AV1 Encoding Workflow

A modular video encoding workflow built on top of Av1an and SVT-AV1. Designed for cross-platform execution (macOS, Linux).

Overview

This repository houses automation scripts and parameter profiles tailored for specific content types (animation, grainy film masters, standard live action), implementing guidelines from the JET Encoding Guide.

Project Roadmap

• Optimised animation encoding.
• Automated batch queue runner.
• Metric logging and inspection (VMAF, SSIMULACRA2).
• HDR10 / Dolby Vision metadata passthrough and tonemapping pipeline.
• Process prioritization and resource capping for background encoding.

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Prerequisites (macOS)

Install the core encoding toolchain via Homebrew:

brew install av1an svt-av1 ffmpeg mkvtoolnix vapoursynth

Verify the binaries are available in your PATH:

av1an --version
SvtAv1EncApp --version
ffmpeg -version
mkvmerge --version

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Directory Structure

encoding/
├── animation/
│   └── animation.sh   # Script for 2D/3D animation & CGI content
├── .gitignore         # Excludes /out, /logs, and media files (*.mkv, *.mp4, *.png)
├── logs/              # (Ignored) Encoding logs and metrics
└── out/               # (Ignored) Completed encode outputs

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Usage

1. Animation & Clean CGI (animation/animation.sh)

Tuned for flat colors, line-art integrity, and ringing reduction. Features three selectable preset modes via -m:

./animation/animation.sh -i <input_clip> -o <output_clip> [-m <1|2|3>]

Preset Modes:

• Mode 1 (Baseline / No Deband): --crf 24, fast compression (~1.0MB / 10s).
• Mode 2 (Experimental Deband): -vf gradfun=strength=1.2:radius=16, --crf 19, --aq-mode 0, --enable-qm 1 (~1.7MB / 10s).
• Mode 3 (Best Quality - Default): --crf 14, --aq-mode 2, --enable-restoration 1, full 4x4 sub-partitioning (~2.4MB / 10s). Maintains pin-sharp edges and 10-bit smooth gradients without pre-filter blurring.

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Planned Scripts

Script	Target Media	Key Parameters
grainy.sh	35mm film, heavy analog grain	--film-grain 12-24, --film-grain-denoise 1, higher CRF
live_action.sh	Modern clean digital film / TV	--film-grain 4-8, standard visual tuning
hdr_tonemap.sh	4K HDR10 / PQ sources	BT.2020 to Rec.709 tonemapping or HDR metadata passthrough