinema specifications designed to support compatible theatrical playback systems.
Are DCPs compatible with all theatrical systems?
Our DCPs are created for broad compatibility with professional digital cinema playback systems. However, specific server configurations, software versions, and venue requirements can affect compatibility.
We recommend confirming technical requirements with your festival or theater in advance.
What if a theater cannot play my DCP?
Contact us if a venue reports a playback issue. We can review the technical information and help determine whether the problem involves packaging, compatibility, delivery, or theater configuration.
I'm having trouble uploading or downloading. What should I do?
Large video files and DCPs can take considerable time to transfer, especially on residential internet connections with limited upload speeds.
If a transfer is taking unusually long or repeatedly failing, contact us so we can discuss an alternative delivery method. A dedicated file transfer application may also be more reliable than a browser.
What can I do with a digital DCP?
A digital DCP can be stored, downloaded, transferred, and delivered to a film festival or theater.
If a festival requests a downloadable DCP, its technical team will generally arrange ingestion into the theater's playback system. Confirm the venue's delivery requirements before sending your package.
Can I store my DCP on a Windows or Mac computer?
Yes. DCP files can be stored on Windows or Mac computers for backup and transfer. However, ordinary desktop playback software generally cannot play a DCP like a standard MP4 or MOV file.
Theatrical ingestion may require a specially formatted drive or another delivery method accepted by the venue.
Why do theatrical DCP drives require special formatting?
Many digital cinema servers expect DCPs to arrive on drives using specific Linux-compatible file systems and partitioning requirements.
A standard Windows or Mac-formatted drive may not be accepted by a particular theater. We can supply properly prepared DCP drives when physical delivery is required.
I've already received my DCP. Where can I learn more?
Visit our dedicated guide for downloading, handling, and delivering your completed DCP.
Source Master Preparation
How to Prepare Your DCP Master File
Following these guidelines helps us prepare your Digital Cinema Package accurately and efficiently.
File Naming
- Name your file using the movie title.
- Avoid dates, version numbers, and abbreviations.
- Send only the final approved master.
Preferred File Formats
- ProRes 422 or ProRes 422 HQ MOV preferred.
- MP4 and other standard formats accepted.
- Use the highest-quality master available.
- Include your final audio with the file.
Exhibition Ready
- No countdowns or color bars.
- No extra frames, audio pops, or test material.
- Do not add artificial letterboxing.
- Verify picture and sound before submitting.
Important Considerations
We create your DCP using the final source file you provide.
Changes requested after the DCP is created may require a new order.
Technical imperfections in your master may become more noticeable when projected on a cinema screen.
Digital Cinema Specifications
Video, Audio & Subtitle Guidelines
Technical information for filmmakers, editors, and post-production professionals.
Video Frame Rates
| DCP Format | Frame Rates |
|---|---|
| Interop DCP | 24 FPS |
| SMPTE DCP | 24, 25, or 30 FPS |
Common DCP Picture Containers
| Format | Container Size |
|---|---|
| 2K Flat | 1998 × 1080 |
| 2K Scope | 2048 × 858 |
| 2K Full Container | 2048 × 1080 |
| 4K Flat | 3996 × 2160 |
| 4K Scope | 4096 × 1716 |
| 4K Full Container | 4096 × 2160 |
Standard 1920 × 1080 and 3840 × 2160 source files are also accepted. Your finished image may not occupy the entire digital cinema container. Do not crop or letterbox your source simply to force it into a DCP aspect ratio.
Audio Requirements
DCPs may contain mono, stereo, three-channel, 5.1, or 7.1 audio configurations. For theatrical presentation, a properly prepared surround mix or L/R/Center mix may be preferable to stereo alone.
For 5.1 audio, provide one six-channel interleaved audio track in the source file. Do not include an additional stereo pair on channels 7/8 or extra audio tracks.
| Channel | Typical Content |
|---|---|
| Left | Music & Effects |
| Right | Music & Effects |
| Center | Dialogue |
| LFE | Low-Frequency Effects |
| Left Surround | Surround Effects |
| Right Surround | Surround Effects |
Captions & Subtitles
We can incorporate customer-supplied captions and subtitles into your DCP. Supported delivery formats depend on the project and DCP specification.
Cinema subtitle standards include CineCanvas for Interop packages and SMPTE 428-7 subtitle structures for SMPTE DCPs.
Contact us before delivery to confirm the subtitle file format required for your project.
Additional Audio Services
Stereo to Three-Channel Upmixing
Understanding the difference between stereo, three-channel, and true 5.1 sound.
Our stereo-to-three-channel upmix process analyzes common audio signals in the left and right channels, often dialogue, and directs them to a center channel.
This creates an L/R/Center configuration, but it does not create a true 5.1 surround mix.
A genuine stereo source may produce useful separation across the three channels. A dual-mono source may result in most of the sound being directed to the center.
We recommend that your original sound designer prepare a dedicated theatrical mix whenever possible.
Protect Your Digital Cinema Package
Handling, Storage & Delivery
A few important precautions can help prevent unnecessary problems when transferring your DCP to a theater.
Keep the Package Intact
Do not rename, remove, or modify individual files inside your DCP. Preserve the original folder structure and package contents.
Use Appropriate Delivery Media
For physical theatrical delivery, confirm the required file system and drive format with the venue. Ordinary Windows or Mac-formatted drives may not be suitable.
Cloud Storage & Downloads
DCPs can be stored and transferred digitally. Ensure all package files are downloaded completely and retain their original names and folder structure.
Avoid Unnecessary Changes
Do not modify DCP files or attempt to repair them using ordinary media editing applications. Contact us if you suspect an incomplete or damaged package.
Industry Standards
Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI)
Digital Cinema Initiatives was established by major motion picture studios to develop specifications for professional digital cinema presentation and interoperability.
The DCI specifications and related SMPTE standards help define the technical framework used for modern digital theatrical exhibition.
We're Here to Help
Still Have Questions About Your DCP?
Whether you're preparing your first film festival screening or coordinating a theatrical release, Ready DCP can help you understand your technical requirements.