Identify video formats and analyze FEL complexity before conversion
Before converting files, you should analyze them to understand their format and whether conversion is safe. dovi_convert provides two commands for this: -scan for quick analysis and -inspect for deep verification.
Not every Dolby Vision Profile 7 file should be converted. Some contain Enhancement Layers with brightness expansion data - converting these produces incorrect results (dark picture, flickering).Scanning identifies:
Video format - HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision (and which profile)
FEL classification - MEL, Simple FEL, or Complex FEL
Conversion safety - Whether the file is safe to convert
The -convert and -batch commands automatically scan files before processing and warn you about risky conversions. Running -scan separately gives you an overview without starting any conversion.
The scan samples 10 timestamps across the file and analyzes the RPU (Reference Processing Unit) metadata at each point. It checks for brightness values that exceed the Base Layer’s capability - an indicator of Complex FEL.
Sampling is fast but not exhaustive. A file might have brightness spikes in sections the scan didn’t sample. For definitive results, use -inspect.
The Enhancement Layer contains some data (film grain, minor color adjustments), but does not expand brightness. Converting is generally safe - you lose minor enhancements, but the picture remains correct.
The Enhancement Layer actively elevates brightness beyond the Base Layer. Converting produces incorrect tone mapping. These files are skipped by default.For more details on FEL types and their implications, see Before You Start.