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Digital Cinema from A to Z - The Complete Glossary

8 April 2025

Digital Cinema from A to Z - The Complete Glossary

Welcome to the dynamic world of digital cinema! Digital projection offers fascinating technologies, formats, and standards that can sometimes be easy to get lost in.

Digital Cinema from A to Z - The Complete Glossary

Glossary

Term Index

163 terms in 15 categories
CORE PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY
SCREENS AND OPTICS
3D TECHNOLOGY
DIGITAL CINEMA PACKAGE (DCP)
FORMATS AND COMPRESSION
AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
HARDWARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
INTERFACES AND CONNECTIVITY
SECURITY
STANDARDS
CALIBRATION AND QUALITY
POST-PRODUCTION AND MASTERING
NETWORKING AND MONITORING
ALTERNATIVE CONTENT AND SPECIAL FORMATS
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

Digital Cinema Glossary

CORE PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY

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2K Projection

The standard digital projection resolution defined by DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) as 2048×1080 pixels. Commonly used in digital cinemas for film presentation. [DCI specification v1.2]

4K Projection

A high-resolution digital projection format defined by DCI as 4096×2160 pixels, delivering a more detailed image than 2K. [DCI specification v1.2]

DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives)

A consortium of the major Hollywood studios founded in March 2002 (Disney, Fox, MGM, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal and Warner Bros.). It was created so that the transition of cinemas from 35mm film to digital projection would not end in a chaos of incompatible formats: the first digital screenings ran from 1999 on proprietary systems, with every vendor pushing its own solution. In July 2005 DCI therefore published the unified DCI Standard, which to this day defines picture quality, interoperability and content security in digital cinemas worldwide. [www.dcimovies.com]

DLP (Digital Light Processing)

A projection technology developed by Texas Instruments that uses DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chips to create the image. More information is available on the Texas Instruments website [www.ti.com]. See also DMD.

DMD (Digital Micromirror Device)

An optical semiconductor chip with millions of microscopic mirrors, used in DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors to reflect light and create the image. See also DLP.

D-ILA (Digital Direct Drive Image Light Amplifier)

A projection technology developed by JVC, based on LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology. See also LCOS.

LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)

A projection technology that uses liquid crystals on a silicon substrate to modulate light and form an image. It is used in D-ILA and SXRD projectors. See also D-ILA and SXRD.

SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display)

Projection technology developed by Sony based on LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology. See also LCOS.

Xenon Lamps

Discharge lamps used in DCI projectors as a light source. They are characterized by high luminous intensity and color temperature.

Laser Projection

A projection technology that uses a laser as the light source instead of a xenon lamp. It offers higher brightness, a wider color gamut, and a longer service life.

Aspect Ratio

The ratio of the width to the height of the projected image. Common formats include 1.85:1 (flat) and 2.39:1 (CinemaScope).

fL (foot-Lambert)

A unit of luminance used in cinematography. It indicates the amount of light reflected from a surface.

Scaler

Device for converting image resolution. Used to adjust the resolution of an input signal to the projector's native resolution.

HFR (High Frame Rate)

A high frame rate, typically more than the standard 24 fps. Used to reduce motion blur and increase the smoothness of the image.

Convergence

The process that ensures precise overlap of the image's color components on projectors with multiple DMD chips. Correct convergence is essential for image sharpness and clarity.

Moire

An unwanted interference pattern that arises when regular structures in the image and on the projection screen overlap. A common problem in digital projection.

Raster

A regular grid of dots or lines that forms a digital image. In cinema, it refers to the arrangement of pixels in an image.

Pixel

The smallest displayable element of a digital image. At 2K resolution, a DCI image is 2048×1080 pixels.

Perforation

Regularly spaced holes along the edges of a film strip that allow it to be advanced precisely through the projector.

Microperforation

A smaller type of perforation used with certain film formats, allowing more efficient use of the film strip's surface.

SCREENS AND OPTICS

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Screen Acoustic Transparency

The ability of a projection screen to let sound pass through without significantly affecting its quality. An important property when speakers are placed behind the screen.

Microperforated Screen

A projection screen with tiny holes that allow sound to pass through from speakers placed behind the screen.

Gain (Screen Gain)

A measure of a projection screen's reflectivity. It indicates the ratio between the light reflected by the screen and the light reflected from a standard Lambertian surface.

Silver Screen

Screen with a metallic surface coating used for some 3D projection systems. It increases image brightness but can have a narrower viewing angle.

Matte White Screen

A matte white screen with even light diffusion. The standard type for 2D projection, it provides a wide viewing angle.

Hot Spotting

An undesirable phenomenon where the center of the screen shows significantly higher brightness than its edges.

Optical Axis

An imaginary line passing through the center of a projector's optical system, along which the central ray of light travels.

3D TECHNOLOGY

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3D Digital Projection

A technology that creates a sense of depth while watching a film.

RealD 3D

A 3D projection system that uses polarization technology. It relies on passive glasses with polarizing filters.

Dolby 3D

A 3D projection system developed by Dolby. It uses special color filters and glasses.

Xpand 3D

System for 3D projection that uses active glasses synchronized with the projector.

Sony 3D

3D projection system from Sony.

MasterImage 3D

A 3D projection system.

Triple Flash

Projection technique that triples the frame rate for 3D projection. It reduces flicker and improves viewing comfort.

Active 3D Glasses

Glasses with electronic shutters synchronized with the projector.

Passive 3D Glasses

Glasses with polarizing filters that separate the image for the left and right eye.

Ghosting

An undesirable effect in 3D projection where part of the image intended for one eye bleeds into the other eye.

Stereoscopic Base

Distance between the virtual cameras during stereoscopic capture. It affects the degree of the depth effect.

DIGITAL CINEMA PACKAGE (DCP)

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DCP (Digital Cinema Package)

The standard format for distributing movies to digital cinemas. It contains picture, sound, subtitles, and metadata. [DCI specification]

DCDM (Digital Cinema Distribution Master)

A master file used to create a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). It represents the uncompressed version of the film. See also DCP.

CPL (Composition Playlist)

A list of all tracks (image and audio files) that make up a presentation in a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

SPL (Show Playlist)

List of all items in a program, including advertisements, trailers, and films.

KDM (Key Delivery Message)

A digital key that unlocks an encrypted DCP (Digital Cinema Package) for a specific projector and time window. See also DCP.

DKDM (Distribution Key Delivery Message)

A key used to create KDMs (Key Delivery Messages) for specific cinemas. See also KDM.

Ingest

The process of loading a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) into a digital cinema server. See also DCP.

SMPTE DCP

A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) format standardized by SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers), newer than Interop DCP. [SMPTE ST 429-2] See also DCP and Interop DCP.

Interop DCP

An older DCP (Digital Cinema Package) format created before the standardization of the SMPTE format. See also DCP and SMPTE DCP.

DSM (Digital Source Master)

The original master file used to create the DCDM (Digital Cinema Distribution Master). See also DCDM.

CRU (Computer Removable Unit)

A removable disk drive used to transport a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

CineCanvas

An XML-based subtitle format for digital cinema, defined in the DCI specifications, that supports multilingual subtitles and various text styles.

FORMATS AND COMPRESSION

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JPEG 2000

A compression format used for image data in the DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

MXF (Material eXchange Format)

A container format for professional audio and video material.

DCI-P3

A color space specified by DCI for digital projection.

XYZ Color Space

Standard color space used in DCI for digital projection as an intermediate step for conversion to DCI-P3.

Bit Depth

The number of bits used to represent the color of each pixel. In DCI, typically 12 bits.

Color Gamut

The range of colors that can be reproduced within a given color space.

Color Space

A color space: a mathematical model for representing colors in a digital environment.

CBR (Constant Bit Rate)

A constant data rate during compression.

AUDIO TECHNOLOGY

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Dolby ATMOS

An immersive, object-based audio format developed by Dolby that allows precise placement of sound objects in 3D space and smooth movement of sound. [www.dolby.com/cinema]

Dolby Digital 5.1

An audio format with 5 main channels (left, center, right, left surround, right surround) and 1 LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel.

Dolby Surround 7.1

An audio format with 7 main channels (left, center, right, left rear surround, right rear surround, left side surround, right side surround) and 1 LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel.

Barco Auro 11.1

An immersive audio format with 11 channels and 1 LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel developed by Barco.

AuroMax

An extended version of the Auro-3D format that divides the side, rear, and ceiling channels into "zones" for more precise sound placement, supporting up to 26 channels and compatible with the IAB standard.

Auro-3D

A multichannel audio format that uses three layers of speakers (ear level, upper level, and ceiling layer) to create a 3D sound experience.

IAB (Immersive Audio Bitstream)

A standardized format for immersive audio defined by SMPTE ST 2098-2, serving as an open standard for digital cinemas that enables the playback of object-based audio.

SMPTE ST 2098-2

The SMPTE standard that defines the Immersive Audio Bitstream (IAB) specification.

DMA8+ (audio switch)

An audio switch for digital cinema.

Decibel

A unit for measuring sound loudness.

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)

Interface for transmitting a digital audio signal.

LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

A channel dedicated to carrying low-frequency sound effects. It is used to reproduce deep bass.

IMB (Integrated Media Block)

A device for decoding and processing digital content within the projector.

Object-Based Audio

An audio mixing technology in which sounds are handled as individual objects with precise placement in space, as opposed to the traditional channel-based approach.

AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union)

A digital audio standard used to interconnect professional audio equipment, formally known as AES3.

AES67

A standard for transporting digital audio over IP networks, enabling interoperability between different audio-over-IP systems.

HARDWARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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DCI Server

A server that meets the DCI specifications for playing back digital content in cinemas.

Media Block

The hardware responsible for decoding the DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

TMS (Theatre Management System)

System for centrally managing content and screenings in a cinema.

SMS (Screen Management System)

System for managing screenings on a specific screen.

LMS (Library Management System)

A system for managing digital content in a cinema.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A hard disk drive for storing data.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

A disk array for data protection.

NSS (Network Storage System)

A network storage system for digital content.

DCL (Digital Cinema Logbook)

An electronic log that records screenings and maintenance.

Log Files

Files that record the activity of the projector and server.

10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet)

A networking technology with a transfer rate of 10 gigabits per second, often used in digital cinemas to move large volumes of data between servers and projectors.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

Protocol for managing and monitoring network devices. In cinemas it is used for remote oversight of projectors, servers, and other equipment.

INTERFACES AND CONNECTIVITY

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HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

An interface for transmitting an uncompressed digital video and audio signal.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

An interface for transmitting a digital video signal.

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)

A system that protects digital content against copying.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Universal serial bus for connecting peripherals.

eSATA (External Serial ATA)

An interface for connecting external storage devices.

Component Connection, RGB, YUV

Analog methods of transmitting a video signal. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) uses three separate signals for the colors, while YUV (Luma, Chroma) separates luminance from the color-carrying components for better compression and compatibility.

SDI (Serial Digital Interface)

Professional digital video interface used to transmit uncompressed digital video in production environments.

HD-SDI (High Definition-Serial Digital Interface)

A version of SDI (Serial Digital Interface) that supports the transmission of HD video at a data rate of 1.485 Gb/s.

3G-SDI

An enhanced version of HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface) that supports data rates up to 2.97 Gb/s and 1080p60 video.

FIPS 140

Federal Information Processing Standard, a standard for the security of cryptographic modules.

PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

The public key infrastructure used to secure the DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)

Encryption algorithm used in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) security. See also DCP.

Forensic Marking

Forensic marking used to identify the source of pirated copies.

Watermarking

Technique of embedding invisible marks into image or sound to protect copyright.

SPB (Secure Processing Block)

Secure processing unit in DCI equipment.

Asymmetric Cryptography

An encryption method that uses a pair of keys (public and private), where data encrypted with the public key can be decrypted only with the matching private key. A fundamental security principle of the DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

Symmetric Cryptography

Encryption method that uses the same key for both encrypting and decrypting data. In the DCI system it is used to encrypt the film content itself, while the keys are distributed using asymmetric cryptography.

Public Key

In a PKI infrastructure, a publicly available key used to encrypt data or verify digital signatures. In the DCP (Digital Cinema Package), it is used to encrypt the content keys when creating a KDM (Key Delivery Message). See also DCP and KDM.

Private Key

A secret key that must remain protected and is used to decrypt data encrypted with the corresponding public key. In projection systems, it is used to decrypt the KDM (Key Delivery Message) and obtain the content keys. See also KDM.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

A symmetric encryption algorithm used to secure the content of a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). Typically used in its 128-bit variant. See also DCP.

SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm)

Cryptographic hash function used to verify data integrity in a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

TLS (Transport Layer Security)

Protocol that provides secure communication between systems on a network.

CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)

A method for detecting errors during the transmission or storage of digital data.

STANDARDS

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DCI Standard

A set of technical specifications for digital cinema published by Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC - a joint venture of the Hollywood studios founded in March 2002 (Disney, Fox, MGM, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal and Warner Bros.). It was created at a time when the first digital screenings (from 1999) ran on mutually incompatible proprietary systems, and digital cinema risked fragmenting into a number of per-studio and per-vendor formats. The goal of DCI was to establish a single open specification guaranteeing three things: picture and sound quality at least on the level of 35mm film, interoperability (one package plays in any cinema in the world) and content security against piracy. The first DCI System Specification was released on 20 July 2005 and has been updated continuously since. It defines the DCP format, JPEG 2000 compression, 2K and 4K resolutions, the XYZ colour space and content encryption with KDM keys and forensic watermarking. Equipment compliance is verified against the CTP test plan - which is why cinema projectors and servers are called "DCI". Distributors release first-run films only to auditoriums whose equipment meets the specification. In the Czech Republic, the first DCI digitization of a single-screen cinema took place in 2008 at Kino Káčko in Dobřany. [www.dcimovies.com]

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers)

Organization that sets technical standards for film and television [www.smpte.org].

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

The International Organization for Standardization [www.iso.org].

ISDCF (Inter-Society Digital Cinema Forum)

A forum for discussing and coordinating digital cinema standards [www.isdcf.com].

CTP (Compliance Test Plan)

A plan for testing compliance with DCI standards.

CALIBRATION AND QUALITY

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Color Calibration

The process of setting accurate color reproduction in a projector.

Pixel Mapping

The mapping of pixels from the digital source material onto the projector's physical resolution.

QC (Quality Control)

Quality control of digital content.

Delta-E

A metric for measuring color difference. Used when calibrating projectors.

Contrast Ratio

A projector's contrast ratio: the ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

Lamp Hours

The number of operating hours of a projector lamp. An important figure for maintenance.

Lamp Life

Expected operating life of a projection lamp, in hours.

Calibration Probe

A device for measuring color and brightness during projector calibration.

Gamma

The nonlinear relationship between a pixel's numerical value and its displayed intensity.

White Point

Reference white color used in color calibration. In the DCI standard it is defined as x=0.314, y=0.351 in the CIE 1931 color space.

Uniformity

Measure of how evenly brightness and color are distributed across the entire surface of the projection screen.

MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)

A function that describes an optical system's ability to transfer contrast detail. A measure of image sharpness.

Metamerism

Metamerism - A phenomenon in which two lights with different spectral compositions have the same colorimetric values and therefore represent the same color according to measurement. A colorimetric match does not require matching spectra.

Metameric failure

Metameric failure - A situation in which two light sources (for example an RGB laser and a laser phosphor projector) reproduce the same color according to a colorimetry system, but an individual does not see it as the same. It is caused by differences between the sources' spectra and by deviations of real observers from the CIE standard observer.

POST-PRODUCTION AND MASTERING

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DI (Digital Intermediate)

The digital intermediate stage in film postproduction.

Digital Cinema Mastering

The process of creating a digital master file for cinema.

VFX (Visual Effects)

Visual effects created using computer graphics.

Grading

Adjusting the color and contrast of a film in postproduction.

DPX (Digital Picture Exchange)

A file format used in digital film postproduction to store image data.

Metadata

Data that describes other data. In a DCP (Digital Cinema Package), it contains information about the content, encryption, and playback. See also DCP.

Subtitling

Process of creating and displaying subtitles in a DCP (Digital Cinema Package). See also DCP.

TTML (Timed Text Markup Language)

Standard for representing timed text, used for subtitles in some DCP (Digital Cinema Package) formats. See also DCP.

EDL (Edit Decision List)

An edit decision list, a document describing the sequence of cuts in postproduction.

Color LUT (Look-Up Table)

A table for transforming colors, used during grading and mastering.

NETWORKING AND MONITORING

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NOC (Network Operations Center)

A central facility for monitoring and managing network infrastructure. In cinema, it often provides remote support for multiple theaters.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Virtual private network that enables a secure connection for the remote management of cinema systems.

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

Virtual local area network that enables logical segmentation of network infrastructure.

QoS (Quality of Service)

Mechanisms for prioritizing certain types of data traffic on a network.

API (Application Programming Interface)

An application programming interface. It enables interaction between different software components.

Log Aggregation

The collection and centralization of log files from all devices for easier monitoring and analysis.

ALTERNATIVE CONTENT AND SPECIAL FORMATS

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HDR (High Dynamic Range)

High dynamic range for better contrast and color fidelity.

WCG (Wide Color Gamut)

Wide color gamut offering richer and more accurate color reproduction.

Satellite Delivery to Cinemas

Technology enabling live broadcasts of events to cinemas.

IMAX

A film format and projection system for very large screens, characterized by high resolution and an immersive experience. [www.imax.com]

Alternative Content

Non-feature content such as operas, concerts, and sports broadcasts shown in cinemas.

e-cinema

Electronic cinema that does not meet all DCI standards.

ScreenX

Immersive projection format that uses the side walls of the auditorium in addition to the main screen.

4D Cinema

Auditoriums equipped with motion seats and additional effects (wind, water, scent) to heighten the immersive experience.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

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Projector Calibration

The process of setting the optimal image parameters.

Lamp Replacement

Procedure for replacing a worn-out xenon lamp or laser module.

Optics Cleaning

Routine maintenance of a projector's optical components to ensure a sharp image.

Firmware Update

The installation of new versions of a device's control software.

Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring and management of DCI equipment.

Preventive Maintenance

Scheduled service work that prevents failures.

Fault Diagnostics

The process of identifying and resolving technical problems.

Cold Restart

A full power-down and power-up of the system, often used during troubleshooting.

Redundancy

Duplication of critical systems to ensure reliable operation.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Backup power source that ensures uninterrupted operation during a power outage.

Sources and References

Organizace a standardizační orgány

České zdroje

Publikace a odborná literatura

  • Understanding Digital Cinema - Charles S. Swartz (ed.), Focal Press, 2004
  • Digital Cinema: The Revolution in Cinematography, Post-Production, and Distribution - Brian McKernan, McGraw-Hill, 2005
  • The Digital Cinema Handbook - Adam Wilt a Charles Poynton, Focal Press, 2012
  • Motion Picture and Video Lighting - Blain Brown, Focal Press, 2008
  • SMPTE Standards Documentation - Soubor standardů pro digitální kino (ST 428, ST 429, ST 430 série)

Online zdroje

Výrobci a dodavatelé technologií

Konference a veletrhy

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