FAQ

A DCP - or Digital Cinema Package - is just that, a package of files. It includes video, audio, timing, and a slew of additional metadata that is designed specifically for ingest and playback in digital cinema exhibition systems. DCP playback systems are most often Unix-based, proprietary playback systems that link into the full “show control” automation system of a theater, setting the projection lens, audio playback system, even the lighting. DCP's can be encrypted for copy protection, such that the projectionist will need to enter a key code, usually received by email.

DCP isn’t a video format - however it holds your film in an MXF-wrapped JPEG 2000 format, and the Audio Track File carries a 24-bit linear PCM uncompressed multichannel WAV file. Encryption may optionally be applied to protect your DCP from unauthorized use. The encryption used is AES 128-bit in CBC mode.

Generally, no! Since your DCP is really just a folder full of files, it can be copied easily for distribution to multiple theaters. The caveat here (see “What’s a CRU” below) is that most DCP playback systems require a very specific type of drive to ingest the file.

If you’ve got a short film you’re submitting to multiple festivals, you may be able to just send them the same download link we provide.

We do often create multiple deliverables on CRU cartridge format for features opening in multiple venues simultaneously. We can drop-ship directly to the venues for you, and only charge the encoding fee once.

CRU cartridges are the industry standard for delivering DCPs to exhibition venues (the theater). They are incredibly robust and convenient - the projectionist simply inserts the cartridge into the playback system, and can ingest (copy) or playback directly from the cartridge. When major studios use physical distribution for feature film DCP’s, CRU is the delivery format.

The cartridge itself (named for the hardware manufacturer) is simply an EXT2/3 formatted SATA drive (getting nerdy here, I know) in a carrier that is similar to what you’d see in a rack-mount RAID array. The cost differential involves the mission-critical durability of the equipment, as well as the slower, but highly reliable, process of formatting and verifying the drive, sector-by-sector, for EXT2/3 format.

Need is determined by exhibition venue. We work directly with several Film Festivals and theaters - and have experienced varying requests for physical delivery formats. Often, you won’t need a CRU if delivering your short film to a festival, as they may be willing to receive your DCP via online delivery or on a USB drive - which they’ll ultimately transfer to a CRU deck for ingest at the theater.