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You can send files in any resolution up to 4K DCI (4096x2160).
We also support upon request:
Color space and gamma have to be referred to in each file name. In any other case, we will not be sure how to read and interpret the color space of your film as the result of inaccurate color reproduction. It is considered to be a good practice to ZIP your files before uploading! We suggest using the tool Keka for Mac OS and 7zip or Windows. This ensures that an error message appears if something went wrong in the transfer. Below you will find the suggested file specifications for image, sound and subtitle files. We accept:
Once your resolution is different from the DCI specifications we can letterbox, pillarbox, or rescale (fit) in the closest resolution. We don’t mess with the original image apect ratio (crop or squeeze).
SMPTE DCP supports 24, 25 and 30fps. Drop framerates (DF) like 23.98fps, will convert to 24 fps without any extra charge. Not compatible framerates will fail to work on most common servers and need testing. If your file is interlaced (48i, 50i) we will first need to convert it into progressive with an extra cost.
In case your film is divided into reels, the audio files must have the same duration as the image files. It's usually preferred to embed the audio in the video file. The answer is clear … 5.1 or even more!
Usually, in movies, dialogues come from the “Center” channel. These speakers are usually located behind the screen. With this setup speech and other key information, seem to come right from the screen where the audience is looking. A DCP with a stereo mix can be confusing in some venues. It could sound like the dialogue is coming from two places at once, even from behind the audience. In case there is only a stereo mix present, it is advised to have an “upmix” to 5.1 by professional sound experts. If it is not possible, we create the DCP with audio track on channel “Left” and “Right” and we leave all other channels empty.
Timed text style guidelines are mandatory for a proper screening. Netflix and BBC guidelines are international standards. We can create DCPs that are compliant with both SMPTE systems and InterOP (IOP). We usually choose SMPTE conformity as it is the new standard with great support from cinema venues. SMPTE DCP packaging allows for an expanded set of features, including higher frame rates, immersive sound, 3D subtitle support, and embedded metadata that makes it easier for the theater operator to understand the technical aspects of the DCP. The SMPTE DCP provides a great foundation for further innovation, automation, cost-saving and presentation quality.
If you wish to screen your film in a Digital Cinema with old equipment (more than 10 years) then you should need interOP conformity. Please inform us in the comments field. If for any reason you need an extra backup copy of your SMPTE DCP in InterOP that could be arranged at an extra cost. InterOP supports 24fps and 48fps at 2K and 24fps at 4K. If your film has a different framerate we can transcode your film in a supported framerate (picture, sound, and subtitles) at an extra cost. Please choose “conform framerate” in the Services page. InterOP does not support OSUB timed-text encryption. In our lab, we follow all the recommended guidelines of the Digital Cinema Initiatives LLC. DCI was created in March 2002, and is a joint venture of 5 Hollywood major Studios. DCI's primary purpose is to establish and document voluntary specifications for an open architecture for digital cinema that ensures a high level of technical aspects. The SMPTE DCP provides a great foundation for further innovation, automation, cost-saving, and presentation quality. We recommend connections faster than 10Mbit/s for upload and download.
For example, a 20GB file at 5Mbit/s transfer speed needs 10 hours, the same file at 10Mbit/s transfer speed needs 5 hours, and 100Mbit/s needs only 30’ minutes. Once you arrange your payment, you are redirected to a safe AES-256 webpage where you upload your film. If your film is large or your connection is slow or unstable you can use as an alternate option the free and reliable desktop application “Filemail app” (windows, mac, Linux), with supported maximum speed 1000Mbit/s and HTTPS, AES-256 encryption. Send to our email address hello@frenel.gr.
Using Cloud Storage, you can easily transfer your film at a low cost in most festivals and cinema venues around the world. It is a reliable and modern solution with a lower cost than mailing the physical media through courier services. You can simultaneously support multiple cinema venues which is not possible with a physical medium. It is also a covid-free solution.
Each DCP is delivered in the form of a verified ZIP file and the link is sent to you by email. This is a safe method to transfer files through the web. We can deliver your film via Aspera, upon request. Select one of our packages. |