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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.

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Why Scan First?

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 command automatically scans files before processing and warns you about risky conversions. Running scan separately gives you an overview without starting any conversion.

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The scan Command

Scans files to identify their video format and FEL status. You can scan individual files, entire directories, or any combination.

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Basic Usage

dovi_convert scan                   # All MKV files in current directory
dovi_convert scan movie.mkv         # Specific file

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Scan Directories

Point scan at any directory instead of navigating there first: 
dovi_convert scan /movies
Scan multiple directories or mix files and directories: 
dovi_convert scan /movies /tv
dovi_convert scan /movies movie.mkv

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Recursive Scanning

Scan subdirectories with the --recursive (or -r) flag: 
dovi_convert scan --recursive              # Recursive (default depth: 5)
dovi_convert scan -r                       # Same, short form
dovi_convert scan --recursive 2            # Recursive (depth: 2 folders)
dovi_convert scan /movies --recursive 3    # Directory with recursion

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Show Only Conversion Candidates

If you only want to see files that can be converted (Profile 7), use the --candidates flag to filter out SDR, HDR10, Profile 8, and other non-convertible formats: 
dovi_convert scan --candidates
dovi_convert scan /movies --candidates
dovi_convert scan --candidates --recursive 3
This is useful when scanning large libraries where most files are already in the correct format.

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Understanding the Output

The scan displays color-coded results for each file:
ColorClassificationMeaning
GreenMELNo enhancement data. Safe to convert.
BlueSimple FELNo brightness expansion detected. Usually safe.
RedComplex FELActive brightness expansion. Conversion not recommended.
Non-Profile 7 files (HDR10, SDR, etc.) are also identified but cannot be converted by this tool.

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How scan Works

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.

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Terminology

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MEL (Minimal Enhancement Layer)

The Enhancement Layer exists but contains no useful data. This is the most common type. Converting is completely safe — you lose nothing.

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Simple FEL (No Brightness Expansion)

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.

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Complex FEL (Brightness Expansion)

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.

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The inspect Command

Performs a full frame-by-frame analysis of the entire file. Use this when you need definitive confirmation.

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When to Use inspect

  • Verify a Simple FEL verdict from scan
  • Check if a Complex FEL verdict might be a false positive
  • Get absolute certainty before converting a file
  • Investigate files that scan couldn’t fully classify

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Basic Usage

dovi_convert inspect movie.mkv

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How inspect Differs from scan

Aspectscaninspect
SpeedFast (samples 10 points)Slow (reads entire file)
AccuracyHigh (may miss isolated spikes)Definitive
Batch supportYesNo (single file only)
inspect reads the entire file frame-by-frame. For a typical 50-80 GB movie, this takes several minutes. It’s not suitable for batch operations.

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Interpreting Results

After analysis, inspect reports:
  • Whether brightness expansion was detected (the primary concern)
  • The peak brightness values found in the metadata
  • A verdict confirming if the file is safe to convert
If inspect says the file is safe but scan said Complex FEL, trust inspect — it analyzed the entire file rather than sampling.

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Automatic Scanning in Convert

You don’t always need to run scan manually. The convert command performs the same analysis automatically:
  • Complex FEL files are skipped by default (use --force to override)
  • Simple FEL files trigger a confirmation prompt
This means you can safely run convert on any file — the tool warns you before doing anything risky.

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Next Steps

File Conversion

Convert individual files or directories to Profile 8.1

Backup & Restore

Managing backup files and restoring originals