videobeaux/docs/programs/effects/frame_delay_pro2.md

frame_delay_pro2

Description

Applies an advanced analytical frame-delay effect that shifts image planes (luma/chroma) independently while applying temporal decay.
This creates ghost trails, chromatic drifts, smeared movement, and layered motion persistence that evolves across time.

Purpose

frame_delay_pro2 is for creators seeking:

• stylized multi-layer temporal drift,
• independent per-plane delay effects,
• psychedelic color smearing,
• glitchy ghost-motion artifacts,
• experimental video feedback behaviors.

How It Works

1. Plane Selection (--plane)
   The effect can target:
   • luma only,
   • chroma channels only,
   • or all combined planes depending on implementation.
2. Temporal Decay (--decay)
   The decay parameter controls how strongly old frames persist:
   • Higher decay → longer, more persistent trails
   • Lower decay → quick falloff and lighter ghosting
3. Frame Buffering
   Past frames are stored and blended forward according to decay rules.
4. Encoding
   Final output is encoded via global Videobeaux settings (codec, CRF, pixel format).

Program Template

videobeaux -P frame_delay_pro2 \
  -i input.mp4 \
  -o output.mp4 \
  --decay VALUE \
  --plane VALUE

Arguments

• decay — Controls the strength and longevity of the delay trail. Higher values produce smearier, more persistent echoes.
• plane — Defines which image plane(s) the delay is applied to (e.g., luma, chroma, or combined modes depending on implementation).

Real World Example

videobeaux -P frame_delay_pro2 \
  -i myvideo.mp4 \
  -o frame_delay_pro2_styled.mp4 \
  --decay EXAMPLE \
  --plane EXAMPLE

Program Output

Technical Notes

• Applying delay to chroma only creates psychedelic color trails while keeping shapes sharp.
• Applying delay to luma creates ghost silhouettes without heavy color bleeding.
• Large decay values can produce painterly smear effects resembling long-exposure photography.
• Interaction with compression can intensify chromatic distortion.
• Works well with footage involving movement, light streaks, neon scenes, or high-contrast subjects.

Recommended Usage

• Music videos needing rhythmic or drifting trail effects.
• Abstract animations or temporal collage art.
• Footage where separating luma and chroma drift enhances surrealism.
• Layered VJ compositions and live performance visuals.
• Slow, ambient sequences that benefit from temporal echo.

Quality Tips

• For strong color-drift effects, use plane=chroma with moderate decay.
• For ghost silhouettes, use plane=luma with high decay.
• For clean results, keep CRF low; for gritty smear artifacts, use higher CRF.
• Combine with frame_delay_pro1 for multi-layer delay stacks.
• Chain before heavy color grading if you want grading to affect the echoed trails.