Easy, fast and reliable packaging:

Create compliant packages with dummy subtitles in easyDCP Creator

Imagine the following situation:

• Your partially subtitled DCP or IMF package contains reels / sequences like film leaders or credits that lack subtitles. Therefore it will not work in cinemas or it will be rejected by your parter / studio.
• Now your package shall be fixed by adding blank dummy subtitles so that the package is fully compliant.
• The dummy subtitles shall be automatically created in the proper format (e.g. conformity, frame rate, duration) eliminating manual errors.

Tipps:

• Each reel must contain the same number of subtitle tracks for maximum compatibility with projectors.
• Even works in the standard version of easyDCP Creator.
• Also works with encrypted and IMF packages / TTML subtitle format.

To add blank dummy subtitles to a reel of your package, follow these steps:

1. First, open your package in easyDCP Creator. Here you can see that one or more reels do not contain any subtitles (here: reel 1):
   
2. Now right-click on the appropriate reel and select “Add Empty Subtitle”:
   
3. A blank subtitle file called “Silence for …” will be added and created automatically during package generation. Technically speaking, it only contains a blank space in the first frame. It has the proper frame rate, format and duration:
   
4. Finally, generate your new package as usual by clicking on "Generate Package".

Please note:
This template was created with easyDCP Creator+ Version 3.6.4. Previous versions may not yet include this feature, but in newer versions, the process may be slightly different.

Closed Captions are timed texts that are intended for hearing impaired audience members. Captions usually include the dialog and descriptions of sounds ("phone rings", "door slams" etc.). "Closed" means that the captions are off-screen and not visible to the entire audience. On the other hand, "open" or "burned-in" means that the captions are on-screen and visible to all viewers.

The following caption file formats are supported:

• CineCanvas™ DLP Cinema™ Subtitle XML file
• SMPTE ST 428-7 D-Cinema Distribution Master Subtitle XML file
• SMPTE ST 429-5 D-Cinema Packaging Timed Text Track MXF file

To add closed captions in easyDCP Creator, simply drag the track file onto the reel. Then select the Display Type "Closed Caption (CCAP)":

You can add up to 16 Closed Captions per reel.

Please make sure that all referenced subtitle assets like fonts (.ttf, .otf) or images (.png) are available, otherwise package generation will fail.

Finally, please add the abbreviation "CCAP" to the composition playlist annotation text:

Please note: The DaVinci Resolve easyDCP Plugin does not yet support captions.

How can I play back an IAB-DCP with easyDCP Player+?

Playback of IAB (Immersive Audio Bitstream) DCPs, including Dolby Atmos content, is supported in easyDCP Player+ starting from version 4.3.

1. Load your DCP

Open your DCP in easyDCP Player+.
If the DCP contains an IAB track, this will be indicated by a “2” icon in the audio playback configuration. This means the package includes:

• An IAB auxiliary track (immersive audio)
• A channel-based mix (e.g. 7.1)

2. Select the IAB Auxiliary Track

In the audio playback section:

• Choose “IAB Auxiliary Track” instead of the channel-based mix
• The player will now use the immersive audio data for playback

3. Choose your rendering format

Select the desired output format depending on your setup, for example:

• Stereo (2.0)
• 5.1 / 7.1
• 7.1.4 (for immersive speaker layouts)

The renderer will automatically map audio objects and channels to your selected configuration.

4. Configure your audio system

Open the Preferences / Options menu:

• Select your target audio configuration
• Verify the channel order used by the renderer
• Ensure it matches your sound card output routing

Correct alignment between software output and hardware routing is essential for accurate playback.

5. Verify playback with a test DCP

For optimal results, use a channel check DCP:

• Confirms correct speaker mapping
• Verifies positioning of immersive audio objects
• Helps ensure your system reproduces height and surround channels accurately

6. Understanding downmix behavior

If you select a lower output format (e.g. stereo):

• The renderer will automatically downmix immersive content
• For example, center channel information is distributed to left and right speakers

Demo DCP available

A dedicated demo DCP with speaker call-outs and moving audio objects is available to help you test your setup.

To request the demo DCP, please contact the easyDCP Service Team via the support form.