DCP Digital-Cinema Subtitles (SMPTE & Interop)
Digital-cinema subtitles have to conform to the DCP spec exactly, or the package fails ingest. I author SMPTE ST 428-7:2014 and Interop (CineCanvas) subtitle XML that holds to 52 characters per line, up to three lines, a minimum 15-frame duration, an exact 2-frame gap between events and exclusive out-points, and I delivered a 3-minute DCI-compliant sample to prove it.
Subtitles inside the title-safe band, within the DCP line limits.
DCP subtitle package
- MyFilm_TLR-1_F_EN-XX_51_2K_20260914_SMPTE_OV
- ASSETMAP.xml
- VOLINDEX.xml
- CPL_a1b2c3d4.xml
- PKL_e5f6a7b8.xml
- sub_9c0d1e2f.mxf Timed Text (ST 428-7)
- fonts/ embedded fonts
DCP subtitle XML is Unicode, so any language's text can be packaged to spec. I author in native Vietnamese and English, and conform the XML for the language you supply.
The DCP subtitle rules that trip files up
A digital-cinema package fails ingest if the subtitles break the spec. These are the limits I hold every file to.
| Rule | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Characters per line | up to 52 | Reads at cinema distance |
| Lines | up to 3 | Never covers the image |
| Minimum duration | 15 frames | No flashed subtitles |
| Event gap | exactly 2 frames | No overlap on the server |
| Out-point | exclusive | Clean handoff between events |
| Text encoding | UTF-8 | DCI compliant |
Why a DCP package fails ingest
The subtitles can look right in the editor and still reject at the mastering house. These are the failures I check for.
A three-minute, DCI-compliant DCP subtitle sample in both SMPTE ST 428-7:2014 and Interop (CineCanvas) XML, built to prove conformance: 52 characters per line, exact 2-frame gaps, exclusive out-points and packaged fonts, ready for a mastering house to validate.
Built as a capability sample, available on request.
What you receive
Spec checklist
Toolchain
Author
Built withSubtitle Edit · AegisubCompatible withEZTitlesConvert
Built withSubtitle EditCompatible withOOONAPackage
Compatible withDCP-o-matic · EasyDCP · Marquise MIST
How it works
Scope and spec
You send the video and target profile. I confirm frame rate, timecode, caption style and the delivery formats you need.
Author
I time and write the captions or subtitles to the reading-speed, line-length and positioning rules for the target.
Encode and wrap
I produce the deliverables: SCC, MXF OP1A embed, SMPTE ST 2052-1 or DCP XML, plus a burned-in preview.
QC and deliver
I decode the result independently with caption-inspector, fix anything that drifts, and deliver with a report.
Three-layer QC before anything ships
Broadcast and cinema files fail on decoders, not in an editor preview. Every delivery goes through three passes and an independent decode.
1. Rough pass
Spot and draft every caption against the script, source audio and shot changes.
2. Alignment and timing
Tune reading speed, line breaks and positioning; align to shot changes and clear names and lower-thirds.
3. Independent senior QC
Decode the result on a separate decoder, check conformance to the target spec, and sign it off.
Indicative rate
From $5 / minute
Related captioning services
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver SMPTE or Interop subtitles?
Both. I author SMPTE ST 428-7:2014 subtitle XML and Interop (CineCanvas) XML, so your DCP mastering house can ingest whichever the project calls for.
How do you make sure the file passes DCP ingest?
I conform to the DCP rules that trip files up: up to 52 characters per line and three lines, a minimum 15-frame duration, an exact 2-frame gap between events, exclusive out-points and UTF-8 text. I can deliver a 3-minute DCI-compliant sample first so your facility can validate it.
How much do DCP subtitles cost?
Indicative rates start at $5 per minute, depending on line volume and turnaround. Send the film and target language and I send an exact quote within 10 minutes.
⏱ Typical response within 10 minutes