Show HN: Video-to-Grid – Analyze videos with one Vision API call (github.com)

A new tool called "Video-to-Grid" has been introduced, allowing users to analyze videos through a single Vision API call by converting the entire video into a compact 2D grid of thumbnails. In a typical scenario, analyzing a 10-minute video at 1 frame per second would require 600 API calls, leading to high costs. This innovative approach compresses the video into a single image, presenting 48 key frames that encapsulate the video's essence while significantly reducing API usage and expense. This application is particularly significant for the AI/ML community as it streamlines video analysis, making it more efficient and accessible for developers who require insights without incurring exorbitant costs. The grid format not only maintains contextual continuity but also allows users to interact with the content in real-time via an AI assistant named Claude, capable of answering questions related to specific timestamps. The tool's effectiveness depends on factors such as video complexity and resolution, with the promise of delivering satisfactory results without the burdens of traditional cloud uploads or expensive API usage. Developers can easily implement this prototype using Node.js and the provided codebase, paving the way for more accessible video analysis tools in AI applications.