From your master
to the big screen.
DCP mastering for everything from commercials and trailers to short films and features. With over a decade of experience and thousands of DCPs mastered, our specialists preserve the care you put into every frame.
Upload.
We can help confirm your cinema or festival’s delivery requirements before you send your master. Then share a download link or use our portal for a fast, secure upload.
Master.
We create your Digital Cinema Package in 2K or 4K at the same price, with fast turnaround, DCP validation and a human spot check or full review. Stereo-to-5.1 upmixing is included when needed, with loudness checks for ads and trailers.
Deliver.
Receive a download link to your finished DCP, or arrange delivery directly to your cinema or festival. Physical media is available by custom quote.
Let’s master your DCP.
Have more complex DCP requirements? Our specialists can help. Enquire today.
Send us your best master.
Check our delivery specifications to maximize the quality of your project on the big screen.
What should I send you?
Send your highest-quality finished master, the final audio mix and any cinema or festival delivery requirements. Include the frame rate, colour space and audio channel layout so we can interpret your files correctly.
Read our file specifications before exporting. You can use the Unravel portal, send a download link or arrange to post physical media.
Does my film need to be 24fps?
Some distributors request 24fps because it offers the broadest cinema compatibility. A correctly made 24fps Interop DCP should play on virtually all digital cinema systems.
25fps and 30fps are also well supported today. We recommend keeping your film’s native frame rate if it’s 24, 25 or 30fps, unless the festival, cinema or distributor specifically requires 24fps.
If you need a 24fps version, let’s talk before converting your master. There are several ways to handle frame-rate conversion, with different effects on motion, runtime and audio. We’ll discuss the options with you and agree on the best approach for your film and its delivery requirements.
Source frame rates such as 23.976fps and 29.97fps still need conversion for standard DCP delivery.
What’s the difference between Interop and SMPTE?
They are two DCP formats. Interop is the older format and is still requested for some deliveries. SMPTE is the newer standard, with broader support for frame rates, subtitles and accessibility features.
The right choice depends on the screening requirements and playback equipment. Share the cinema or festival’s specifications with us and we’ll confirm the format before mastering.
How long does mastering take?
- Short form, up to 10 minutes: Usually ready in 1 business day.
- Long form with a spot check: Usually ready in 1–3 business days.
- Long form with full manual review: Usually ready in 2–3 business days.
These are typical turnaround times once we have your complete, ready-to-master files and confirmed requirements. Tell us your delivery deadline when booking, especially if it’s urgent or your project needs additional versions or conversion work.
Is stereo-to-5.1 upmixing included?
Yes. If you only have a stereo mix, stereo-to-5.1 upmixing is included where needed at no additional cost. It can help place dialogue centrally behind the screen.
If you already have a finished 5.1 mix, supply that with clearly labelled channels. An upmix works from your existing stereo mix; it doesn’t replace a dedicated cinema sound mix. We also check and adjust loudness for advertisements and trailers where required.
Does every DCP go through automated validation?
Yes. Every DCP we create goes through automated validation before delivery, whichever review option you choose. This checks the package’s technical compliance and helps identify packaging errors.
Validation and human review serve different purposes. A technically valid DCP can still contain an issue in the supplied master, which is why we also include a human spot check or full manual review.
What does a spot check cover compared with full manual review?
A spot check samples the finished DCP at key intervals. An operator checks picture and sound in those sections, rather than watching the entire film. It’s suited to a master you have already reviewed thoroughly.
Full manual review has an operator watch and listen to the finished DCP from start to finish. We look for noticeable picture and sound problems, including issues carried through from your supplied master, and let you know what we find.
Both include automated validation. If you need a detailed, timecoded QC report or additional testing, discuss a dedicated QC review with us.
Is there an extra charge for 4K?
No. Our standard mastering price is the same for 2K and 4K. The best choice depends on your source master and the screening requirements; creating a 4K DCP from a lower-resolution file won’t add detail to the original picture.
What about subtitles, captions or encrypted DCPs?
Contact us for a custom quote if you need subtitles, closed captions, encryption, KDMs or multiple versions. A KDM is a key that allows an encrypted DCP to play on a specified cinema system during an agreed time window.
Share the required languages, accessibility requirements, venues and screening dates early so we can confirm the assets and delivery arrangements.
How do I receive my DCP, and should I test it at the cinema?
Online delivery includes a download link available for seven days. We can also arrange delivery directly to your cinema or festival; physical media is available by custom quote.
We recommend arranging a test ingest and screening with the venue ahead of your public screening. This lets you check the finished film on the actual cinema system and leaves time to resolve any venue-specific requirements.