VideoTools/docs/README.md

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# docs/README.md
Video Tools CLI (v0.1.2)
A lightweight command-line utility for video conversion, merging, and media inspection using FFmpeg.
Developed by Leak Technologies for efficient local video processing.
Fully compatible with Linux and Windows (via Git Bash or WSL).
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Overview
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The tool provides several core commands:
convert-single Converts a single video to MP4 using high-quality compression.
convert-multiple Combines multiple video clips or discs into one MP4 file.
videoinfo Displays technical details such as bitrate, resolution, codecs, and duration.
videoinfo --verbose Shows full ffprobe metadata for advanced analysis.
All converted videos are saved to ~/Videos by default.
Logs are stored in ~/.local/share/video-tools/logs with ISO timestamps.
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Requirements
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Linux:
Install FFmpeg using your package manager:
sudo pacman -S ffmpeg (Arch, Garuda, EndeavourOS)
sudo apt install ffmpeg (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint)
Windows:
1. Download FFmpeg from https://ffmpeg.org/download.html
2. Add FFmpeg to your PATH environment variable.
3. Use Git Bash or WSL to execute video-tools.sh.
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Installation
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1. Clone or copy the repository:
git clone https://git.leaktechnologies.dev/Leak_Technologies/VideoTools.git
cd VideoTools
2. Make the script executable:
chmod +x video-tools.sh
3. (Optional) Add it to your system PATH:
sudo ln -s ~/VideoTools/video-tools.sh /usr/local/bin/video-tools
You can now use it globally:
video-tools convert-single "input.avi" "output.mp4"
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Default Settings
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Output directory: ~/Videos
Video codec: libx264
Audio codec: aac
Quality (CRF): 18
Preset: slow
Audio bitrate: 192k
These defaults balance visual quality and compression efficiency.
They are ideal for general use, personal archiving, and local playback.
For full parameter details, see docs/Conversion_Settings.md.
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Example Usage
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Convert a single file:
video-tools convert-single "/path/to/input.avi" "output.mp4"
Merge multiple videos:
video-tools convert-multiple "/path/to/part1.avi" "/path/to/part2.avi" "combined.mp4"
Check video info:
video-tools videoinfo "combined.mp4"
Verbose mode:
video-tools videoinfo "combined.mp4" --verbose
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Conversion Profiles
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Default:
CRF 18, preset slow, 192k audio (balanced quality and speed)
--hi-rate:
CRF 14, preset veryslow, 320k audio (maximum quality)
--portable:
CRF 24, preset faster, 128k audio (mobile optimized)
Profiles can be added after any convert command.
Example:
video-tools convert-single "movie.avi" "movie_high.mp4" --hi-rate
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Troubleshooting
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Problem: command not found
Cause: Script not linked globally
Fix: Run ./video-tools.sh or create a symlink in /usr/local/bin
Problem: ffmpeg not found
Cause: FFmpeg not installed
Fix: Install it using your system package manager
Problem: permission denied
Cause: Missing executable permission
Fix: chmod +x video-tools.sh
Problem: merge fails
Cause: Inputs use different codecs or frame rates
Fix: Convert each input to MP4 first, then merge
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Roadmap
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convert-single Complete
convert-multiple Complete
videoinfo Complete
upscale-video Planned
batch conversion Planned
auto format detect Planned
video-compare Planned
config overrides Planned
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Documentation Index
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docs/CLI_Functions.md Command reference and usage examples
docs/Conversion_Settings.md Technical breakdown of encoding defaults
docs/CHANGELOG.md Version history and planned updates
docs/Upscale.md Future plans for scaling and ML-based enhancement
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License
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Free for personal and educational use.
Redistribution permitted with attribution to Leak Technologies.
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