DCP Timed-Text 101

The core definitions and concepts should be learnt to fully understand the implementation of timed-text assets in D-Cinema.

Definitions

Open vs Closed

💡 Handy tip for remembering the difference: Closed means its ‘closed’ to the general public. Open means its ‘open for all to see’

Subtitles vs Captions

Forced Narrative, aka FN

Assembling for broad distribution

Now we apply the above rules to a distribution ready DCP in the way outlined below. With the  process below, the OV DCP can be used for broad distribution, as the timed text can be translated into any required language because there is no burnt in subtitles on the picture track.

DCP OV EN-EN-CCAP

Picture Track = No burnt-in subs/text

Sound Track = 5.1/7.1/Atmos + Audio Description

Timed-text Track 1 = Forced Narrative Subtitles tagged as Open Subtitles (OSUB) so they display on-screen

Timed-text Track 2 = Captions, tagged as Closed Captions (CCAP) so they play onto the captview devices

Supplemental VF-1  EN-EN-OCAP

Picture Track = Referencing OV

Sound Track = Referencing OV

Timed-text Track 1 = Captions, tagged as OSUB so that they display on screen.

⚠️ Its important that you tag the forced narrative, and open captions as OSUB. This s counterintuitive as there are formal tagging options defined in the specifications for OCAPS however the OCAP tag is not fully implemented across all manufactures of d-cinema equipment. The guarenteed way to get your captions to play on screen is to tag them as OSUB.

Where do I go now?

If you need to create a Version File for your DCP, or modify existing DCPs to include your captions, get in touch with us for a quote. If we're busy or unavailable, then we highly recommend Silver Trak Digital or Unravel.