What are minimum hardware requirements to run NeoDCP Player?
The most important in the recommended PC is a processor. We advise to use a Intel Core i7 3930 processor, or at least Core i7 3770 one (quality of the playback may go down in this case, depending on the DCP).
For reliable 3D support we recommend to use a AMD/ATI graphic card, HDMI or other output depends on your needs (if you need to connect a projector or just monitor, etc). All other requirements are the same as for standard PC.
That the NeoDCP Player will play DCP even on slower processors, older PCs. Just the quality of playback will be worse because of resolution discard.
More information about system requirements can be found here.
What are the minimum requirements for encypted content playback?
You need to have:
- either the Professional or the Ultimate NeoDCP Player license
- Microsoft Windows Vista or later operating system
- HDCP capable graphics card connected to a HDCP capable display device via HDCP compatible link
- Having the respective key for decrypting the encrypted content in KDM format
What if I try to play encrypted content on a system that does not meet the minimum requirements?
Either the content will not be displayed at all, or its quality will be heavily degraded.
My system configuration does not support HDCP, but it does support DisplayPort Content Protection instead. Can encrypted content be displayed on my system?
Yes, NeoDCP fully supports the DPCP content protection scheme.
Does NeoDCP Player connect to the internet, e.g. to check license validity or to download updates?
No, NeoDCP Player is a fully off-line application. We understand the security issues associated with your work. Therefore we have designed the NeoDCP Player to never require connection to the internet. The only part of the application that might ever try to connect to the internet is the installer which includes an optional DirectX Web Installer for older versions of Microsoft Windows. You may safely uncheck this option and install DirectX on your own if needed.
Does NeoDCP Player support both SMPTE and Interop subtitles?
Yes, it supports rendering of both types of subtitles. Additionally, encrypted subtitles are supported in Professional and Ultimate versions of NeoDCP Player.
Are encrypted subtitles supported?
Yes.
Is it possible to use NeoDCP Player in a virtual machine?
No, running the player under virtual machines like Oracle VirtualBox, VMWare Workstation, Parallels Desktop, or Microsoft VirtualPC yields no useful results, no matter what guest operating system is used. Moreover we do not issue license keys for virtual enviroments.
Is it possible to create playlists, so more DCPs can be played continously one after another?
Yes, of course. Playlist support is one of the most wanted features. In addition to DCPs, you may also add individual MXF files, black intervals, pauses, etc.
What stereoscopic (3D) playback options does NeoDCP Player have?
Playback of stereoscopic DCPs is an exclusive feature of Classic, Professional and Ultimate 4K editions of NeoDCP Player. Other editions will open stereoscopic DCPs, but it will only display a single channel.
Can I play stereoscopic (3D) content in windowed mode?
In windowed mode only one channel will be displayed. Fully stereoscopic output is enabled in full-screen modes only.
What are the minimum requirements for stereoscopic (3D) playback?
Windows 7 or later OS,
AMD/ATI or nVidia
What is the 30-bit deep color output mode?
In general, Windows programs usually display images with only 8 bits per color component. This may lead to visible banding artifacts while displaying video content. In 30-bit deep color output mode there are 10 bits per each color component, that means 4 times more levels for each color component. This improves video quality by making the banding artifacts almost invisible.
What are the minimum hardware requirements for 30-bit deep color output?
Intel HD Graphics 3000 or later
AMD/ATI Radeon/FirePro graphics card
Are interlaced video modes supported?
Should you ever need it, interlaced display modes are supported.
Is it possible with NeoDCP Player to send audio streams to an external audio processor via digital connections (S/PDIF, etc.)?
Audio streams are sent directly to the sound card via Windows multimedia API. No special processing is done by the NeoDCP Player. You may want to switch off all audioprocessing in Windows control panel. Usually S/PDIF output is natively supported.
Is NeoDCP Player certified as a fully DCI-compliant cinema player?
No, since its inception it was intended to be a low-budget solution for screening DCPs with very modest hardware requirements. We have been considering submitting it for certification, however the costs would be too high, and hardware requirements would change dramatically. Therefore, we have decided not to do so for now.
Does NeoDCP Player support HD-SDI output?
Currently, NeoDCP Player only reconstructs images in 8-bit color depth to render them with the graphics device. At this point, no native HD-SDI output is supported. However, you can use professional graphics devices with HD-SDI outputs.
NeoDCP Player shows tearing in full-screen mode. What can I do?
You can enable vertical synchronization by ticking ‘Enable vertical sync (v-sync)’ in menu Settings -> Video settings
NeoDCP Player shows tearing in windowed mode. What can I do?
You can enable vertical synchronization by ticking ‘Enable vertical sync (v-sync)’ in menu Settings -> Video settings and moving the playback window to the primary monitor.
Many distributors are sending HDDs with content that are in Linux file format ext2/ext3. How can I read those under Windows OS?
Windows OS doesn’t support the Linux ext2/ext3 filesystem directly, but there is a simple solution. All you need is to install the ext2/ext3 driver for Windows OS that is available for free download here:
Something doesn’t work as expected. What can I do?
Our team is strongly customers oriented. Therefore we are here for you when you needed it in your good times as well as when you are in a hurry. Should you need our assistance, don’t hesitate and contact us here.
How to play supplemental DCPs using NeoDCP Player
If you would like to know how to play supplemental DCPs, check out this short article we have prepared for you.
How long does it take to receive a license after I purchase one?
Generally it takes 24 hours until we process the payment, generate the license and send it to you. But in most cases it takes less than 4 hours.
What steps should I follow after I purchase a license?
You need to follow these instructions:
- Download the latest trial version from https://www.neodcp.com/download/
- Install it on the desired PCs (the ones you will use it on).
- Run the NeoDCP Player and go to Menu -> Licensing -> License request
- Send us the License request data you get from the Player by e-mail
- Wait until we send you an e-mail with your new license. It may take up to 24 hours.
Reinstalling the Operating System
Reinstalling the operating system on the same machine invalidates the previously generated license key; in this case we reissue the license key and certificate – no questions asked.
Using Windows™ System Restore or upgrading to Windows™ 10 may also invalidate the license key. If this happens, we also reissue the license key and certificate.
Upgrading or Replacing Hardware Components
Generally, it is allowed to upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your computer and maintain the license for the original NeoDCP Player software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a “new computer.” NeoDCP Player software cannot be transferred from one computer to another. Therefore, if the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created, the original license expires, and a new NeoDCP Player license is required. If the motherboard is replaced because of a defect, the user does not need to acquire a new NeoDCP Player license for the computer. The motherboard replacement must be the same make and model, or the same manufacturer’s replacement or equivalent, as defined by that manufacturer’s warranty. If the motherboard make and model is no longer manufactured, an exception may be made, provided that both the CPU and the system disk drive
remain unchanged.
Does NeoDCP Player offer functionality to export unprotected content from encrypted DCPs?
No.
What is the difference between Public Screening and Private Screening license type?
Public screening license type is for customers who are screening DCPs for public audience. For example cinemas, theaters, schools, film festivals, private cinema clubs, or even ZOOs who project DCPs as background of some installations etc.
Private screening licenses are for customers who are projecting DCPs for private audience. For example colorists, post-production companies, DCP manufacturers, etc. .
