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videobeaux/docs/programs/effects/bad_predator.md
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# bad_predator
## Description
Applies a stylized “bad Predator heat vision” effect to the input video.
This intentionally degraded thermal-vision look mimics the broken or low-budget interpretation of the thermal-view used in the *Predator* films — surreal color distortion, thermal-like banding, exaggerated edge detection, and unstable gradients.
## Purpose
`bad_predator` is designed for creators who want to:
- add a fauxheat vision aesthetic,
- produce psychedelic or thermal-like color distortions,
- disrupt realism with genre-coded VFX,
- introduce mood, abstraction, or sci-fi ambience,
- create an intentionally *wrong* or glitchy interpretation of cinematic thermal vision.
## How It Works
1. **Thermal Color Remapping**
The video is transformed into an artificial temperature-based palette, often with exaggerated reds, blues, greens, and neon ranges.
2. **Edge Boosting & Gradient Distortion**
Edges may “glow,” flatten, or warp, imitating digital thermal sensors or corrupted color channels.
3. **Contrast Folding**
Shadows and highlights are redistributed into stylized color bins rather than natural brightness patterns.
4. **Encoding**
Output is encoded using global Videobeaux settings (codec, CRF, pixel format).
## Program Template
videobeaux -P bad_predator \
-i input.mp4 \
-o output.mp4
## Arguments
- *(No additional program-specific arguments; uses global videobeaux options only.)*
## Real World Example
videobeaux -P bad_predator \
-i myvideo.mp4 \
-o bad_predator_styled.mp4
## Program Output
<video controls preload="metadata" style="max-width:100%; border-radius:8px; margin:1em 0;">
<source src="https://github.com/schwwaaa/videobeaux/assets/7625379/0968ad50-cc97-4336-938f-01b47d86a7bd" type="video/mp4">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
## Technical Notes
- The effect is purely stylistic — not physically accurate thermal imaging.
- Works best on footage with strong silhouettes or motion, where thermal-emulated contrast is most visible.
- If the global pixel format is set to low bit depth (e.g., 8-bit), banding interacts strongly with the effect, enhancing the “bad thermal” look.
- Use `chain_builder` to combine with other stylized processes for multi-layer sci-fi or horror visuals.
## Recommended Usage
- Music videos, experimental film, and glitch-aesthetic sequences.
- Sci-fi projects referencing Predator-style heat vision.
- Stylized surveillance overlays or false-sensor aesthetics.
- Abstract color grading for live visuals or performance art.
## Quality Tips
- Apply before compression-heavy steps to preserve the color distortions.
- Combine with `bad_contrast`, `hash_fingerprint`, or `bad_animation` for a fully degraded sensory aesthetic.
- Use lower CRF values to avoid washing out the neon tonal ranges.
- Consider pairing with `gamma_fix` to stabilize midtone visibility before applying the effect.