Embedded Files
what is a DCP?
DCP stands for Digital Cinema Package and it is currently the main distribution and exhibition package for digital projection of motion picture film. One may think of it as a digital 35mm release print that consists of a standard set of files (more on that below).
A DCP package may be delivered to an exhibition venue or archive in a hard drive or sent over the internet via secure file transferring protocols such as S/FTP.
how do I access a DCP drive?
When receiving a DCP drive, it is first necessary to check if its case has any visible damage. Signs of damage may result in playback issues and it is recommended to check its playback as soon as possible.
Next, it is necessary to check that it comes with its power and USB cables to connect it to the server or a machine for access. Most drives are typically formatted in Linux EXT3 filesystem therefore your machine may need additional software like Paragon's Linux File Systems software to read the drive.
what makes up a DCP?
A DCP or Digital Cinema Package is a collection of digital files used to store and convey digital cinema audio, image and data streams. Once you access the DCP folder you will notice the following contents:
1) Asset Map Volume Index (XML)
2) Compositional Playlist (XML)
3) Video (MXF)
4) Audio (MXF)
5) Packing List (XML)
A DCP package requires all of the files to be considered complete, therefore do not remove any of its parts. A canonical DCP package should resemble the image below.
what do the files do?
Asset Map Volume Index (XML)
An XML file that lists all the assets that are referenced in the DCP with the relative file path.
Compositional Playlist (XML)
An XML file that contains a textual list that defines how elements in the package are to be presented.
Video (MXF)
This is the video stream that is encoded XYZ colour space in lossy JPEG2000 in a MXF container.
Audio (MXF)
This is the audio stream that is encoded in uncompressed Broadcast WAV in a MXF container. It is typically 24-bit in 48 kHz or 96 kHz.
Packing List (XML)
An XML file that describes the assets , file sizes, hash values and file type.
types of DCP packages
There are two standards of DCP packages: Interop and SMPTE, which are not cross-compatible with one another.
Interop DCP
The Interop ("interoperable") standard is the older standard between the two and was introduced in 2003 by the MPEG Interop Initiative as the initial draft specification proposal for SMPTE packages. Interop DCPs were intended to be a temporary standard for hardware manufacturers to develop tools and equipment until a standardized version was realized.
Interop supports:
24 and 48 fps @ 2K (MXF Interop can be encoded at 25 frame/s but support is not guaranteed)
24 fps @ 4K
24 fps @ 2K stereoscopic
23.976 and 24 fps @ 1920×1080 (MPEG2)
SMPTE DCP
SMPTE was the first published standard for DCP packages and was published by the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers in 2009. As the most current standard, SMPTE DCPs support newer features and technology. It can support newer audio formats, more frame rates, and is able to better handle subtitles and encryption.
SMPTE supports:
24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps @ 2K
24, 25, and 30 fps @ 4K
24 and 48 fps @ 2K stereoscopic
why is the DCP naming convention so long? what does it mean?
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