Install dovi_convert with Homebrew

Project links

• Homepage
• Repository
• Upstream docs
• Package manager page

Commands and aliases

• dovi_convert

Project history

The public GitHub repository was created in December 2025, but the changelog shows a fast-moving tool history around versions 7 and 8. The v7.0.0 release notes describe a complete Python rewrite from an original Bash script, replacing shell utilities such as jq, bc, curl, sed, awk, and grep with Python and core media-tool dependencies.

The project exists because many common streaming devices do not support Dolby Vision Profile 7 enhancement layers. Its README says the tool analyzes files first, converts only what is safe, preserves dynamic metadata, and skips complex FEL cases by default unless the user explicitly forces conversion.

Adoption history

dovi_convert's adoption is tied to home-theater and media-server users who maintain MKV libraries and want Dolby Vision compatibility on devices such as Apple TV, Shield, and Fire TV-class players. Version 7.3.2 added Homebrew installation, making the tool easier to install on macOS and Linux.

Version 8.0.0 changed the command syntax to `dovi_convert [command] [flags] [files]`, merged batch behavior into the `convert` command, and formalized a more Unix-like CLI. Version 8.2.0 added backup and restore of the Dolby Vision enhancement layer, which made destructive library conversion less risky for users trying to save disk space.

How it is used

Users run commands such as `dovi_convert scan`, `dovi_convert convert Movie.mkv`, or `dovi_convert convert /path/to/media` to inspect and batch-convert MKV files. The tool depends on Python 3.8+, FFmpeg, MKVToolNix, MediaInfo, and dovi_tool.

The project also ships Docker-oriented workflows with a web terminal, which matters for NAS and media-server environments where users may run conversion jobs next to their media storage.

Why package nerds care

dovi_convert is package-nerd significant because it turns a fragile multi-tool media workflow into an installable command. The package is less about one codec primitive and more about orchestrating exact versions and behaviors of several external binaries.

Its Homebrew formula is useful because media-library operators often run these workflows from macOS or Linux shells and want dependency detection, repeatable upgrades, and a single named command instead of a personal pile of scripts.

Timeline

• 2025: Public GitHub repository created.
• 2026: v7.0.0 rewrites the tool in Python from the original Bash script.
• 2026: v7.3.2 adds Homebrew installation.
• 2026: v8.0.0 introduces the new command syntax and unified convert command.
• 2026: v8.2.0 adds backup and restore for the enhancement layer.

Related projects

• dovi_tool is the core Dolby Vision metadata utility used by dovi_convert.
• FFmpeg, MKVToolNix, and MediaInfo are required media-analysis and container-manipulation tools.
• dovi_scripts is credited by the project as an inspiration and knowledge source.

Sources

• https://github.com/cryptochrome/dovi_convert
• https://docs.doviconvert.com
• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cryptochrome/dovi_convert/main/CHANGELOG.md
• https://api.github.com/repos/cryptochrome/dovi_convert
• https://api.github.com/repos/cryptochrome/dovi_convert/releases?per_page=5
• https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/dovi_convert