What is a DCP and How Is It Created?

A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is a collection of digital files used to store and display films in cinemas. It uses special format image and sound data, along with metadata to coordinate playback.

The image format within a DCP is JPEG 2000, which compresses images into a 12-bit X'Y'Z' color space, allowing for high image quality at a reduced file size. The frame rate typically ranges from 24 to 48 frames per second. The sound is stored uncompressed with a sampling depth of up to 24 bits and a sampling rate of 48 or 96 kHz, and the data is in the MXF file format. Subtitles are stored as separate XML data in MXF files, but can also optionally be burned directly into the video. A DCP can contain multiple audio tracks for different languages, but typically a DCP is created per language and subtitle version to maximize compatibility with playback hardware.

A typical DCP contains a "Composition Playlist" (CPL) which defines the playback order of the image and sound files. Even though multiple CPLs are possible, usually only one CPL per DCP is used.

The creation of a DCP is carried out by specialized service providers and software tools that ensure compliance with Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standards, create uniform formats, and meet high security requirements. Information on the process and pricing of DCP creation at KINDCP can be found in our price list.

The Digital Cinema Distribution Master (DCDM), an archive format, contains all data in uncompressed and unencrypted form. A DCDM is created from a DSM (Digital Source Master, typically Avid or Apple ProRes). Both a DSM and a DCDM can serve as the basis for DCP creation.

In summary, the DCP is a central element in modern digital cinema technology, ensuring the quality and security of film presentations worldwide, while simplifying the distribution and archiving of films.