Remove Procedure 10.4.83 Encrypted Auxiliary Data Processing
Delete Procedure 10.4.55 Logging of Failed Procedures
Delete Procedure 10.4.17 Key Usage Time Window
Remove ASM and LE tests and references
Clarify the objective of Procedures 8.2.12 and 8.2.13
Specify pass/fail criteria for 10.4.1 Theater System Reliability
Remove ingest storage and network performance tests
Add summary of changes Appendix K
Fix test material filenames of Test Materials A.6.133 and A.6.134
Delete unreferenced Test Materials A.3.65 and A.3.67
Add valid KDM for DCI 2K Sync Test with KDM-Borne MIC Keys
Add missing KDM for Audio Tone Multi-Reel (Encrypted)
Fix Test Material numbering from A.6.135 to A.6.139
Update the definition of Direct View Display to match that in the DCSS
Remove unused test materials A.2.228, A.3.61 and A.3.69
Pursuant to DCI's Compliance Test Plan Change Policy Statement, the revision of CTP 1.4b to CTP 1.4.1 is a Stage 1 change, taking effect immediately. See the Compliance Test Plan (CTP) page for CTP version 1.4.1.
The CTP Version 1.4.1 is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the Compliance Test Plan, Version 1.4.1. There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.4b to CTP 1.4.1, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Publishes Direct View Addendum 1.2
Approved for Distribution April 24, 2024
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCI has published a revision of its Direct View Addendum 1.2 from version 1.1 which contains the following changes:
Merge A.5 into A.3 into a single Spectroradiometer Type
Specify vignetting requirements
Fix pixel co-sited language
Fix D-Cinema spelling
Add reference to DCSS
Remove positive tolerance from off-axis uniformity
Reference the suite of ISO/CIE 11664 documents
Use the term spectroradiometer consistently
Widen Table 2 to full page
Allow curved displays
Improve Table 2 page breaks
Added missing 'horz' to Table 2
The Direct View Addendum 1.2 is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the Direct View Addendum 1.2 There is a redline version that compares the Direct View Addendum version 1.2 to version 1.1, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Releases High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.2.1
Approved for Distribution February 28, 2024
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Changes to the HDR Addendum can be summarized as follows:
DCI Releases DCI Specification, DCSS Version 1.4.4 Approved for Distribution on January 3, 2024
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCSS Changelog since 1.4.3
Permit playback of CPLs after the signing certificate has expired
Relax ingest and storage capacity requirements
The DCSS 1.4.4 is available as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The PDF version is considered the definitive instance of the Digital Cinema System Specification, Version 1.4.4.
There is also a redline version that compares DCSS 1.4.4 to DCSS 1.4.3, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML or PDF edition. Future DCSS revisions will modify the DCSS Version 1.4.4.
CTP VERSION 1.4b is a "stage 1" revision to CTP Version 1.4 and replaces it immediately.
CTP Version 1.4b is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not.
The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the CTP. There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.4b to CTP 1.4a, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Releases High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.2,
Approved for Distribution 11 October 2023
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Changes to the HDR Addendum can be summarized as follows:
Refactor specification by grouping requirements into color volume, DCDM, DCP and Reference Display sections
Add specification for DCDM timed text
Clarify ambient light level requirements
Clarify distinction between nominal and quantized color values
Clarify HDR DCDM permitted code values
Clarify HDR reference display behavior when reproducing colors with luminance less than 0.005 cd/m2
CTP Version 1.4a is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not.
The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the CTP. There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.4a to CTP 1.4, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Releases DCI Compliance Test Plan (CTP) Version 1.4 Approved for Distribution July 18, 2023
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Release notes
Add SDR Direct View, HDR Direct View and HDR Projector test subjects
Subject all Media Blocks to timed text rendering test procedures
Specify tolerances for SDR projector test procedures and make them pass/fail
Replace photometer with spectroradiometer
Add stereoscopic image test procedures
Renumber tables and figures
Use consistent terminology for CMVP testing laboratory
Pursuant to DCI's Compliance Test Plan Change Policy Statement, the release of CTP 1.4 constitutes a "stage 2" revision as it imposes new requirements and so will go into effect in 120 days, on Saturday December 02, 2023.
The CTP Version 1.4 is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the Compliance Test Plan, Version 1.4 There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.4 to CTP 1.3.3, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Releases DCI Specification, DCSS Version 1.4.3 Approved for Distribution on May 24, 2023
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCSS Version 1.4.3 includes minor revisions and refinements as follows:
Add bandwidth calculations for 48 kHz audio
Remove Link Encryption (LE) description and requirements
Allow curved Direct View Displays
Allow 19 or 20 bits for the FM Location Payload
Specify the time period after which playback stops in absence of Integrity Pack Metadata
Clarify storage reliability requirements
The DCSS 1.4.3 is available as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The PDF version is considered the definitive instance of the Digital Cinema System Specification, Version 1.4.3.
There is also a redline version that compares DCSS 1.4.3 to DCSS 1.4.2, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML or PDF edition. Future DCSS revisions will modify the DCSS Version 1.4.2.
DCI Releases High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.1, and
Direct View Display D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.1
Approved for Distribution 1 March 2023
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Changes to the HDR Addendum can be summarized as follows:
add explicit XYZ tristimulus values to Tables 3, 4 and 5
clarify measurement conditions for tracking performance and color accuracy
update to common DCI document style
improve precision of values in Table 3
remove ft-L representations of luminance
Changes to the DV Addendum can be summarized as follows:
add requirements for Inactive Area Black Level
rename Stereoscopic Contrast Ratio to Stereoscopic Extinction Ratio
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCI has published a revision of its Compliance Test Plan (CTP) from version 1.3.1 to version 1.3.3. CTP version 1.3.3 contains the following refinements:
Removes support for the following Test Subjects and corresponding test sequences:
Digital Cinema Server
Link Decryptor/Encryptor
Standalone D-Cinema Projector Consolidated Test Sequence
Clarified that the Test Subject of each Test Sequence is a single device and, accordingly, added a test sequence for a Projector designed to work with an IMB or IMBO
Removes support for Remote SPBs
Allows SSD in addition to HDD storage
Uses encrypted test material for Test Procedure 7.3.2 "Companion SPBs with Electronic Marriage"
Allow either 19 or 20 bits of location data in the FM payload
Importantly, CTP 1.3.3 also merges the "CTP Addendum on Testing" dated October 13, 2022, into Section 11.2 of the CTP. Readers will no longer need to refer to the separate document.
Pursuant to DCI's Compliance Test Plan Change Policy Statement, the revision of CTP 1.3.2 to CTP 1.3.3 is a Stage 1 change, taking effect immediately. See the Compliance Test Plan (CTP) page for CTP version 1.3.3.
The CTP Version 1.3.3 is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The HTML version is considered the definitive instance of the Compliance Test Plan, Version 1.3.3. There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.3.3 to CTP 1.3.2, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition.
DCI Publishes CTP Version 1.3.2.
Dated October 13, 2022
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCI has published a revision of its Compliance Test Plan (CTP) from version 1.3.1 to version 1.3.2.
CTP version 1.3.2 refines policies applying to Part III Consolidated Test Procedures. These revisions provide additional guidance, definitions and examples for how a device already listed on the DCI Compliant Equipment web page can avoid retesting when participating in a Test Session with a new Test Subject. Also, some OBAE test materials are updated in Appendix A.
Pursuant to DCI's Compliance Test Plan Change Policy Statement, the revision of CTP 1.3.1 to CTP 1.3.2 is a Stage 1 change. However, rather than taking effect immediately, the CTP 1.3.2 will take effect on October 29, 2022, the effective date of CTP 1.3. (To avoid any uncertainty, CTP 1.3 and CTP 1.3.1 are deprecated in favor of CTP 1.3.2 on said effective date.)
In addition, DCI has published the CTP Addendum on Testing, dated October 13, 2022, a revision that excuses legacy compliant equipment from certain CTP tests for the purposes of a Confidence Retest.
The CTP Version 1.3.2 is available both as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The PDF version is considered the definitive instance of the Compliance Test Plan, Version 1.3.2.
There is a redline version that compares CTP 1.3.2 to CTP 1.3.1, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML edition. A redline is also available showing the changes between the previous and new CTP Addendum on Testing. Future CTP revisions will modify the CTP version 1.3.2.
DCI Releases High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0, and
Direct View Display D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0
Approved for Distribution 30 March 2022
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Advances in High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology in both reflective projectors and direct view displays offer new opportunities to enhance the theatrical motion picture experience. The proper presentation of a High Dynamic Range Digital Cinema Distribution Master (HDR-DCDM) requires the definition of an HDR Reference Display and controlled environment. The High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0 defines the HDR Reference Display and specifies the tolerances around the critical image parameters for Review Rooms and Exhibition Theaters so that consistent and repeatable image quality can be achieved.
D-Cinema Direct View Displays have now entered the marketplace, representing a new technology that was not available when DCI's Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS) was initially created. New requirements are needed to ensure that the security and quality of these devices meet DCI specifications. The Direct View Display D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0 defines performance requirements for D-Cinema Direct View Displays, which are intended to ensure interoperability and consistent image quality on these types of displays.
Members of the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) Technical Committee explain the double-blind image testing that culminated in the numbers used by DCI for minimum black level and peak brightness of a differentiated theatrical High Dynamic Range (HDR) experience. DCI thanks everyone involved in this testing effort for their contributions and opinions. DCI hopes you find the video informative.
June 15, 2022 DCI Specification, DCSS Version 1.4.2
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI) has published a new Version 1.4.2 of its Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS), dated June 15, 2022.
DCSS VERSION 1.4.2
DCSS Version 1.4.2 includes revisions and refinements respecting Object-Based Audio Essence (OBAE), also known as Immersive Audio Bitstream (IAB). Version 1.4.2 also implements post-show log record collection utilizing [SMPTE 430-17 SMS-OMB Communications Protocol Specification]. Figures in the DCSS have also been refreshed.
Furthermore, DCSS Version 1.4.2 incorporates two prior addenda into the DCSS: [Digital Cinema Object-Based Audio Addendum, dated October 1, 2018] and [DCI Stereoscopic Digital Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0, dated July 11, 2007]. Users will no longer need to refer to these separate addenda.
The DCSS 1.4.2 is available as an online HTML edition and as a PDF file. The PDF version contains pagination and includes page numbers whereas the HTML version does not. The PDF version is considered the definitive instance of the Digital Cinema System Specification, Version 1.4.2.
There is also a redline version that compares DCSS 1.4.2 to DCSS 1.4.1, showing additions and deletions. The redline is available in an online HTML or PDF edition. Future DCSS revisions will modify the DCSS Version 1.4.2.
These two addenda are supplements and integral to the DCSS.
DCI has converted the DV Addendum and HDR Addendum to HTML (with a corresponding new PDF), approved for publication on the website on 14 October 2022. There are no editorial changes, so the version number remains 1.0.
DCI High Dynamic Range D-Cinema Addendum, Version 1.0, dated 14 October 2022
Approved for Distribution 13 October 2021
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI) has published Version 1.4.1 of its Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS) as of 13 October 2021. DCSS Version 1.4.1 incorporates the 23 errata issued to DCSS, Version 1.4. Future errata will modify the DCSS, Version 1.4.1.
Go to the Current DCI Spec tab to access Version 1.4.1 of the DCSS in PDF and HTML format.
DCI Memorandum on Compliance Test Plan (CTP) Confidence Retesting
Approved 13 October 2021
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
On 11 May 2018, DCI reissued the "DCI Memorandum on RNG Revocation and Related NIST and FIPS Developments," which included certain exclusions for the Compliance Test Plan (CTP) reexamination related to Confidence Retesting. While this memo remains in effect, it is primarily directed to NIST/FIPS requirements.
The "DCI Memorandum on Compliance Test Plan (CTP) Confidence Retesting" is directed exclusively to Confidence Retesting exclusions and adds a third exclusion item.
DCI Releases Revised DRAFT High Dynamic Range and Revised DRAFT Direct View Display D-Cinema Addenda v.0.96
Approved for Distribution for Comments 1 July 2021
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representative Committee
DCI previously released draft versions 0.9 of these Addenda on 16 November 2018. Having considered industry comments on versions 0.9 and after additional testing, DCI now releases draft versions 0.96 of the High Dynamic Range and Direct View Display D-Cinema Addenda for consideration by interested parties.
These documents are not DCI Specifications. These Draft Version 0.96 documents are distributed for review and comment prior to publication of final DCI specification documents. Please submit comments to DCI by 1 October 2021 via email to .
The proper presentation of a High Dynamic Range Digital Cinema Distribution Master (HDR-DCDM) requires the definition of an HDR Reference Display and controlled environment. This DRAFT specification defines the HDR Reference Display and specifies the tolerances around the critical image parameters for Review Rooms and Exhibition Theaters so that consistent and repeatable color quality can be achieved.
D-Cinema Direct View Displays provide the potential for an improved high-quality image through significantly increased peak luminance and dynamic range, but may also be used to present legacy content. This DRAFT specification defines performance requirements for such displays that are unique to D-Cinema Direct View Displays. These requirements will ensure interoperability and consistent quality of image content on the new generation of d cinema displays.
DCI Releases Memorandum on HDR Double-Blind Image Testing
Approved 1 July 2021
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
For the past several years, Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI) has been working to determine appropriate criteria for next-generation projection and display specifications, particularly to enable High Dynamic Range (HDR) in the theatrical environment. DCI's efforts were undertaken in response to technological advancements in HDR, filmmaker desires for additional storytelling capabilities, manufacturer requests for guidance, and a desire to further enhance the movie-going experience.
As part of the specification development process, DCI performed a number of double-blind image testing studies to determine the perceptibility of certain technical parameters, particularly black levels and peak brightness.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a summary of the process and findings from these testing efforts, how they guided the specification development process, and define peak brightness and black level values for next-generation projectors and displays based on the results.
DCI Statement on Technology Evolution in Digital Cinema
Approved 29 March 2019
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
DCI has released a "Statement on Technology Evolution in Digital Cinema" providing further background on its draft specifications on High Dynamic Range and Direct View Displays, which were released in November 2018. DCI has extensively evaluated these technologies with an eye to their impact on the digital cinema ecosystem.
The Statement seeks to clarify and further inform the d-cinema industry of DCI's motivations and rationale for these draft specifications. Areas discussed in the Statement include document structure and the draft specification development process, as well as DCI's HDR and Direct View Display evaluation process.
DCI issued the Draft HDR Addendum and Draft Direct View Addendum on 16 November 2018 seeking comments from interested parties.
DCI requests that such comments be submitted no later than 31 May 2019. Please submit remarks by email to dci.info@dcimovies.com.
DCI Releases DRAFT High Dynamic Range and DRAFT Direct View Display D-Cinema Addendum
Approved for Distribution for Comments 16 November 2018
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
The proper presentation of a High Dynamic Range Digital Cinema Distribution Master (HDR-DCDM) requires the definition of an HDR Reference Display and controlled environment. This DRAFT specification defines the HDR Reference Display and specifies the tolerances around the critical image parameters for Review Rooms and Exhibition Theaters so that consistent and repeatable color quality can be achieved.
D-Cinema Direct View Displays provide the potential for an improved high-quality image through significantly increased peak luminance and dynamic range, but may also be used to present legacy content. This DRAFT specification defines performance requirements for such displays that are unique to D-Cinema Direct View Displays. These requirements will ensure interoperability and consistent quality of image content on the new generation of d cinema displays.
These documents are not DCI Specifications. These Draft Version 0.9 documents are distributed for review and comment prior to publication of a final requirements document by DCI. Recipients of these documents are invited to submit their comments to DCI. Responses should be submitted by email to .
Approved 27 June 2018
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
Direct view displays provide the potential for an improved high-quality image through significantly increased peak luminance and dynamic range.
The current Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS) and Compliance Test Plan (CTP) were crafted with projection systems in mind. With the advent of direct view displays, the associated system architecture and performance characteristics differ from projection systems such that new specifications are necessary. This document broadly defines performance and security parameters that DCI intends to define for these types of displays in order to give manufacturers guidance while a complete set of requirements is developed. Parameters defined in this memo are tentative and subject to change.
Approved 11 May 2018
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
During December 2017, DCI conducted viewing sessions utilizing short clips (approximately 15 to 25 seconds) of existing theatrical content that were chosen based on their suitability for image comparison testing in a higher dynamic range projection environment
DCI Memorandum on RNG Revocation and Related NIST and FIPS Developments
Approved 16 March 2017 and 11 May 2018
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
On March 23, 2018, DCI posted revisions to the Compliance Test Plan (CTP) that include new "secure silicon" requirements. Following the "stage 2" 120 day window, these requirements will be enforced as of July 21, 2018. In order to further smooth the transition, DCI is extending the below exclusion and grandfathering clauses to include all secure processing block (SPB) devices, which the Digital Cinema System Specification now requires to employ secure silicon.
Memorandum of Information Regarding the Secure Silicon Requirement of the DCI Digital
Cinema System Specification (DCSS)
Approved 10 May 2018
Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC, Member Representatives Committee
In conjunction with publishing the DCI Compliance Test Plan (CTP) test for Media Block (MB) secure
silicon requirements, DCI anticipates there may be questions or concerns as to where to source such
single chip integrated circuits (IC). This memo is a guide to NIST site information that lists qualified
ICs, and other methods to meet DCSS and CTP secure silicon requirements.
Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) provides detail on three of its efforts in the areas of new projection light sources, 3D subtitle rendering and standardized audio formats that are intended to ensure interoperability of distribution packages.
DCI-MMB Architecture Description Approved 26 June 2014
The existing DCI Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS) security architecture is based on a single Image Media Block (IMB) per projector per auditorium. This is an introduction to an alternative to the current model referred to as the Multiple Media Block (MMB) architecture.
MMB operation enables multiple Media Blocks (MB), each containing a Security Manager (SM), to be used in DCSS compliant projection booths. A new MB type - the Outboard MB (OMB) - is defined for use in MMB configurations.
Response To Industry Inquiries Regarding The Digital Cinema Object-Based Audio Addendum Approved 23 April 2014
The Digital Cinema System Specification (DCSS) defines a projection booth architectural model centered on a single Security Manager (SM) contained within a single Media Block (MB) specified as the Image Media Block (IMB).
DCI recently issued the Digital Cinema Object-Based Audio Addendum, providing basic requirements for how this new essence type can be accommodated within DCI compliant architectures.
This document is a response to industry inquiries regarding the OBAE Addendum and the need to enable efficient implementations while preserving the fundamental architectural tenants important to maintaining security.