Czech cinema listings are full of abbreviations: 2D T, OV, ČV, ATMOS, 4DX. Locals decode them instinctively, but if you are new to Czech cinemas, picking the wrong version can spoil the evening - expecting subtitles and getting a dubbed screening. Here is what the most common marks mean.
Language versions: T, D, OV and ČV
- T - titulky (subtitles): the film plays in its original language with Czech subtitles.
- D or DAB - dabing: the film is dubbed into Czech.
- OV - original version. On its own it usually means a screening without subtitles; the combination OV/T means the original version with Czech subtitles.
- ČV - Czech version: used mainly for animated films with a Czech voice track produced alongside the original.
Labelling can differ slightly from cinema to cinema - when in doubt, the description of the specific screening in the booking system is authoritative.
Picture and sound formats
- 2D - a regular screening, the default today.
- 3D - stereoscopic projection with glasses; cinemas use active or passive 3D systems.
- 4K - projection at a higher resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels versus 2K).
- 2D laser projection by Barco - the projector uses a laser light source instead of a lamp: more stable brightness and colours throughout the show. We cover it in detail on our Barco laser projection page.
- ATMOS (Dolby Atmos) - object-based immersive sound with speakers overhead and effects moving through the auditorium.
- AuroMax, IAB - immersive sound beyond Atmos: AuroMax adds height speakers above the side walls, and IAB (Immersive Audio Bitstream, SMPTE ST 2098-2) is the open format used to distribute immersive audio in digital cinema - in listings you will usually see the name of the specific system instead.
- IMAX - a large-format system with its own screen, projection and sound; we wrote about the unique 70mm variant in our article on The Odyssey at Prague’s IMAX.
- 4DX, ScreenX, D-BOX - multiplex premium formats: 4DX adds motion seats and effects (wind, water, scents), ScreenX extends the picture onto the side walls, D-BOX means motion chairs synchronised with the action.
Screening types
- FK - film club screenings, often with discounted admission for members.
- Bio Senior - daytime screenings with discounted admission for seniors.
- Baby Bio - screenings for parents with small children: lowered volume, partial lighting, prams welcome.
- Předpremiéra - a preview screening before the official release date.
- Letní kino - open-air cinema; we describe how an open-air cinema works technically separately.
Age ratings: 12+, 15+, 18+
Age accessibility is set by the distributor under the Czech audiovisual law. Listings typically show "unsuitable under 12", "not admitted under 15" or "not admitted under 18" - for restricted titles the cinema may ask for proof of age.
And if you are curious about the technical terms from the other side of the screen - DCP, KDM, DCI or cinema servers - browse our digital cinema glossary. Cinema operators who want to offer formats like Dolby Atmos or laser projection are welcome to get in touch.