What Is a DCP (Digital Cinema Package)?
A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the standard format for distributing feature films to digital cinemas. It's essentially a folder containing encrypted video, audio, and metadata files that play on commercial cinema servers.
DCP Structure
A DCP is a folder containing several components:
- MXF video files: JPEG 2000 compressed frames wrapped in MXF containers.
- MXF audio files: Uncompressed PCM audio (typically 24-bit/48kHz) in MXF containers.
- Subtitle files: XML-based subtitle tracks (if applicable).
- CPL (Composition Playlist): XML file that defines the playback order of reels.
- PKL (Packing List): XML manifest of all files and their checksums.
- ASSETMAP: XML index for locating files.
- KDM (Key Delivery Message): Encryption key for playback (sent separately to each theater).
DCP Specifications
- Resolution: 2K (2048×1080) or 4K (4096×2160).
- Frame rates: 24fps (most common), 25fps, 30fps, 48fps, 60fps.
- Color: XYZ color space (converted from Rec. 709 or P3).
- Bit depth: 12-bit per channel.
- Max bitrate: 250 Mbps for 2K, 500 Mbps for 4K.
DCP File Sizes
DCPs are large due to their high quality requirements:
| Content | Resolution | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|
| Feature film (90 min) | 2K | 100-150 GB |
| Feature film (90 min) | 4K | 250-400 GB |
| Short film (15 min) | 2K | 15-25 GB |
| Trailer (2-3 min) | 2K | 3-5 GB |
The DCP Creation Workflow
- Final grade: Complete color grading in P3 color space.
- Export master: Output DPX or TIFF sequence.
- DCP encoding: Convert to JPEG 2000, XYZ color space.
- Audio preparation: Mix down to cinema format (5.1, 7.1, Atmos).
- Subtitles: Create XML subtitle files.
- Packaging: Generate CPL, PKL, ASSETMAP.
- Encryption: Encrypt and generate KDMs.
- QC: Verify on a DCP player.
DCP Delivery
DCPs are delivered to theaters via:
- Physical drives: CRU hard drives shipped to each location.
- Satellite: Deluxe, Cinedigm, and others offer satellite delivery.
- Internet transfer: Increasingly common, but challenging with 150-400 GB files.
For independent filmmakers delivering to festivals or smaller theaters, Handrive can transfer DCPs directly without per-GB fees:
- Free transfer: Send 150 GB DCP without paying $37.50+.
- Direct P2P: Secure transfer without cloud storage.
- Headless mode: Theater can run Handrive on a NAS for always-on DCP receipt.
See how indie filmmakers save on file transfer costs:
How Indie Filmmakers Save Thousands on File Transfer →