Complete Guide to DCP Submission Master Conformance Testing — Workflow, Technical Specs & Self-Check Checklist

The China Film Administration has released the "Digital Film DCP Review Master Compliance Inspection Software v1.0." All DCPs submitted for review must pass the inspection and include the inspection report. This guide breaks down the inspection standards, procedures, and common issues.

What is DCP Compliance Inspection?

To standardize the technical quality of DCP review masters, the China Film Administration developed the "Digital Film DCP Review Master Compliance Inspection Software." Producers must run the software offline on the DCP hard drive, generate a passing report, and submit both the hard drive and report together. Any DCP that fails inspection will be returned for revision.

Inspection Workflow

Create DCP → Run compliance inspection with official software → Generate a passing report → Submit hard drive + report for review

DCP Technical Specifications for Review Submission

Below are the key technical parameters verified by the official inspection software. The DCP must strictly comply with SMPTE standards, or inspection will fail.

Common QC Failure Reasons and Solutions

Incomplete File Structure

Missing ASSETMAP, VOLINDEX, or PKL files.
Solution: Regenerate using professional DCP authoring software, ensuring all XML files are present.

Encoding Parameter Mismatch

JPEG 2000 encoding not compliant with SMPTE standards, or color space set to sRGB instead of XYZ.
Solution: Retranscode to ensure XYZ color space, 12-bit, J2K standard encoding.

Audio Configuration Errors

Incorrect number of channels or non-standard sample rate.
Solution: Configure channels per 5.1/7.1 standard, set sample rate to 48kHz.

Incompatible Subtitle Format

Subtitle file format not compliant with SMPTE 429-5, or subtitle timecode out of sync with picture.
Solution: Recreate using standard SMPTE-TT XML subtitle format.

Hash Verification Failure

File corrupted during transfer/copy; hash value in PKL does not match actual file.
Solution: Verify with checksum tool, then recopy to submission hard drive.

Missing CPL Metadata

Incomplete metadata in CPL such as title, language, rating, etc.
Solution: Fill in complete metadata during DCP mastering.

LI TRUST Solution: Our DCP mastering workflow includes a built-in full compliance pre-check. Every DCP undergoes automated QC using the same standards as official validation tools, ensuring a 100% pass rate. No need to run validation software yourself — we deliver QC-passed DCPs along with a compliance report.

DCP Submission Self-Checklist

Before submission, verify each of the following:

1. DCP file structure complete: includes ASSETMAP, VOLINDEX, CPL, PKL
2. MXF wrapping complies with SMPTE 378/379
3. Video: JPEG 2000, XYZ color space, 12-bit
4. Resolution: 2K (2048×1080) or 4K (4096×2160)
5. Frame rate set correctly: 24fps / 25fps
6. Audio: 24-bit PCM, 48kHz, 5.1 or 7.1 channels
7. Subtitles: SMPTE-TT or burned-in, timecode synced to picture
8. CPL metadata complete: title, language, rating, duration
9. PKL hash verification passed
10. Submission version is unencrypted (no KDM restrictions)
11. Run official compliance test software
12. Export and print test report (submit with hard drive)
13. Submission hard drive format: EXT2/EXT3 (recommended) or NTFS

For professional DCP mastering and compliance testing, contact us at [email protected]. LI TRUST offers an all-in-one service — submission-grade DCP mastering, compliance testing, and test reports — with over 2,000 deliverables delivered and a 100% pass rate.

See also: Complete Film Submission Guide