DaCaPo

Existing DCPs

Replace Picture or Main Audio

DaCaPo can replace picture or main audio in one or more DCP reels using an imported DCP MXF asset.

This guide explains how to import the replacement MXF, open the Replace dialog, choose Source TC In and the target reel range, review DaCaPo’s compatibility checks, and export the corrected version.

What you’ll learn

  • How to import replacement picture or audio MXF essence.
  • Why it is useful to duplicate the source Timeline first.
  • How to use Replace Picture Reel or Replace Main Audio in Reel.
  • How to set Source TC In, Start Reel, and End Reel.
  • What DaCaPo validates before replacement.
  • How to isolate a smaller section by splitting the reel first.
  • How to export and verify the corrected version.

When should you replace picture or main audio?

Replacement is useful when an existing DCP is mostly correct but one or more reels need updated picture or main sound.

Typical examples include:

  • Replacing a corrected picture reel.
  • Replacing a dubbed or remixed main audio reel.
  • Correcting a short section after splitting it into its own reel.
  • Creating a VF that reuses all unaffected assets from the OV.

Before you begin

Load the source DCP and select the Timeline that should receive the replacement.

Confirm that the replacement MXF belongs to the correct version and uses a compatible package profile, frame rate, wrapping format, and essence type.

Picture replacement requires a picture MXF. Main-audio replacement requires a DCP audio MXF. Auxiliary tracks such as HI and VI-N use Add Audio to Track instead.
Step 1

Duplicate the Timeline

Before making structural changes, create a duplicate of the source Timeline.

This preserves the original composition and gives the replacement version its own Timeline inside the Package.

Step 2

Import the replacement MXF

Open the Media tab, click Import, and choose Import DCP MXF.

Select the replacement picture or audio MXF.

DaCaPo identifies the MXF type and adds supported DCP picture or audio essence to Imported Media.

Import DCP MXF command in DaCaPo
Step 3

Select the imported asset

Select the imported MXF in Imported Media and review its metadata.

Confirm that you selected the intended picture or audio asset before opening the replacement command.

Step 4

Open the Replace dialog

Right-click the imported MXF and choose:

  • Replace Picture Reel for picture essence.
  • Replace Main Audio in Reel for main sound.

DaCaPo opens the Replace dialog.

Replace Picture Reel and Replace Main Audio in Reel commands in DaCaPo
Step 5

Set Source TC In

Use Source TC In to choose where DaCaPo begins reading the replacement MXF.

This is useful when the imported asset contains more material than the Timeline section being replaced.

Step 6

Choose Start Reel and End Reel

Set Start Reel and End Reel to define which Timeline reels receive the replacement.

Select one reel for a single-reel correction or a continuous reel range when the MXF covers several reels.

Step 7

Review the replacement preview

The preview area shows how the selected MXF will be applied to the target reels.

Review the source start, reel range, and resulting coverage before confirming the replacement.

Replace dialog in DaCaPo showing Source TC In, Start Reel, End Reel, preview, and validation

DaCaPo validates the replacement

Before replacement, DaCaPo validates:

  • Encryption status
  • Wrapping compatibility
  • Frame-rate compatibility
  • Asset duration
  • Resolution compatibility for picture
  • Audio-format compatibility for audio

Resolve any reported incompatibility before continuing.

Step 8

Perform the replacement

Confirm after reviewing the preview and validation results.

DaCaPo replaces the selected picture or main-audio reels in the active Timeline. The imported source MXF itself is not modified.

Step 9

Review the edited Timeline

Check:

  • The correct reels were replaced.
  • Picture or audio starts at the expected source position.
  • Duration and reel boundaries are correct.
  • Picture and audio remain synchronized.
  • Subtitles and markers still align with the content.
  • No blocking issues are reported.

Replace only part of a reel

If only a short section must be replaced, first split the Timeline before and after the affected section.

Enable Trim mode, position the playhead inside the reel, and use Split to create separate reels around the section.

Picture and audio are split at the selected frame. Subtitle references and marker positions are updated automatically.

Once the affected section is its own reel, replace only that reel.

The playhead must be inside the reel and not directly on an existing reel boundary.
Step 10

Export and verify the corrected version

Export as a VF when unchanged assets can be reused from the OV.

Export as an OV when the delivery must be standalone or compatibility requires complete new assets.

Enable Verify After Export and perform playback QC on the replaced reels.

Common problems

The replacement command is unavailable

Confirm that the selected asset is a supported DCP picture or audio MXF.

The MXF is rejected as incompatible

Check profile, wrapping, frame rate, duration, resolution, and audio format.

The replacement starts at the wrong point

Review Source TC In.

The wrong reels were changed

Review Start Reel and End Reel before confirming.

Only part of a reel needs replacement

Split the Timeline before and after the affected section first.

Related guides

Manual reference: Media Tab; Import DCP MXF; Replace Picture Reel; Replace Main Audio in Reel; Replace Dialog; Timeline Editing; Split; Export Timeline.

Reviewed against: DaCaPo User Manual 0.9.2, July 2026.