When dealing with video files, organization is key, especially if you have a plethora of media to manage. If you've ever converted videos from the M2TS format to MP4, you might want to add metadata like the date and time to the resulting files. This not only helps in categorization but also allows for easier access later. Below, we'll explore how to achieve this using the FFmpeg command line tool.
Problem Scenario
The challenge at hand is how to convert M2TS files to MP4 format while embedding the current date and time into the filename. The initial command may look something like this:
ffmpeg -i input.m2ts -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4
This command effectively converts an M2TS file to MP4, but it lacks a method to incorporate the date and time into the output filename.
Solution
To include the date and time in your output file name while converting the video, you can utilize shell commands to dynamically generate a timestamp. Here’s how you can modify the original FFmpeg command:
ffmpeg -i input.m2ts -c:v libx264 -c:a aac "$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)_output.mp4"
In this command:
$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)generates a timestamp in the formatYYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.- The output file will now have a name like
20230926_143025_output.mp4, making it easy to track when the file was created.
Why Use FFmpeg?
FFmpeg is a powerful tool widely used for video and audio processing due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set. It supports a wide range of formats, and its capabilities include:
- Encoding and decoding video and audio files.
- Converting files from one format to another.
- Streaming media in real-time.
- Applying various filters and effects to videos.
Practical Example
Suppose you have multiple M2TS files in your directory, and you wish to batch convert them to MP4 with timestamps. You can use a simple for loop in your terminal:
for file in *.m2ts; do
ffmpeg -i "$file" -c:v libx264 -c:a aac "$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)_${file%.m2ts}.mp4"
done
In this loop:
*.m2tstargets all M2TS files in the directory.- The command converts each file, appending the current date and time to the output filename.
Benefits of Including Date and Time
- Organization: With timestamps in filenames, you'll have a chronological order, making it easier to manage your video library.
- Version Tracking: Helps in keeping track of different versions of the same video file.
- Ease of Sharing: When sharing files, recipients can quickly identify the creation date without needing to check the file properties.
Conclusion
Converting M2TS files to MP4 while embedding date and time in the filename is a simple yet effective way to enhance your video file management. By utilizing FFmpeg and some basic shell scripting, you can streamline your workflow significantly.
Useful Resources
- FFmpeg Documentation: For more detailed command references and usage.
- Bash Scripting Guide: If you want to dive deeper into shell scripting for automating tasks.
By incorporating these techniques, you can not only convert your videos but also organize them better for future use. Happy converting!
