videobeaux/docs/programs/effects/looper_pro.md

looper_pro

Description

Creates a professional looping effect by selecting a region of frames and replaying them in a seamless or stylized loop.
looper_pro allows the user to choose which part of a video becomes a loop, enabling rhythmic repetition, GIF-like behavior, or precisely timed visual cycles.

Purpose

looper_pro is intended for creators who want to:

• loop a specific segment of a clip cleanly,
• create infinitely repeating video moments,
• build rhythmic or hypnotic playback sequences,
• generate raw loop assets for VJ systems or social loops,
• prepare seamless animations for montage or collage workflows.

How It Works

1. Frame Region Selection
   Internally selects frames based on:
   • detected cadence,
   • frame count,
   • optional start and end logic defined by the program version.
2. Loop Construction
   The selected block is repeated a specified number of cycles or for the full video duration.
3. Seam Handling
   Basic smoothing or overlap blending may be used to reduce visible jumps at the start/end of each loop (implementation dependent).
4. Encoding
   Output uses global Videobeaux settings (codec, CRF, pixel format, preset).

Program Template

videobeaux -P looper_pro \
  -i input.mp4 \
  -o output.mp4

Arguments

• (No additional program-specific arguments; uses global videobeaux options only.)

Real World Example

videobeaux -P looper_pro \
  -i myvideo.mp4 \
  -o looper_pro_styled.mp4

Program Output

Technical Notes

• Works best when source footage includes repeating or rhythmic motion.
• Compression artifacts may accumulate across loop boundaries; use lower CRF if loop clarity is important.
• Shorter loops feel more “GIF-like,” while longer loops create subtle ambient motion ideal for installations.
• Loop start point may be governed by internal heuristics or user version behavior.

Recommended Usage

• Ambient loops for projection mapping or VJ sets.
• Social-media loops where infinitely repeating visuals are desirable.
• Narrative interludes or transitions requiring rhythmic repetition.
• Motion-design elements for collage compositions or layered Lagkage outputs.

Quality Tips

• Pre-process with convert_dims for perfectly square or vertical loop assets.
• Use gamma_fix beforehand to stabilize tonal values across loop boundaries.
• Pair with double_cup or ghostee for dreamy, flowing loop aesthetics.
• For a more extreme perturbation, run looper_pro before crossmosh or bad_animation to break the loop structure artistically.