> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.doviconvert.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Convert Dolby Vision Profile 7 to Profile 8.1 safely and automatically

dovi\_convert automates the conversion of Dolby Vision Profile 7 MKV files (typically UHD Blu-ray rips) into Profile 8.1. This ensures compatibility with media players that don't support the Profile 7 Enhancement Layer.

<Card title="GitHub Repository" icon="github" href="https://github.com/cryptochrome/dovi_convert">
  This is the documentation for dovi\_convert. For source code, releases, and issue tracking, visit the GitHub repository.
</Card>

## Why Convert?

Many popular devices — including Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, Zidoo players, and Plex clients — cannot process the Enhancement Layer in Profile 7 files. Without proper handling, these devices fall back to HDR10, losing Dolby Vision benefits entirely.

Converting to Profile 8.1 strips the Enhancement Layer while preserving the dynamic metadata (RPU), giving you a file that works on virtually any Dolby Vision-capable device.

<Callout icon="circle-exclamation" color="#ef9f76" iconType="solid">
  Not every Profile 7 file should be converted. Some use the Enhancement Layer for brightness expansion — converting these causes visual issues. dovi\_convert analyzes files before conversion and warns you when conversion is risky.
</Callout>

## What You Need to Know

Before using dovi\_convert, you should understand what it does and when conversion is appropriate.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Before You Start" icon="circle-info" href="/before-you-start">
    Understand the technical background, caveats, and device-specific considerations
  </Card>

  <Card title="FEL Types Explained" icon="layer-group" href="/before-you-start#understanding-the-enhancement-layer">
    Learn about MEL, Simple FEL, and Complex FEL — and why it matters
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Platform Support

dovi\_convert runs on:

* **macOS** (tested on macOS 26)
* **Linux** (any modern distribution)
* **Windows** (via WSL)
* **Docker** (with web terminal access)

<Callout icon="circle-info" color="#8caaee" iconType="solid">
  The conversion process does not re-encode video. Your CPU only needs to handle metadata extraction and remuxing — no powerful hardware required.
</Callout>

## Installation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Terminal / Shell" icon="terminal" href="/installation/terminal">
    Install directly on macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Docker" icon="whale" href="/installation/docker">
    Run in a container with a web-based terminal
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Core Concepts

Once installed, familiarize yourself with the main features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="File Scanning & Analysis" icon="scanner-image" href="/essentials/scanning">
    Identify video formats and analyze FEL complexity with `scan` and `inspect`
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Conversion" icon="recycle" href="/essentials/conversion">
    Convert individual files or directories with `convert`
  </Card>

  <Card title="Backup & Restore" icon="floppy-disk" href="/essentials/backup-restore">
    Archive original layers for future restoration (coming soon)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>