video-understanding-mcp

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Transcribe local video

video_transcribe

Transcribe the first audio stream of any local media file offline. Get timestamped JSON and Markdown transcripts saved to your chosen output directory.

Instructions

Transcribe the first audio stream of a local media file with whisper.cpp. Processing is offline and writes timestamped JSON and Markdown into an allowed output directory.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "path": "<path>",
      "output_dir": "<output_dir>"
    },
    "name": "video_transcribe"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`path`	Yes	Absolute path to a local media file
`language`	No	Whisper language code, or auto for detection	en
`output_dir`	Yes	Existing absolute directory for durable transcript files; the server does not create it

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`engine`	Yes
`language`	Yes
`segments`	Yes
`cache_hit`	Yes
`duration_ms`	Yes
`input_sha256`	Yes
`schema_version`	Yes
`transcript_json_path`	Yes
`transcript_markdown_path`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.0Sep 11, 2026

TDQS

A4.2/5.0

Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral burden. It discloses that processing is offline and that the tool writes timestamped JSON and Markdown files, which conveys privacy implications and side effects. It does not detail overwrite behavior or error cases, but the key operational behavior is covered.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two concise sentences with no filler. The primary action and constraints are front-loaded, and every clause adds meaningful information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description captures the essential context: local file input, whisper.cpp engine, offline processing, and durable outputs. An output schema exists, so return-value documentation is not required here. Minor ambiguity around 'allowed output directory' is acceptable since the schema already notes the server does not create it.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all three parameters well. The description adds no parameter-level detail, but it doesn't need to because the input schema covers path, output_dir, and language semantics.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a specific verb and resource: 'Transcribe the first audio stream of a local media file with whisper.cpp.' This is clearly distinct from the sibling video_probe, which implies probing metadata rather than producing transcripts.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear context: use this tool when you need an offline transcription of a local media file written to timestamped output files. It does not explicitly say 'use video_probe instead for metadata' or list exclusions, so it stops short of a 5.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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