ffmpeg-probe

Extract container, stream, and HDR metadata from media files via ffprobe.

15|4|Updated Apr 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill ffmpeg-probe
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ffmpeg-probe
Source: https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os/tree/main/skills/ffmpeg-probe
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/damionrashford/media-os --skill ffmpeg-probe

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

ffprobe is a powerful tool but raw outputs are hard to parse and reuse. This Skill provides a focused wrapper to extract container, streams, and metadata in structured formats for automation and QA.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Inspect container metadata (format, duration, size, bitrate) and per-stream details (codec, resolution, fps, HDR flags).
  • Query specific fields via a simple dotted path, or output full JSON for downstream pipelines.
  • Quick-start use: validate a video file's metadata before transcoding, verify HDR status, or generate catalog entries for a media library.

Quick Start

Run the probe script to generate a human-readable summary or JSON metadata for a file provided as input.

Frequently Asked Questions about ffmpeg-probe

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I extract video metadata using ffprobe for automation pipelines?

Extract video metadata using ffprobe by running a Python wrapper that outputs structured JSON, enabling seamless parsing for downstream automation and QA pipelines. It captures container format, duration, size, and per-stream codec details.

How do I detect HDR flags in a media file?

Detect HDR flags in a media file by probing its stream metadata to identify HDR classification and specific color attributes. The wrapper inspects per-stream details to report HDR status accurately for video inspection workflows.

Can I query specific ffprobe fields instead of parsing full JSON output?

Query specific ffprobe fields using a simple dotted path syntax provided by the wrapper, preventing the need to parse full JSON output. This allows targeted extraction of container and stream metadata values.

What is the best way to validate media file metadata before transcoding?

Validate media file metadata before transcoding by running a probe script to generate a human-readable summary or JSON output. This verifies format, resolution, bitrate, and codec parameters to ensure downstream transcoding stability.

How do I extract keyframes from a video file for media analysis?

Extract keyframes from a video file for media analysis by utilizing the wrapper's keyframe extraction feature. This identifies specific frame timestamps within the stream, supporting cataloging and detailed media inspection tasks.

Do I need Python to generate catalog entries for a media library from ffprobe data?

You need Python to generate catalog entries for a media library because the wrapper relies on a Python script to process ffprobe data into structured JSON. This structured output directly supports catalog entry generation and library organization.