Convert Dolby Vision Profile 7 To Profile 8 New -

This process is command-line heavy, but fear not—there are now user-friendly tools that handle the coding for you. The core engine behind almost all these conversions is a tool called dovi_tool.

If you have a large library, use the new dovi_tool batch script:

for file in *.mkv; do
  ffmpeg -i "$file" -map 0:v:0 -c copy temp.hev
  dovi_tool convert -f 8.1 -i temp.hev -o converted.hev
  mkvmerge -o "converted_$file" converted.hev --audio-tracks 0:1 "$file"
done

| Feature | Profile 7 | Profile 8.1 | |--------|-----------|--------------| | Primary use | UHD Blu-ray discs | Streaming, file playback | | Layers | Base + Enhancement + RPU | Single layer (BL+RPU) | | Enhancement layer | Full MEL or FEL | Not present | | Compatibility | Limited players (e.g., Oppo, some TVs) | Wide (Plex, Infuse, VLC, many TVs) | | HDR fallback | HDR10 only | HDR10 or HLG | convert dolby vision profile 7 to profile 8 new

Note: This conversion typically discards the Full Enhancement Layer (FEL) data, which means you lose some of the 12-bit refinement that FEL provides. MEL (Minimal Enhancement Layer) converts cleanly with no meaningful loss.

Assumptions: you have the original HEVC elementary stream and an RPU sidecar or SEI RPU accessible; you have access to Dolby packaging/validation tools (or are doing a best-effort rewrap for testing). Profile 7 (typical consumer streaming deliverable):

If you do not have Dolby tools or original mastering files:

# 1. Extract the RPU from Profile 7 (P7) MKV/TS
dovi_tool -m 2 extract-rpu input.hevc
For MKV (recommended for Plex/Shield):
ffmpeg -i video_converted.hevc -i your_movie.mkv -map 0:v -map 1:a -map 1:s -c copy output_movie.mkv

For MP4 (Apple TV, Infuse, LG TV):
ffmpeg -i video_converted.hevc -i your_movie.mkv -map 0:v -map 1:a -c copy output_movie.mp4


Ensure your audio is compatible (AAC or E-AC3 for MP4). Profile 8 (often called Profile 8