What is the difference between 4K and 2K projection?

"4K" is the term used to describe images that have approximately 4K vertical lines. In digital cinema, a 4K image with a 2.39:1 ("scope") aspect ratio is delivered having 4096 x 1716 pixels. A 4K image with a 1.85:1 ("flat") aspect ratio is delivered having 3996 x 2160 pixels.

"2K" is the term used to describe images that have approximately 2K vertical lines. In digital cinema, a 2K image with a 2.39:1 ("scope") aspect ratio is delivered having 2048 x 858 pixels. A 2K image with a 1.85:1 ("flat") aspect ratio is delivered having 1998 x 1080 pixels.

4K doubles these dimensions exactly four times the count of 2K projection.

What is Digital Cinema?

Digital cinema refers to the use of digital technology to distribute and project motion pictures. A movie can be distributed via hard drives, optical disks (such as DVDs) or satellite and projected using a digital projector instead of a conventional film projector. Digital cinema is distinct from high-definition television and, in particular, is not dependent on using television or HDTV standards, aspect ratios, or frame rates. Digital projectors capable of 2K resolution began deploying in 2005, and since 2006, the pace has accelerated (2K refers to images with 2,048 pixels of horizontal resolution).

To match or improve the theatre experience of movie audiences, a digital cinema system must provide high-quality image and sound. Additionally, theatre managers require server controls for managing and displaying content in multiple theatres, and studios want their content encrypted with secure delivery, playback, and reporting of play times to the distribution company.

What are the current digital projection technologies like?

There are currently two types of projectors for digital cinema. Early DLP projectors, which were deployed primarily in the U.S., used limited 1280×1024 resolution or the equivalent of 1.3 MP (megapixels). They are still widely used for pre-show advertising but not usually for feature presentations. The DCI specification for digital projectors calls for two levels of playback to be supported: 2K (2048×1080) or 2.2 MP at 24 or 48 frames per second, and 4K (4096×2160) or 8.85 MP at 24 frames per second.

What is the difference between D-Cinema and E-Cinema?

Digital cinema conforming to the DCI Standard is referred to within the film industry as D-Cinema while all other forms of digital cinema are referred to as E-Cinema. Thus, while D-Cinema is a defined standard, though one that is still partly being framed by SMPTE as of 2007, E-Cinema may be anything, ranging from a DVD player connected to a consumer projector to something that approaches the quality of D-Cinema without conforming to some of the standards. Even D-Cinema itself has evolved over time before the DCI standards were framed. However, the current DCI standards were made with the intention of standing the test of time, much like 35 mm film which has evolved but still retained compatibility over a substantial part of a century. 

How are Digital Movies distributed?

Digital Movies are distributed in the form of a Digital Cinema Package (DCP), which is a collection of digital files used to store and convey Digital cinema (DC) audio, image, and data streams. The term has been defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC in their recommendations for packaging of DC contents. Following to the recommendations, general practice adopts a file structure that is organized into a number of (generally) multi-gigabyte size Material eXchange Format (MXF) files, which are separately used to store audio and video streams, and auxiliary index files in XML format. One such file, the Composition Playlist, defines the playback order of Digital Cinema Packages during presentation. 

What is Digital 3D?

Digital 3D is a non-specific 3D standard in which films, tv shows, and video games are presented and shot in digital 3D technology or later processed in digital Post-production to add a 3D effect.

What is MasterImage 3D?

MasterImage 3D is a brand name of a system for presenting three-dimensional films in a digital cinema.

Stereoscopic viewing is based on delivery of slightly different images to each eye. MasterImage 3D is based on the projector alternately flashing frames for each eye at high speed. This is similar to the system used by the competing brand RealD 3D. However, while RealD uses an electronic optical filter which "flips" back and forth between two types of polarization, MasterImage uses a large spinning filter, containing alternating segments of circularly polarized material, mounted in front of the projector lens and synchronized to the projected images. The filter wheel lowers out of the optical path for non-3D material.[1]

Inexpensive, passive glasses can be used which customers may keep (or recycle as desired). There is no need for washing and sanitizing as with systems using costly active glasses.

MasterImage 3D is a brand name of a system for presenting three-dimensional films in a digital cinema. Stereoscopic viewing is based on delivery of slightly different images to each eye. MasterImage 3D is based on the projector alternately flashing frames for each eye at high speed. This is similar to the system used by the competing brand RealD 3D. However, while RealD uses an electronic optical filter which "flips" back and forth between two types of polarization, MasterImage uses a large spinning filter, containing alternating segments of circularly polarized material, mounted in front of the projector lens and synchronized to the projected images. The filter wheel lowers out of the optical path for non-3D material.

Inexpensive, passive glasses can be used which customers may keep (or recycle as desired). There is no need for washing and sanitizing as with systems using costly active glasses.

Our Digital 3D Equipment

Bacro DCI Compliant DLP Projector – DP 4K 23B

Doremi Server - ShowVault / IMB (Integrated Media Block)

MasterImage 3D Filter - MI2100

MasterImage Disposable 3D Glasses - MI-G100