We bring you this DC Glossary for those who are not quite sure of what these words stand for: Automation Cue, CPL , CineDisk, DCP , Dual link, eSATA, Forensic Marking, Ingest, KDM, LE, PKL, SoloSMS, SMS ,TMS…
Learn from XCDC who compiled this for you.
Our A to Z DC Glossary begins with some classic: and...ACTION
Action
An Action is a physical signal that is sent by the Digital Cinema server to the external devices to do a specific action such as shutting down the lights, opening the curtains or powering the projector lamp.
Automation Cue
An Automation Cue is a logical signal that is placed inside a show to execute a physical action at a specific moment.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of an image is its displayed width divided by its height.
Most common Digital Cinema aspect ratios are:
- 2.39 or Scope
- 1.85 or Flat
- 1.77 or 16/9
Certificate
The certificate is a digital document establishing the identity of security devices such as the IMB (decoder) or projector in order to create the security key (KDM).
Color Space
The color space is a set of numbers that are used to represent actual colors Most common Digital Cinema color spaces are:
- XYZ or X’Y’Z’
XYZ is the color space specified for Digital Cinema content in Jpeg2000.
- RGB or Video 709
RGB is a color space used for Digital Cinema content in Mpeg-2.
CPL = Composition Playlist =Composition
The Composition Playlist is a representation of a D-Cinema work, such as a motion picture, or a trailer, or an advertisement, etc. The Composition Playlist consists of an ordered sequence of Reels, each referencing Track Files, e.g. a sound or picture. Each Reel is analogous to a film reel and the Composition Playlist controls the order and timing of the playout of the Reels.
CPL is the smallest content element the user can manipulate to create shows.
CineDisk
The Cinedisk is the media used by XDC to transport the DCP.
DCP = Digital Cinema Package
Set of files that are the result of the encoding, encryption and packaging process. The DCP often refers to the media containing the set of files.
This DCP is distributed to the theatre, and represents mainly the digital cinema content.
Dual link = Dual HD-SDI
Two links of video data are needed to stream the 2K video output between the IMB and the projector.
DLP Cinema ® Cinelink™ 2
Cinelink™ 2 is a technology from Texas Instrument used for the link encryption between Image Media
Block (IMB = decoder)) and DLP Cinema® projector.
Encoding = Compression
The original data are compressed to reduce the size of the content. The compression used can be:
- Jpeg2000
Standard format used for Digital Cinema movies compression.
- Mpeg-2
Alternative format used for Digital Cinema adverts, trailers or movies compression.
Encrypted
An encrypted content contains ciphered data. Unauthorized people couldn’t read these data without a decryption key. Digital Cinema movies are always encrypted and require a decryption key (KDM) to enable the player to decrypt and read the data.
eSATA
eSATA is an external computer bus technology designed for transfer of data to and from hard disks, like USB2 or FireWire.
FM = Forensic Marking
The Forensic Marking is the process of embedding invisible data (date, time and place) into the picture and sound track of digitally projected movies. This allows moviemakers to trace camcorder-captured copies back to the cinema in which the illegal copying took place.
Ingest = Import
Ingest of content means the transfer of the data from the transport media (hard drive, CD/DVD, USB key, …) to the local storage. Content could be DCP or KDM.
KDM = Key Delivery Message =Key
The KDM delivers security parameters and usage rights between distributors and exhibitors. The KDM is the security key that carries :
(1) Content keys for a Composition (CPL) to decrypt the protected content
(2) Time Window = Key usage date/time window
LE = Link Encryption
The Link Encryption refers to the encryption of the video data that are transferred between the video output of the IMB (decoder) and the projector.
Marker
A Marker is a predefined place within a CPL where the user can attach an automation cue.
PKL = Packing List = Package
The Packing List enumerates all the assets included in the DCP. The Packing List contains the UID
(Unique Identifiers) of the assets in the package, not the location of those assets on some volume of media.
Resolution
The resolution is the size of an image expressed in pixels. Most common Digital Cinema resolutions
are:
- 2K = 2048 x 1080
- HD = 1920 x 1080
Show
A Show represents the assembly of several CPL’s (adverts, trailers and movie), with Automation Cues to create the complete content playlist that will be displayed onto the screen.
SoloSMS
The SoloSMS is the name of the end user application of the CineStore Solo G3. This application contains all the Digital Cinema Player functions (login, player, automation, content browser, ingest, show editor, monitoring …).
SMS = Screen Management System
The Screen Management System is the system that is installed in each theatre room to control the storage and playback of Digital Cinema content.
It’s the CineStore Solo G3 for XDC.
Time Window
A Time Window of a KDM is a period when the player is authorized to decrypt and play the content. The time window has a starting and ending date. The player is authorized to play from the starting date until the ending date.
TMS = Theatre Management System
The Theatre Management System is the system that is installed in a multiplex to control the central storage, monitor the different screens, communicate with the external world, edit shows and schedules. It’s the CineStore Plaza for XDC.
Unencrypted = Plaintext
An unencrypted content contains clear data. The access to the data is allowed without the need of any key or authorization. Adverts or trailer sare usually unencrypted.
