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DCP naming convention: how to read a digital cinema package name

21 June 2026

DCP naming convention: how to read a digital cinema package name

A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) name encodes the content type, aspect ratio, language, rating, audio, resolution and version. We explain the ISDCF naming convention (DCNC) field by field on a real example, the practical way for cinema operators.

How to read a DCP name

Hover or tap a segment to see what it means and which values it can take. Fields are separated by an underscore and always come in the same order.

___________
NazevFilmu

Film title

Movie name joined together, no spaces or accents.

Free-form field (no fixed code list).

The three things that matter most for a cinema

Aspect ratio: Flat vs Scope

F = Flat (1.85:1), S = Scope (2.39:1). It tells you how to set the screen masking and lens. Get it wrong and you get black bars or a cropped image.

Audio

51 = 5.1, 71 = 7.1, ATMOS or IAB = immersive (object-based) sound. It has to match your auditorium setup.

OV vs VF

OV is the full film and plays on its own. VF is only an add-on (e.g. a dub) and will not play without its OV. The most common gotcha.

Decode a DCP name

Paste a DCP name (the ContentTitleText) and we will break it into fields. Nothing leaves your browser.

OV, VF and supplemental packages in practice

Most foreign films do not arrive as a single finished package. The original (OV) is in its original language and the local version (subtitles or a dub) ships separately as a supplemental VF. Here is how it fits together.

OV

Original Version. A complete, self-contained package with picture and sound. Often the original language with no subtitles, e.g. EN-XX.

VF (supplemental)

Version File, a supplemental package. Holds only what differs, typically Czech subtitles (EN-CS) or a dub. It does not play on its own, it references picture and sound from the OV.

KDM

The key that unlocks a specific CPL. It is usually issued for the localised version (EN-CS), not the OV, and is tied to one cinema, server and date range.

How it works in practice

  1. 1

    You receive or download the OV, often the original language (e.g. EN-XX).

  2. 2

    The localised VF with Czech subtitles (e.g. EN-CS) often arrives by email together with the KDM, or the email has a download link for it.

  3. 3

    You ingest both the OV and the VF. Once loaded, the VF pairs with the OV and takes its picture and sound.

  4. 4

    The KDM is issued for the EN-CS VF (the localised version). You load it onto the server.

  5. 5

    You add the EN-CS VF to the show (SPL). The audience sees and hears the OV plus the Czech subtitles from the VF.

Common mistakes

  • Put the OV (EN-XX) into the show by mistake and the film runs with no Czech subtitles.
  • A VF without its OV will not ingest, the server reports a missing asset.
  • A KDM belongs to a specific CPL. A key for the OV will not unlock the VF and vice versa.

When you first see a DCP name, it looks like a random jumble of letters and numbers. In fact it is a precise code: every field means something and the fields always come in the same order. It is written into the ContentTitleText field and follows the ISDCF naming convention (DCNC). Almost every distributor and lab follows it, so the name tells you straight away which version of the film you have.

Why it helps in a cinema

The name immediately tells you whether it is a feature or a trailer, what language version it is, what sound and aspect ratio it needs and whether the package is complete. That saves mistakes when you build the programme and during the show itself. Rule number one: the binding name is the ContentTitleText, not the human-readable label in the server library.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up OV and VF. A VF is only an add-on (for example a dub) and will not play without its OV. Always check you have both.
  • Wrong masking. A missed aspect ratio (Flat vs Scope) means black bars or a cropped image.
  • Wrong audio. Check whether the copy needs 5.1, 7.1 or immersive sound and whether your auditorium supports it.

Where to find all the codes

The complete, up-to-date list of all codes (content types, languages, territories, ratings, studios and facilities) is maintained by ISDCF in its registry at registry-page.isdcf.com. Codes are added over time, so treat it as the primary source.

Need help with digital cinema?

At XC TECH we cover digital cinema end to end, from the projector through the cinema server to sound and automation. We are happy to help with selection, supply and service, get in touch.

DCP naming FAQ

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