For those who don’t know the tool: DaCaPo is desktop DCP authoring software from Waldman Media AB. It is not a DCC plug-in, but it helps when you have to work with DCPs, XML, SRT, WAV, Dolby Atmos, and MXF assets.
The package janitor arrives
DaCaPo is in a free public beta for desktop DCP authoring (beta portal). The application creates, edits, exports and verifies DCP packages for cinema delivery. It is built for post-production facilities, distributors, festivals and independent filmmakers. It manages OV/VF workflows, subtitles, accessibility tracks, verification and encrypted packages. And all of that rather easy.
The workflow centers on projects, packages, DCP timelines, existing DCP folders and imported assets. For postproduction teams, that puts the app near final delivery rather than inside creative editing, grading or compositing. Boring place, important table.
The production value sits in the less photogenic part of delivery: one wrong language code, one stale hash, one missing access track, and the cinema package suddenly becomes a group therapy exercise with a progress bar.
Projects, versions, variants
Projects can hold productions, packages and DCP timelines. OVs, VFs, subtitle versions, accessibility versions, trailers and alternate deliveries can live in one structured project. The point is keeping the same show, its variants and its delivery odds and ends together when the fifth language version arrives at the least charming hour.
Export can cover Original Versions, Version Files and Multi-CPL packages. That means the tool can create delivery variants for multiple languages, accessibility tracks or other package requirements without treating each variant as an island. It also works with SMPTE standards, Interop, OV/VF workflows, Multi-CPL packages, RDD52 markers, subtitle languages, auxiliary audio and delivery variants.
The app can load existing DCPs, import subtitles, add audio tracks and export new packages. It is not a picture finishing system, an editor, a color corrector or a sound workstation. It lives where those departments hand over material and someone still has to produce a cinema-ready package that does not sulk when screened.
Subtitles and access tracks
Subtitles come with XML and SRT import, text editing, timing adjustment, issue review and preparation for accessibility versions. Track types include OCAP and CCAP. The same for subtitle languages, accessibility versions (Finally, those are getting more common!) and delivery variants, where the small text mistakes can become very large auditorium mistakes.
Audio handling includes WAV audio, HI/VI-N tracks and Dolby Atmos assets. DaCaPo can import DCP MXF assets, WAV audio and Dolby Atmos MXF files, replace picture or main audio reels, and add HI, VI-N and Atmos tracks. That is delivery work, not a mixer replacement, and that distinction matters when the calendar has grown teeth.
The export includes audio language, subtitle language, CC language, content kind, annotation text, an output path, encryption, and a verify-after-export option (ore on that below). It also includes an export profile for SMPTE RDD52 and an export type set to OV.
Verification and the scary bits
Verification can run on DCP folders or timelines before delivery. DaCaPo checks package structure, metadata, assets, subtitles, markers, hashes, encryption and export compatibility. Warnings and errors can appear directly in the timeline and inspector, with relaxed, recommended or strict validation modes.
Encrypted package work includes unlocking DCPs with compatible keys, KDMs and DKDMs, or digest files. The tool can also create KDMs and DKDMs for cinema servers, projectors or mastering systems. KDM work remains one of those delivery chores where a single typo can make a room full of people stare at a black screen with professional sadness.
The Pro Version adds DCP encryption and KDM support, advanced reel editing workflows, subtitle editing and styling tools, advanced subtitle timing, Multi-CPL project workflows, full validation and verification, RDD52 validation support, and copy, paste, delete and trim reel operations. Remember: Any new delivery tool should be tested with a real cinema server, a projector path and a sacrificial schedule before production use.
Pricing without fog machines
Current pricing starts with Lite at €20 per month or €150 per year. Lite includes a desktop software license, basic functionality, DCP playback, XML and SRT subtitle import, OV and VF export, license activation with periodic validation, and email support. The yearly Lite plan is presented as a €90 saving compared with monthly billing.
Pro is listed at €59 per month or €349 per year. The yearly Pro plan is saving €359 compared with monthly billing. Pro includes the full toolset listed above, including encryption, KDM support, reel operations, subtitle tools, Multi-CPL workflows and validation.
The interesting license
A short-term Pro option costs €25 and is valid for three days. Yes, you can get the whole package for the weekend for the delivery – especially when you don’t do DCP delivery for a living (And who does, these days), that is the license to get.
Support uses email and lists a typical response time within 24 hours, often faster. Payment refunds, subscription cancellations and billing are routed through Paddle.
Mind the beta tape
DaCaPo is currently in public beta, and the toolset and licensing may change before final release. Commercial plans are marked for Mac and Windows, but minimum operating system versions, current build number, supported picture input formats outside the listed DCP and asset paths, and final release timing are not yet stated.
