# How to Use the Video Converter (Current State)

This document outlines the steps required to set up and run the Video Converter script in its current development state.

## 1. Prerequisites

Before running the script, ensure you have the following installed on your **Arch Linux / CachyOS** system:

*   **Python 3:** The script is written in Python 3.
*   **`ffmpeg-full`:** A version of `ffmpeg` compiled with DNxHD/HR support.
    *   Install from AUR: `yay -S ffmpeg-full` (or your preferred AUR helper).
    *   **Note:** If you use OBS Studio, refer to the [README.md](README.md) for potential dependency workarounds.

## 2. Setup

1.  **Clone the Repository:**
    ```bash
    git clone https://gitea.ramforth.net/ramforth/video-converter.git
    cd video-converter
    ```

2.  **Create and Activate a Python Virtual Environment:**
    It's highly recommended to use a virtual environment to manage Python dependencies.
    ```bash
    python3 -m venv venv
    source venv/bin/activate
    ```

3.  **Install Python Dependencies:**
    ```bash
    pip install -r requirements.txt
    ```

## 3. Running the Converter

Once the setup is complete, you can run the converter script.

### Basic Usage

The script takes an input video file and an optional output directory. If the input file is not provided via the command line, the script will prompt you to enter it.

```bash
python -m src.main [path_to_your_input_video_file] [-o <path_to_output_directory>]
```

*   Replace `[path_to_your_input_video_file]` with the absolute or relative path to the video file you want to convert. This argument is now optional.
*   Replace `<path_to_output_directory>` with the desired directory for the converted file. If omitted, the converted file will be saved in the same directory as the input file.

**Example (Interactive Input):**

```bash
python -m src.main
# Script will then prompt: Please enter the path to the input video file: 
```

**Example:**

```bash
# Convert a video and save it in the same directory
python -m src.main /home/user/Videos/my_original_video.mp4

# Convert a video and save it to a specific output directory
python -m src.main /home/user/Videos/my_original_video.mp4 -o /home/user/ConvertedVideos
```

### Output File Naming

*   If an output directory is specified, the converted file will be named `my_original_video_DR_compatible.mov`.
*   If no output directory is specified (i.e., the output is in the same directory as the input), the converted file will be named `recoded_my_original_video_DR_compatible.mov`.

## 4. What it Does

The script converts your input video into a DaVinci Resolve-compatible format using `ffmpeg`:

*   **Video Codec:** `dnxhd` (DNxHD/HR)
    *   **1080p (<=1080 height):** `dnxhr_sq` (Standard Quality)
    *   **1440p (>1080 height):** `dnxhr_hq` (High Quality)
*   **Audio Codec:** `pcm_s16le` (Linear PCM)
*   **Container:** `.mov` (QuickTime)

This ensures optimal compatibility and performance for editing in DaVinci Resolve (Free Linux version).

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*Document generated by Gemini CLI Agent.*