What is a DCP?
A DCP, short for Digital Cinema Package, is the standardized method for distributing films and other content to theaters operating digital projection equipment. DCPs are a collection of files that contain Audio, Video, and (if applicable) Subtitle content, and a small number of other files designed to help ensure the integrity of the files as they are passed from theater to theater. They provide a standard way for a theater to present content and maintain an accurate presentation from site to site.
Do I have to convert to 24fps before submitting my content for DCP conversion?
No, but frame rates other than 24 (or 23.98 after conforming to 24) may not play on some older Digital Cinema Servers. If your film will be running in a small number of theaters you can consult with them about compatibility with other frame rates.
There doesn’t seem to be anything on the DCP drive you sent me, what gives?
Digital Cinema Servers run on a Linux-based operating system. To ensure maximum compatibility, your content drive is formatted as EXT3 to be read by digital projection systems. Because of this, most Windows or Mac computers cannot read this data without special drivers.
What is a CRU, and why would I need one?
A CRU drive refers to a product from CRU Digital, typically used in Digital Cinema Servers, that is used to transfer content to projection systems. They are the accepted standard for content distribution to theaters. Digital Cinema Servers have a bay for reading CRU drives; transferring content from a CRU drive to a Cinema Server, referred to as ingestion, is noticeably faster than from a USB drive. This drive is the only reliable way to “Live Play” content from the transport medium in the event of unexpected issues at the theater. By putting your film on a CRU drive rather than on USB, you make the projectionist’s job faster, cause content ingestion to be more efficient, and improve the theaters ability to make sure it plays in the face of the unexpected.
Can you turn my Blu-ray/DVD/other media into a DCP?
Any digital video can be converted into a DCP with sufficient labor. That said, the quality of the DCP is limited by the quality of the source. We recommend providing the original video files when possible as those will most likely result in a higher quality final product. Sources on tape (HDCAM SR or similar) or film (16mm, 35mm, or similar) can be digitized and converted to DCP, but additional processing time and increased costs will be applicable.
If you have additional questions please reach out via our Contact Form and we will be happy to answer them for you.