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Synopsis

dovi_convert restore <file> [options]

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Description

Restores a Profile 7 file by combining a converted file (Profile 8.1 or HDR10) with its .dovi archive. The command automatically detects the current file format and handles the restoration process accordingly. The output file is named <original>.restored.mkv and contains the rebuilt Profile 7 video with all original audio and subtitle tracks.

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Arguments

ArgumentRequiredDescription
<file>YesA converted MKV file (Profile 8.1 or HDR10)

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Options

OptionShortDescription
--source PATH—Path to the .dovi archive (if not in same directory as file)
--temp PATH-t PATHWrite temporary files to a separate directory
--debug—Generate dovi_convert_debug.log with detailed output

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Examples

Restore using archive in the same directory: 
dovi_convert restore movie.mkv
Looks for movie.dovi in the same directory as movie.mkv. Restore using archive from a backup drive: 
dovi_convert restore movie.mkv --source /Volumes/Backups/movie.dovi
Use a fast temp directory: 
dovi_convert restore movie.mkv --temp /mnt/ssd/temp

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Output

Restoring: movie.mkv
  Using backup: movie.dovi
Restoring Profile 7... Done.

Restore completed successfully.
  Restored file: movie.restored.mkv
  Size: 52.33 GB
  Format: Profile 7 (Dolby Vision, Version 1.0, dvhe.07.06, BL+EL+RPU)

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Restoration Process

  1. Locate archive — Finds <filename>.dovi in the same directory, or uses --source
  2. Extract Base Layer — Pulls the video stream from the current file
  3. Detect format — Checks if the file is Profile 8.1 or HDR10
  4. Sanitize — If Profile 8.1, strips the injected RPU to get a clean Base Layer
  5. Unpack archive — Extracts the original Enhancement Layer
  6. Rebuild — Muxes Base Layer + Enhancement Layer into Profile 7
  7. Remux — Combines restored video with original audio and subtitles
  8. Verify — Confirms the output is valid Profile 7

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Error Handling

Missing archive: 
No backup found.
  Expected: /path/to/movie.dovi
  Hint: Use --source to specify an alternate backup location.
Use --source to specify the correct path to the archive.

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Restrictions

  • Single file only. There is no batch restore mode.
  • Requires matching archive. The .dovi archive must be from the same source file. Using an archive from a different file produces invalid output.

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See Also