encoding-scripts/README_TV Audio Encoder.md

TV Audio Encoder

Overview

tv_audio_encoder.py is a comprehensive batch-processing script for MKV files, specifically designed for encoding TV show episodes. It automates the entire pipeline, including VMAF-targeted video encoding with AV1 (via alabamaEncoder) and sophisticated audio conversion to Opus. To ensure transparency and aid in debugging, the script also preserves detailed, per-file logs of the entire conversion process.

Features

• Advanced Video Encoding: Uses alabamaEncoder for a simplified yet powerful VMAF-targeted AV1 encoding workflow, aiming for consistent quality.
• Stable Workflow: Creates a lossless UTVideo intermediate file from the source video, providing a stable and reliable input for the main encoding process.
• Detailed Logging: Creates a separate, detailed log file for each processed MKV in the conv_logs/ directory, capturing the full terminal output for easy review.
• Sophisticated Audio Processing: Converts common audio formats to normalized Opus files. It provides an option to downmix surround sound to stereo or preserve the original channel layout.
• File Organization: Keeps your workspace tidy by automatically moving original files to original/ and completed encodes to completed/.
• Platform Specificity: The script is designed for Linux systems, as alabamaEncoder is not supported on Windows.

Requirements

The following command-line tools must be installed and available in your system's PATH:

• ffmpeg
• ffprobe
• mkvmerge
• mkvpropedit
• sox
• opusenc
• mediainfo
• alabamaEncoder

Usage

1. Place your .mkv files in the same directory as the script.

2. Make the script executable by running chmod +x tv_audio_encoder.py.

3. Execute the script from your terminal:

   ./tv_audio_encoder.py
   

Optional Arguments

• --no-downmix: By default, the script downmixes surround sound audio (e.g., 5.1, 7.1) to stereo. Use this flag to preserve the original audio channel layout.

  Example:

  ./tv_audio_encoder.py --no-downmix
  

Output

• Processed files are moved to the completed/ directory.
• Original files are moved to the original/ directory.
• Per-file logs are saved in the conv_logs/ directory.

Notes

• This script is intended for use on Linux only.
• The entire process, especially the AV1 encoding, can be very time-consuming and CPU