Skip to main content

​
Synopsis

​
Description

Converts Dolby Vision Profile 7 MKV files to Profile 8.1. The conversion strips the Enhancement Layer while injecting the RPU (dynamic metadata) into the Base Layer, creating a file compatible with devices that don’t support FEL. The convert command operates in two modes depending on the input:
  • File mode — When you pass only files, each file is converted immediately, one after another.
  • Batch mode — When you pass directories (or a mix of files and directories), the command first scans everything, shows a summary, asks for confirmation, then converts all eligible files.
The original file is automatically backed up as *.mkv.bak.dovi_convert before conversion.

​
Arguments

​
Options

If Standard mode fails (common with Seamless Branching), Safe mode is triggered automatically. You don’t need to manually retry.

​
Behavioral Notes

​
Batch Mode Triggers

When directories are present in the input, batch mode activates automatically. This includes:
  • A single directory: convert /movies
  • Multiple directories: convert /movies /shows
  • Mixed files and directories: convert movie.mkv /shows
In batch mode, you see a summary of all eligible files before conversion begins.

​
Restrictions

**--hdr10 **requires a single file. HDR10 conversion is blocked when directories are present. --output with mixed inputs is blocked. When converting both files and directories, output paths could collide. Convert them separately or omit --output. **--yes **skips Simple FEL files by default. For unattended operations, Simple FEL files are skipped unless you also pass --include-simple. This prevents accidental conversions. **--recursive **without directories prints a warning. If you pass -r with only files, the flag is ignored and a warning is shown.

​
Examples

Convert a single file:
Convert multiple files:
Convert a directory (batch mode):
Shows a summary of eligible files, asks for confirmation, then converts. Convert directory recursively:
Scans and converts up to 5 levels deep by default. Limit or expand recursion depth:
Skip confirmation prompts:
Include Simple FEL files in automated batch:
With --yes, Simple FEL files are skipped unless you also pass --include-simple.
Convert to HDR10 (single file only):
Strips all Dolby Vision metadata, leaving a clean HDR10 stream. Force conversion of Complex FEL file:
Forcing conversion on Complex FEL files produces incorrect tone mapping. Only use this if you understand and accept the quality loss.
Use Safe Mode:
Delete backup after conversion:
This removes your only copy of the original Profile 7 file. Use with caution.
Use a fast temp directory:
Useful when your media is on a slow HDD or NAS. Save converted files to a different directory:
Enable debug logging:

​
Conversion Process

  1. Analyzes the file to detect FEL complexity
  2. Creates backup (*.mkv.bak.dovi_convert)
  3. Strips Enhancement Layer from video
  4. Injects RPU metadata into Base Layer
  5. Remuxes everything into new MKV file
  6. Verifies frame count matches
All audio and subtitle tracks are preserved.

​
See Also

  • scan — Analyze files before conversion
  • cleanup — Remove backup files