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# convert
:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
## Description
Performs a simple video file conversion using global Videobeaux encoding settings.
Useful for remuxing, transcoding, codec changes, rewrapping containers, or generating standardized media versions.
## Purpose
`convert` exists as a lightweight, universal tool for turning one media container or codec into another.
This is ideal for:
- converting incompatible formats into editing-friendly files,
- rewrapping media without re-encoding,
- transcoding to delivery-safe formats,
- preparing videos for downstream Videobeaux programs,
- batch normalization of mixed-file libraries.
## How It Works
1. **Input Decoding**
The source file is decoded as needed, depending on global codec options.
2. **Re-encode or Stream Copy**
- If no codec is specified, Videobeaux uses its global defaults.
- If codecs are set globally (`vcodec`, `acodec`), `convert` applies them here.
- If settings allow stream copy, the video may be remuxed without re-encoding.
3. **Output Writing**
The converted or rewrapped video is written to the path specified via `-o`.
4. **No Additional Logic**
This program intentionally provides a pure conversion operation, without filtering or modification.
## Program Template
videobeaux -P convert \
-i input.mp4 \
-o output.mp4
## Arguments
- *(No program-specific arguments — this module relies entirely on Videobeaux global encoding settings.)*
## Real World Example
videobeaux -P convert \
-i myvideo.mp4 \
-o convert_styled.mp4
## Technical Notes
- Rewrapping (e.g., MKV → MP4) is extremely fast when using stream copy.
- Full transcoding (e.g., H.264 → ProRes, AAC → WAV) depends on global audio/video codec settings.
- File size and transcoding time are directly impacted by CRF, bitrate, and preset settings.
- Useful for generating clean, uniform input files before applying more complex Videobeaux processes.
## Recommended Usage
- Normalizing transcoded footage from varied sources.
- Preparing content for editing systems that dislike certain containers/codecs.
- Creating proxy versions for offline workflows.
- Converting videos to universally compatible formats for distribution, archive, or broadcast.
## Quality Tips
- Use a low CRF (1418) for high-quality archival intermediates.
- If the goal is speed, choose faster presets (e.g., `faster`, `fast`).
- For maximum compatibility, output H.264 + AAC in MP4.
- For high-end workflows, output ProRes or another mezzanine codec.
- Always verify that audio channel layouts survive the conversion correctly.