To create a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) with subtitles, you’ll need to follow these general steps. This assumes you’re starting from a video (e.g., a ProRes, MP4 or DPX sequence), audio (WAV), and subtitles (SRT, STL, or XML format). The goal is to wrap everything in a DCP structure compatible with cinema playback.
DCP creation tools or service:
- Free or paid software: EasyDCP, FinalDCP, Clipster, OpenDCP, DCP-o-matic etc.
- Paid online service: DCP Maker
Subtitling tools (for conversion and preview):
- Software: Subtitle Edit (Windows), Aegisub, Belle Nuit
- DIY SRT → XML converter if you’re working with Interop/SMPT format manually
SRT → XML conversion service
Paid online service: DCP Maker SRT to XML D-Cinema Subtitles
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Assets
Video: Export as 24fps, 2K/4K, image sequence (e.g., TIFF, DPX) or a compatible movie file (e.g., ProRes)
Audio: Export as 24-bit WAV, mono/stereo/5.1, at 48kHz or 96kHz
Subtitles: SRT is fine initially, but will need to be converted to DCP-compatible XML
2. Convert Subtitles to DCP XML
Cinema DCPs support two main subtitle formats:
- Interop XML: Older, limited formatting
- SMPTE XML: Modern standard, supports more characters and formatting
Use one of the following:
- Any converter SRT to SMPTE XML
- DCP Maker Conversion Service: Send your custom SRT and get D-Cinema XML subtitle XML files, tailored for SMPTE
3. Create the DCP
- Use a DCP Software
- With DCP Maker