t1000

Description

Applies a liquid-metal distortion effect inspired by the T-1000 from Terminator 2.
This effect simulates molten chromium surfaces, flowing reflections, metallic warping, and fluid reshaping — producing a highly stylized morphing look that feels synthetic, slippery, and impossibly smooth.

Purpose

t1000 is designed for creators who want:

• a molten liquid-metal look,
• smooth reflective distortions reminiscent of mercury or shapeshifting alloy,
• a sci-fi transformation aesthetic,
• a surreal, fluid-motion filter with no configuration,
• an instantly recognizable morphing style.

How It Works

1. Metallic Surface Simulation
   Highlights intensify and shift toward chrome-like brightness.
2. Morphing Distortion
   Underlying geometry is warped and reshaped as if the surface is melting or reforming.
3. Fluidity Modeling
   Motion becomes slippery and continuous, giving the illusion of reflective liquid dynamics.
4. Encoding
   Final output is encoded using the global Videobeaux CRF, codec, and pixel-format settings.

Program Template

videobeaux -P t1000 \
  -i input.mp4 \
  -o output.mp4

Arguments

• (No additional program-specific arguments; uses global videobeaux options only.)

Real World Example

videobeaux -P t1000 \
  -i myvideo.mp4 \
  -o t1000_styled.mp4

Program Output

Technical Notes

• Works extremely well with reflective materials, metallic textures, or high-contrast imagery.
• Smooth gradients transform into flowing liquid metal patterns.
• Compression interacts strongly with this effect; higher CRF introduces chaotic chrome-grain, while lower CRF yields smooth molten surfaces.
• Motion-heavy shots produce dynamic reshaping, while static scenes emphasize glossy morphing.

Recommended Usage

• Sci-fi transformations or robotic metamorphosis sequences.
• Music videos seeking surreal chrome or mercury aesthetics.
• Abstract collage or experimental edits involving fluid distortion.
• Visual motifs referencing artificial intelligence, synthetic life, or shape-shifting technology.
• Paired with reverse or speed for dramatic reformation sequences.

Quality Tips

• For the cleanest liquid effect, use low CRF for smooth reflective gradients.
• For gritty “metal corrosion,” increase CRF to introduce grain in the reflowed surfaces.
• Combine with steel_wash for a colder, industrial chrome palette.
• Layer with lsd_feedback for evolving metal-fluid feedback tunnels.
• Apply before LUTs if you want the LUT to tone the chrome; apply after for pure metallic distortion.