How To Make an Unencrypted DCP with Resolve 15

DaVinci Resolve 15 offers Unencrypted DCP creation using Kakadu JPEG2000 for free. Until now we only had the paid easyDCP option available. EasyDCP is still the only option for 4K and Encrypted DCPs within Resolve.

For screenings and festivals purposes though, an unencrypted 2K DCP is great to have. Thanks to the guys at BMD you can easily make your own DCP directly within Resolve. In addition, one can also import the DCP newly created and add it into the Media Pool for instant checking, with the correct colors!

Before delivering your DCP you will need to copy the files to a portable drive that's compatible with DCP servers. More on this subject (and in-depth knowledge of DCP) on the wonderful website of Knut Erik Evensen.

Pretty cool, so how do we do this? When you have your film ready in Resolve Timeline, click on the Deliver page and choose Custom.

Browse to the location you want to render your DCP to. For Video, select Format = DCP, Codec = Kakadu JPEG2000, Type = you have three choices 2K DCI, 2K DCI Flat, 2K DCI Scope. Use what's best in your case.

Leave the Maximum bit rate at 211 Mbit/sec (default.)

Check Use interop packaging (it's the most compatible.) I note that there is nothing in the settings regarding the Frame Rate. Interop will only render a 24fps DCP. I had no problem doing so using a 23.98 timeline, so the rate conversion happens in the background, which is cool. I have not tried Subtitles.

Composition name, Click Browse. It opens the DCP Composition Name Generator with all the Metadata and naming already filled-in. Make sure to double check that it reflects your specific project. Make sure that Standard is set to OP (interop.)

For Audio, the default settings should work, Codec = Linear PCM, Output Track = make sure this reflects your tracks arrangement in the Timeline.

Add to the Render Queue, and Start Render! In my experience it takes around x3 real time to output a DCP with Resolve on my 2012 MacPro.

Voilà!

When your DCP is finished being created, go to the Media Tab, and add the DCP to the Media Pool. It shows in there just like a regular clip. You can check its Metadata, and Create a new Timeline using the DCP, from where yo can playback the DCP for checking everything is OK. On my machine, I have to use 1/2 resolution to have real time playback.

Alright so I had a post about using Premiere to check DCPs some time ago, this is another solution for DCP playback and creation. Enjoy!