Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Anything and everything to do with DCP-o-matic.
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ChrissyBoy71
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2022 9:24 pm

Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by ChrissyBoy71 »

Hi everybody, this is my first time on the Forum.
I would like to ask the difference between using, as container for the final DCP, the Full Frame (2048 x 1080) or DCI Flat (1998 x 1080) option.
Almost all the films i manage are shot and encoded at Full HD resolution, that is 1920 x 1080. The only difference i can see in preview by choosing alternatively the two options is the width of the finale frame and the dimension of the two lateral black bands. Can this make a difference for the projection? I also think that almost every cinema set a DCI Flat Format, but i don't think they set a "Full Frame" Format at 2048 x 1080.
Is there a reason why i should prefer, sometimes, the Full Frame container instead of the DCI Flat Container?

Thank you very much!

Chris
carl
Site Admin
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Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:53 pm

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by carl »

Hi Chris,
There is almost never a reason to use "full frame" (and the option has been hidden in later versions of the software). For 1920x1080 content, "DCI Flat" is the perfect container.
Carsten
Posts: 2648
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2014 9:11 pm
Location: Germany

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by Carsten »

Full Frame should only be used for test content.

Most adjustment/alignment DCPs for cinema projectors use Full Frame.
ChrissyBoy71
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2022 9:24 pm

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by ChrissyBoy71 »

Thank you Carl and Carsten! That's perfectly clear to me

Chris
scorpio81
Posts: 116
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 7:19 am

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by scorpio81 »

IMAX DCPs are either Full Frame (even for Flat feature films) or Scope. I've seen very few Flat IMAX DCPs.
SDL
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:45 am

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by SDL »

carl wrote: Mon Feb 14, 2022 10:07 pm Hi Chris,
There is almost never a reason to use "full frame" (and the option has been hidden in later versions of the software). For 1920x1080 content, "DCI Flat" is the perfect container.
Hi Carl,
Thanks for your answer !

I need to make a framing pattern, should I get an earlier version, or is there an option to show the "Full Frame" option?

thanks in advance :)
carl
Site Admin
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Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:53 pm

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by carl »

In advanced prefs theres an option "show full frame and non-standard container ratios" which will bring the option back.
SDL
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:45 am

Re: Difference between Full Frame and DCI Flat container

Post by SDL »

carl wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 11:43 am In advanced prefs theres an option "show full frame and non-standard container ratios" which will bring the option back.
Oh thanks a lot for that ! And for the whole soft by the way !! :)
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