Skip Decisions

Every skipped file now has a structured explanation object as the primary source of truth. The legacy machine-readable reason string is still retained for compatibility and debugging during rollout.

Structured explanation fields:

• category
• code
• summary
• detail
• operator_guidance
• measured
• legacy_reason

Skip reasons

already_target_codec

The file is already in the target codec at 10-bit depth. Re-encoding would not save meaningful space.

Action: None. Correct behavior.

bpp_below_threshold

Bits-per-pixel is below the configured minimum. The file is already efficiently compressed.

The threshold is resolution-adjusted (4K gets a lower effective threshold) and confidence-adjusted based on bitrate measurement reliability.

Action: Lower min_bpp_threshold in Settings → Transcoding (default: 0.10).

below_min_file_size

The file is smaller than min_file_size_mb (default: 50 MB).

Action: Lower min_file_size_mb if you want small files processed.

size_reduction_insufficient

The predicted output would not be meaningfully smaller (below size_reduction_threshold, default: 30%).

Action: Lower size_reduction_threshold in Settings → Transcoding.

no_suitable_encoder

No encoder available for the target codec. Usually means hardware detection failed with CPU fallback disabled.

Action: Check Settings → Hardware. Enable CPU fallback, or fix hardware detection.

incomplete_metadata

FFprobe could not determine resolution, duration, or bitrate. Cannot make a valid transcoding decision.

Action: Check if the file is corrupt using Library Doctor.

Why a high skip rate is fine

A high skip rate means files are already efficiently compressed. An 80% skip rate on a mixed library is normal.