---
name: media-transcoding
description: FFmpeg-based media transcoding workflows with preset-driven conversions, batch processing, and safe backups for web/mobile/archive outputs.
user-invocable: false
disable-model-invocation: true
version: 1.0.0
category: toolchain
author: Claude MPM Team
license: MIT
progressive_disclosure:
entry_point:
summary: "Use FFmpeg presets to convert videos for web/mobile/archive with batch scripts, backups, and faststart MP4s."
when_to_use: "Optimizing video files for web delivery, compressing large media libraries, or standardizing outputs with repeatable presets."
quick_start: "1. Run ./ffmpeg_convert.sh check 2. Convert one file with web_standard 3. Batch convert with batch_web_standard"
tags:
- ffmpeg
- media
- video
- transcoding
- encoding
---
# Media Transcoding (FFmpeg)
## Overview
Use FFmpeg presets to normalize video outputs for web streaming, mobile delivery, or archival quality. Your `hf-videos` repo already includes a simple bash script and a more advanced Python script with presets, backups, and logging.
## Quick Start (hf-videos)
```bash
./ffmpeg_convert.sh check
./ffmpeg_convert.sh web_standard "My Video.mp4"
./ffmpeg_convert.sh batch_web_standard
```
Outputs are written to `converted/` with backups in `backup/` and logs in `conversion.log`.
## Preset Summary (hf-videos)
- **web_standard**: 1080p max, CRF 23, 128k audio, `+faststart`
- **web_high**: 1080p max, CRF 20, 192k audio
- **mobile**: 720p max, CRF 25, 96k audio
- **ultra_compact**: 480p max, CRF 28, 64k audio
- **archive**: original res, CRF 18, 256k audio
All presets use H.264 + AAC with `+faststart` for streaming-friendly MP4s.
## Batch Workflow
1. Run a single-file conversion first to validate output.
2. Run batch conversion once the preset is confirmed.
3. Verify output sizes and playback.
Batch commands:
```bash
./ffmpeg_convert.sh batch_web_standard
./ffmpeg_convert.sh batch_mobile
./ffmpeg_convert.sh batch_ultra_compact
```
## Advanced Script (convert_video.py)
Use `convert_video.py` when you need:
- Progress monitoring
- Metadata inspection
- Overwrite control
- Preset listing and batch automation
```bash
python3 convert_video.py --list-presets
python3 convert_video.py --file "My Video.mp4" --preset web_standard
python3 convert_video.py --preset mobile --overwrite
```
## Output Conventions
- Converted files use suffixes like `_web_standard`.
- Backups preserve original filenames.
- Logs go to `conversion.log` for audit and troubleshooting.
## Troubleshooting
- **FFmpeg missing**: `brew install ffmpeg` (macOS) or install from ffmpeg.org.
- **Permission errors**: `chmod +x ffmpeg_convert.sh`.
- **Disk pressure**: clean `converted/` and `backup/` after validation.
## Related Skills
- `toolchains/universal/infrastructure/docker`