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video-converter/FFMPEG_NOTES.md

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FFmpeg Configuration Notes for Video Converter Project

This document details the ffmpeg settings and considerations used within the Video Converter project, especially concerning DaVinci Resolve compatibility.

Current Default Conversion Settings (as of 2025-10-31)

The project currently uses the following ffmpeg settings for converting video files to DaVinci Resolve compatible formats (Free Linux version, targeting 1080p60 and 1440p60):

  • Video Codec: dnxhd (DNxHD/HR)
  • Profile for 1080p (<=1080 height): dnxhr_sq (DNxHR Standard Quality) - Chosen as a good balance between file size and no discernable quality loss for typical 1080p sources.
  • Profile for 1440p (>1080 height): dnxhr_hq (DNxHR High Quality) - Chosen for higher resolution sources to maintain visual fidelity.
    • Note: dnxhr_lb (Low Bandwidth) was tested for 1080p and provided further file size reduction but introduced some video quality loss, making dnxhr_sq a better default for general use. Users can explore dnxhr_lb if extreme file size reduction is paramount and minor quality loss is acceptable.
  • Audio Codec: pcm_s16le (Linear PCM, 16-bit signed little-endian)
  • Container: .mov (QuickTime)

Example ffmpeg Command Structure (simplified):

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v dnxhd -profile:v dnxhr_hqx -pix_fmt yuv422p -c:a pcm_s16le output.mov

Rationale for Choices:

  • dnxhd codec: Chosen for its excellent compatibility and performance as an intermediate editing codec in DaVinci Resolve, especially on Linux. It provides high quality and is an intraframe codec.
  • dnxhr_hq / dnxhr_hqx profiles: Selected to ensure high-quality output suitable for professional editing, balancing file size and visual fidelity. dnxhr_hqx offers even higher quality for higher resolutions.
  • pcm_s16le audio: Used to avoid known compatibility issues with AAC audio in DaVinci Resolve on Linux, ensuring reliable audio playback. PCM is uncompressed and lossless.
  • .mov container: Recommended for its robustness and better metadata handling with DaVinci Resolve for intermediate files.

Alternative Approaches / Future Considerations:

  • ProRes: While ffmpeg can encode ProRes, its use on Linux with DaVinci Resolve Free might be limited or require specific ffmpeg builds/licenses. It could be an alternative if dnxhd proves problematic or if a user specifically requests it.
  • High-Quality H.264/H.265: For scenarios where file size is a primary concern and editing performance is secondary (e.g., proxy generation or final delivery), high-bitrate H.264/H.265 could be considered. However, these are interframe codecs and generally less ideal for direct editing.
  • Opus Audio: While Davinci Resolve on Linux can decode Opus audio within video containers, it does not support direct encoding of Opus audio. Therefore, Opus is not a suitable primary output audio codec for this project. Linear PCM (pcm_s16le) remains the recommended choice for maximum compatibility and quality for editing workflows.

Document generated by Gemini CLI Agent.