From d241e2a663917c9b259e2d167fe53f5dac060152 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: gilesb <giles.bradshaw@sigyl.com>
Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:27:39 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Add streaming video compositor with sexp interpreter

- New streaming/ module for real-time video processing:
  - compositor.py: Main streaming compositor with cycle-crossfade
  - sexp_executor.py: Executes compiled sexp recipes in real-time
  - sexp_interp.py: Full S-expression interpreter for SLICE_ON Lambda
  - recipe_adapter.py: Bridges recipes to streaming compositor
  - sources.py: Video source with ffmpeg streaming
  - audio.py: Real-time audio analysis (energy, beats)
  - output.py: Preview (mpv) and file output with audio muxing

- New templates/:
  - cycle-crossfade.sexp: Smooth zoom-based video cycling
  - process-pair.sexp: Dual-clip processing with effects

- Key features:
  - Videos cycle in input-videos order (not definition order)
  - Cumulative whole-spin rotation
  - Zero-weight sources skip processing
  - Live audio-reactive effects

- New effects: blend_multi for weighted layer compositing
- Updated primitives and interpreter for streaming compatibility

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .gitignore                              |   7 +
 cache.py                                | 404 ++++++++++++++
 effects/ascii_alternating_rotate.sexp   |   8 +-
 effects/ascii_dual_blend.sexp           |  10 +-
 effects/quick_test.sexp                 | 178 +++++++
 sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp     |   1 +
 sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art_fx.sexp  |   1 +
 sexp_effects/effects/ascii_zones.sexp   |   1 +
 sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp         |   2 +-
 sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp   |  57 ++
 sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp        |   5 +-
 sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp        |   1 +
 sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp          |   1 +
 sexp_effects/interpreter.py             |  29 +
 sexp_effects/primitive_libs/ascii.py    |  92 +++-
 sexp_effects/primitive_libs/core.py     |  76 +++
 sexp_effects/primitive_libs/geometry.py |  21 +
 sexp_effects/primitives.py              | 187 ++++---
 streaming/__init__.py                   |  44 ++
 streaming/audio.py                      | 486 +++++++++++++++++
 streaming/backends.py                   | 308 +++++++++++
 streaming/compositor.py                 | 595 +++++++++++++++++++++
 streaming/demo.py                       | 125 +++++
 streaming/output.py                     | 259 +++++++++
 streaming/recipe_adapter.py             | 414 +++++++++++++++
 streaming/recipe_executor.py            | 415 +++++++++++++++
 streaming/sexp_executor.py              | 678 ++++++++++++++++++++++++
 streaming/sexp_interp.py                | 376 +++++++++++++
 streaming/sources.py                    | 281 ++++++++++
 templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp          |  65 +++
 templates/process-pair.sexp             | 112 ++++
 31 files changed, 5143 insertions(+), 96 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 cache.py
 create mode 100644 effects/quick_test.sexp
 create mode 100644 sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp
 create mode 100644 streaming/__init__.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/audio.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/backends.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/compositor.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/demo.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/output.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/recipe_adapter.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/recipe_executor.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/sexp_executor.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/sexp_interp.py
 create mode 100644 streaming/sources.py
 create mode 100644 templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp
 create mode 100644 templates/process-pair.sexp

diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 76e951b..16ad0a0 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -10,3 +10,10 @@ __pycache__/
 
 # Output files
 *.json
+
+# Cache directories
+.cache/
+.stage_cache/
+effects/.stage_cache/
+local_server/.cache/
+local_server/.data/
diff --git a/cache.py b/cache.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdb9a7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cache.py
@@ -0,0 +1,404 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Unified content cache for artdag.
+
+Design:
+    - IPNS (cache_id) = computation hash, known BEFORE execution
+      "What would be the result of running X with inputs Y?"
+
+    - CID = content hash, known AFTER execution
+      "What is this actual content?"
+
+Structure:
+    .cache/
+        refs/             # IPNS → CID mappings (computation → result)
+            {cache_id}    # Text file containing the CID of the result
+        content/          # Content-addressed storage
+            {cid[:2]}/{cid}   # Actual content by CID
+"""
+
+import hashlib
+import json
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Optional, Dict, Any, Tuple
+
+# Default cache location - can be overridden via ARTDAG_CACHE env var
+DEFAULT_CACHE_DIR = Path(__file__).parent / ".cache"
+
+
+def get_cache_dir() -> Path:
+    """Get the cache directory, creating if needed."""
+    cache_dir = Path(os.environ.get("ARTDAG_CACHE", DEFAULT_CACHE_DIR))
+    cache_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    return cache_dir
+
+
+def get_refs_dir() -> Path:
+    """Get the refs directory (IPNS → CID mappings)."""
+    refs_dir = get_cache_dir() / "refs"
+    refs_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    return refs_dir
+
+
+def get_content_dir() -> Path:
+    """Get the content directory (CID → content)."""
+    content_dir = get_cache_dir() / "content"
+    content_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    return content_dir
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# CID (Content Hash) Operations
+# =============================================================================
+
+def compute_cid(content: bytes) -> str:
+    """Compute content ID (SHA256 hash) for bytes."""
+    return hashlib.sha256(content).hexdigest()
+
+
+def compute_file_cid(file_path: Path) -> str:
+    """Compute content ID for a file."""
+    with open(file_path, 'rb') as f:
+        return compute_cid(f.read())
+
+
+def compute_string_cid(text: str) -> str:
+    """Compute content ID for a string."""
+    return compute_cid(text.encode('utf-8'))
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Content Storage (by CID)
+# =============================================================================
+
+def _content_path(cid: str) -> Path:
+    """Get path for content by CID."""
+    return get_content_dir() / cid[:2] / cid
+
+
+def content_exists_by_cid(cid: str) -> Optional[Path]:
+    """Check if content exists by CID."""
+    path = _content_path(cid)
+    if path.exists() and path.stat().st_size > 0:
+        return path
+    return None
+
+
+def content_store_by_cid(cid: str, content: bytes) -> Path:
+    """Store content by its CID."""
+    path = _content_path(cid)
+    path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    path.write_bytes(content)
+    return path
+
+
+def content_store_file(file_path: Path) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """Store a file by its content hash. Returns (cid, path)."""
+    content = file_path.read_bytes()
+    cid = compute_cid(content)
+    path = content_store_by_cid(cid, content)
+    return cid, path
+
+
+def content_store_string(text: str) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """Store a string by its content hash. Returns (cid, path)."""
+    content = text.encode('utf-8')
+    cid = compute_cid(content)
+    path = content_store_by_cid(cid, content)
+    return cid, path
+
+
+def content_get(cid: str) -> Optional[bytes]:
+    """Get content by CID."""
+    path = content_exists_by_cid(cid)
+    if path:
+        return path.read_bytes()
+    return None
+
+
+def content_get_string(cid: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Get string content by CID."""
+    content = content_get(cid)
+    if content:
+        return content.decode('utf-8')
+    return None
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Refs (IPNS → CID mappings)
+# =============================================================================
+
+def _ref_path(cache_id: str) -> Path:
+    """Get path for a ref by cache_id."""
+    return get_refs_dir() / cache_id
+
+
+def ref_exists(cache_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Check if a ref exists. Returns CID if found."""
+    path = _ref_path(cache_id)
+    if path.exists():
+        return path.read_text().strip()
+    return None
+
+
+def ref_set(cache_id: str, cid: str) -> Path:
+    """Set a ref (IPNS → CID mapping)."""
+    path = _ref_path(cache_id)
+    path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    path.write_text(cid)
+    return path
+
+
+def ref_get_content(cache_id: str) -> Optional[bytes]:
+    """Get content by cache_id (looks up ref, then fetches content)."""
+    cid = ref_exists(cache_id)
+    if cid:
+        return content_get(cid)
+    return None
+
+
+def ref_get_string(cache_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Get string content by cache_id."""
+    content = ref_get_content(cache_id)
+    if content:
+        return content.decode('utf-8')
+    return None
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# High-level Cache Operations
+# =============================================================================
+
+def cache_store(cache_id: str, content: bytes) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """
+    Store content with IPNS→CID indirection.
+
+    Args:
+        cache_id: Computation hash (IPNS address)
+        content: Content to store
+
+    Returns:
+        (cid, path) tuple
+    """
+    cid = compute_cid(content)
+    path = content_store_by_cid(cid, content)
+    ref_set(cache_id, cid)
+    return cid, path
+
+
+def cache_store_file(cache_id: str, file_path: Path) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """Store a file with IPNS→CID indirection."""
+    content = file_path.read_bytes()
+    return cache_store(cache_id, content)
+
+
+def cache_store_string(cache_id: str, text: str) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """Store a string with IPNS→CID indirection."""
+    return cache_store(cache_id, text.encode('utf-8'))
+
+
+def cache_store_json(cache_id: str, data: Any) -> Tuple[str, Path]:
+    """Store JSON data with IPNS→CID indirection."""
+    text = json.dumps(data, indent=2)
+    return cache_store_string(cache_id, text)
+
+
+def cache_exists(cache_id: str) -> Optional[Path]:
+    """Check if cached content exists for a computation."""
+    cid = ref_exists(cache_id)
+    if cid:
+        return content_exists_by_cid(cid)
+    return None
+
+
+def cache_get(cache_id: str) -> Optional[bytes]:
+    """Get cached content by computation hash."""
+    return ref_get_content(cache_id)
+
+
+def cache_get_string(cache_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Get cached string by computation hash."""
+    return ref_get_string(cache_id)
+
+
+def cache_get_json(cache_id: str) -> Optional[Any]:
+    """Get cached JSON by computation hash."""
+    text = cache_get_string(cache_id)
+    if text:
+        return json.loads(text)
+    return None
+
+
+def cache_get_path(cache_id: str) -> Optional[Path]:
+    """Get path to cached content by computation hash."""
+    cid = ref_exists(cache_id)
+    if cid:
+        return content_exists_by_cid(cid)
+    return None
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Plan Cache (convenience wrappers)
+# =============================================================================
+
+def _stable_hash_params(params: Dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+    """Compute stable hash of params using JSON + SHA256 (consistent with CID)."""
+    params_str = json.dumps(params, sort_keys=True, default=str)
+    return hashlib.sha256(params_str.encode()).hexdigest()
+
+
+def plan_cache_id(source_cid: str, params: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> str:
+    """
+    Compute the cache_id (IPNS address) for a plan.
+
+    Based on source CID + params. Name/version are just metadata.
+    """
+    key = f"plan:{source_cid}"
+    if params:
+        params_hash = _stable_hash_params(params)
+        key = f"{key}:{params_hash}"
+    return hashlib.sha256(key.encode()).hexdigest()
+
+
+def plan_exists(source_cid: str, params: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Check if a cached plan exists. Returns CID if found."""
+    cache_id = plan_cache_id(source_cid, params)
+    return ref_exists(cache_id)
+
+
+def plan_store(source_cid: str, params: Dict[str, Any], content: str) -> Tuple[str, str, Path]:
+    """
+    Store a plan in the cache.
+
+    Returns:
+        (cache_id, cid, path) tuple
+    """
+    cache_id = plan_cache_id(source_cid, params)
+    cid, path = cache_store_string(cache_id, content)
+    return cache_id, cid, path
+
+
+def plan_load(source_cid: str, params: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Load a plan from cache. Returns plan content string."""
+    cache_id = plan_cache_id(source_cid, params)
+    return cache_get_string(cache_id)
+
+
+def plan_get_path(source_cid: str, params: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> Optional[Path]:
+    """Get path to cached plan."""
+    cache_id = plan_cache_id(source_cid, params)
+    return cache_get_path(cache_id)
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Cache Listing
+# =============================================================================
+
+def list_cache(verbose: bool = False) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """List all cached items."""
+    from datetime import datetime
+
+    cache_dir = get_cache_dir()
+    refs_dir = get_refs_dir()
+    content_dir = get_content_dir()
+
+    def format_size(size):
+        if size >= 1_000_000_000:
+            return f"{size / 1_000_000_000:.1f}GB"
+        elif size >= 1_000_000:
+            return f"{size / 1_000_000:.1f}MB"
+        elif size >= 1000:
+            return f"{size / 1000:.1f}KB"
+        else:
+            return f"{size}B"
+
+    def get_file_info(path: Path) -> Dict:
+        stat = path.stat()
+        return {
+            "path": path,
+            "name": path.name,
+            "size": stat.st_size,
+            "size_str": format_size(stat.st_size),
+            "mtime": datetime.fromtimestamp(stat.st_mtime),
+        }
+
+    result = {
+        "refs": [],
+        "content": [],
+        "summary": {"total_items": 0, "total_size": 0},
+    }
+
+    # Refs
+    if refs_dir.exists():
+        for f in sorted(refs_dir.iterdir()):
+            if f.is_file():
+                info = get_file_info(f)
+                info["cache_id"] = f.name
+                info["cid"] = f.read_text().strip()
+                # Try to determine type from content
+                cid = info["cid"]
+                content_path = content_exists_by_cid(cid)
+                if content_path:
+                    info["content_size"] = content_path.stat().st_size
+                    info["content_size_str"] = format_size(info["content_size"])
+                result["refs"].append(info)
+
+    # Content
+    if content_dir.exists():
+        for subdir in sorted(content_dir.iterdir()):
+            if subdir.is_dir():
+                for f in sorted(subdir.iterdir()):
+                    if f.is_file():
+                        info = get_file_info(f)
+                        info["cid"] = f.name
+                        result["content"].append(info)
+
+    # Summary
+    result["summary"]["total_refs"] = len(result["refs"])
+    result["summary"]["total_content"] = len(result["content"])
+    result["summary"]["total_size"] = sum(i["size"] for i in result["content"])
+    result["summary"]["total_size_str"] = format_size(result["summary"]["total_size"])
+
+    return result
+
+
+def print_cache_listing(verbose: bool = False):
+    """Print cache listing to stdout."""
+    info = list_cache(verbose)
+    cache_dir = get_cache_dir()
+
+    print(f"\nCache directory: {cache_dir}\n")
+
+    # Refs summary
+    if info["refs"]:
+        print(f"=== Refs ({len(info['refs'])}) ===")
+        for ref in info["refs"][:20]:  # Show first 20
+            content_info = f" → {ref.get('content_size_str', '?')}" if 'content_size_str' in ref else ""
+            print(f"  {ref['cache_id'][:16]}... → {ref['cid'][:16]}...{content_info}")
+        if len(info["refs"]) > 20:
+            print(f"  ... and {len(info['refs']) - 20} more")
+        print()
+
+    # Content by type
+    if info["content"]:
+        # Group by first 2 chars (subdirectory)
+        print(f"=== Content ({len(info['content'])} items, {info['summary']['total_size_str']}) ===")
+        for item in info["content"][:20]:
+            print(f"  {item['cid'][:16]}...  {item['size_str']:>8}  {item['mtime'].strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M')}")
+        if len(info["content"]) > 20:
+            print(f"  ... and {len(info['content']) - 20} more")
+        print()
+
+    print(f"=== Summary ===")
+    print(f"  Refs:    {info['summary']['total_refs']}")
+    print(f"  Content: {info['summary']['total_content']} ({info['summary']['total_size_str']})")
+
+    if verbose:
+        print(f"\nTo clear cache: rm -rf {cache_dir}/*")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    import sys
+    verbose = "-v" in sys.argv or "--verbose" in sys.argv
+    print_cache_listing(verbose)
diff --git a/effects/ascii_alternating_rotate.sexp b/effects/ascii_alternating_rotate.sexp
index e437b17..da04a8e 100644
--- a/effects/ascii_alternating_rotate.sexp
+++ b/effects/ascii_alternating_rotate.sexp
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@
       :desc "Number of character columns")
     (rotation_scale :type float :default 60 :range [0 180]
       :desc "Max rotation in degrees")
+    (duration :type float :default 10 :range [1 300]
+      :desc "Clip duration in seconds")
   )
 
   ;; Registry
@@ -29,7 +31,7 @@
   ;; Stage 1: Analysis
   (stage :analyze
     :outputs [energy-data]
-    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration 10)))
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration duration)))
     (def energy-data (-> audio-clip (analyze energy))))
 
   ;; Stage 2: Process
@@ -37,8 +39,8 @@
     :requires [:analyze]
     :inputs [energy-data]
     :outputs [result audio-clip]
-    (def clip (-> video (segment :start 0 :duration 10)))
-    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration 10)))
+    (def clip (-> video (segment :start 0 :duration duration)))
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration duration)))
 
     (def result (-> clip
       (effect ascii_fx_zone
diff --git a/effects/ascii_dual_blend.sexp b/effects/ascii_dual_blend.sexp
index 3502b45..90bec29 100644
--- a/effects/ascii_dual_blend.sexp
+++ b/effects/ascii_dual_blend.sexp
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@
       :desc "Blend opacity (0=video-a only, 1=video-b only)")
     (blend_mode :type string :default "overlay"
       :desc "Blend mode: alpha, add, multiply, screen, overlay, difference")
+    (duration :type float :default 10 :range [1 300]
+      :desc "Clip duration in seconds")
   )
 
   ;; Registry - effects and analyzers
@@ -35,7 +37,7 @@
   ;; Stage 1: Analysis
   (stage :analyze
     :outputs [energy-data]
-    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration 10)))
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration duration)))
     (def energy-data (-> audio-clip (analyze energy))))
 
   ;; Stage 2: Process both videos
@@ -45,10 +47,10 @@
     :outputs [blended audio-clip]
 
     ;; Get audio clip for final mux
-    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration 10)))
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start 60 :duration duration)))
 
     ;; Process video A with ASCII effect
-    (def clip-a (-> video-a (segment :start 0 :duration 10)))
+    (def clip-a (-> video-a (segment :start 0 :duration duration)))
     (def ascii-a (-> clip-a
       (effect ascii_fx_zone
         :cols cols
@@ -66,7 +68,7 @@
                             (- 1 (get zone "row-norm")))))))))))
 
     ;; Process video B with ASCII effect
-    (def clip-b (-> video-b (segment :start 0 :duration 10)))
+    (def clip-b (-> video-b (segment :start 0 :duration duration)))
     (def ascii-b (-> clip-b
       (effect ascii_fx_zone
         :cols cols
diff --git a/effects/quick_test.sexp b/effects/quick_test.sexp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dacfc97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects/quick_test.sexp
@@ -0,0 +1,178 @@
+;; Quick Test Recipe
+;;
+;; Cycles between three video pairs (monday, duel, ecstacy) with smooth zoom-based crossfade.
+;; Each pair is two copies of the same source with opposite rotations.
+;; Each pair rotates in its own direction (per-pair rotation via template).
+;; Cycle: active pair plays -> crossfade -> new pair plays -> advance and repeat.
+;; Ripple drops on the final combined output only.
+
+(recipe "quick_test"
+  :version "1.0"
+  :description "Cycling crossfade between three video pairs"
+  :minimal-primitives true
+  :encoding (:codec "libx264" :crf 23 :preset "ultrafast" :audio-codec "aac" :fps 30)
+
+  :params (
+    (audio_start :type float :default 60 :range [0 300]
+      :desc "Audio start time in seconds")
+    (audio_duration :type float :default nil
+      :desc "Audio duration (nil = full remaining)")
+    (blend_opacity :type float :default 0.5 :range [0 1]
+      :desc "Blend opacity within each pair")
+    (seed :type int :default 42 :desc "Master random seed")
+  )
+
+  ;; Registry
+  (effect rotate :path "../sexp_effects/effects/rotate.sexp")
+  (effect zoom :path "../sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp")
+  (effect blend :path "../sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp")
+  (effect invert :path "../sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp")
+  (effect hue_shift :path "../sexp_effects/effects/hue_shift.sexp")
+  (effect ascii_art :path "../sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp")
+  (effect ripple :path "../sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp")
+  (effect blend_multi :path "../sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp")
+  (analyzer energy :path "../../artdag-analyzers/energy/analyzer.py")
+  (analyzer beats :path "../../artdag-analyzers/beats/analyzer.py")
+
+  ;; Sources
+
+  (def video-1 (source :path "../1.mp4"))
+  (def video-2 (source :path "../2.webm"))
+  (def video-4 (source :path "../4.mp4"))
+  (def video-5 (source :path "../5.mp4"))
+  (def video-a (source :path "../monday.webm"))
+  (def video-b (source :path "../escher.webm"))
+  (def video-c (source :path "../dopple.webm"))
+  (def video-d (source :path "../disruptors.webm"))
+  (def video-e (source :path "../ecstacy.mp4"))
+  (def audio (source :path "../dizzy.mp3"))
+
+  ;; Templates: reusable video-pair processor and cycle-crossfade
+  (include :path "../templates/process-pair.sexp")
+  (include :path "../templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp")
+
+  ;; Unified RNG: auto-derives unique seeds for all scans
+  (def rng (make-rng seed))
+
+  ;; Stage 1: Analysis - energy, beats, and global-level scans
+  (stage :analyze
+    :outputs [energy-data beat-data whole-spin
+              ripple-gate ripple-cx ripple-cy]
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start audio_start :duration audio_duration)))
+    (def energy-data (-> audio-clip (analyze energy)))
+    (def beat-data (-> audio-clip (analyze beats)))
+
+    ;; --- Whole-video continuous spin: cumulative rotation that reverses direction periodically ---
+    (def whole-spin (scan beat-data :rng rng
+      :init (dict :beat 0 :clen 25 :dir 1 :angle 0)
+      :step (if (< (+ beat 1) clen)
+              (dict :beat (+ beat 1) :clen clen :dir dir
+                    :angle (+ angle (* dir (/ 360 clen))))
+              (dict :beat 0 :clen (rand-int 20 30) :dir (* dir -1)
+                    :angle angle))
+      :emit angle))
+
+    ;; --- Ripple drops on final output ---
+    (def ripple (scan beat-data :rng rng
+      :init (dict :rem 0 :cx 0.5 :cy 0.5)
+      :step (if (> rem 0)
+                (dict :rem (- rem 1) :cx cx :cy cy)
+                (if (< (rand) 0.05)
+                    (dict :rem (rand-int 1 20) :cx (rand-range 0.1 0.9) :cy (rand-range 0.1 0.9))
+                    (dict :rem 0 :cx 0.5 :cy 0.5)))
+      :emit {:gate (if (> rem 0) 1 0) :cx cx :cy cy})))
+
+  ;; Stage 2: Process videos via template
+  ;; Per-pair scans (inv/hue/ascii triggers, pair-mix, pair-rot) are now
+  ;; defined inside the process-pair template using seed offsets.
+  (stage :process
+    :requires [:analyze]
+    :inputs [energy-data beat-data whole-spin
+             ripple-gate ripple-cx ripple-cy]
+    :outputs [final-video audio-clip]
+
+    ;; Re-segment audio for final mux
+    (def audio-clip (-> audio (segment :start audio_start :duration audio_duration)))
+
+    ;; --- Process each pair via template ---
+
+
+    
+
+    (def monday-blend (process-pair
+      :video video-a :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir -1
+      :rot-a [0 45] :rot-b [0 -45]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.5] :zoom-b [1 0.5]))
+    
+    
+    
+    (def escher-blend (process-pair
+      :video video-b :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir 1
+      :rot-a [0 45] :rot-b [0 -45]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.5] :zoom-b [1 0.5]))
+
+    (def duel-blend (process-pair
+      :video video-d :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir -1
+      :rot-a [0 -45] :rot-b [0 45]
+      :zoom-a [1 0.5] :zoom-b [1 1.5]))
+
+    (def blend-2 (process-pair
+      :video video-2 :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir 1
+      :rot-a [0 45] :rot-b [0 -45]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.5] :zoom-b [1 0.5]))
+    
+    
+    
+    (def dopple-blend (process-pair
+      :video video-c :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir -1
+      :rot-a [0 -45] :rot-b [0 45]
+      :zoom-a [1 0.5] :zoom-b [1 1.5]))
+
+    (def blend-4 (process-pair
+      :video video-4 :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir -1
+      :rot-a [0 45] :rot-b [0 -45]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.5] :zoom-b [1 0.5]))
+    
+    
+
+    (def ext-blend (process-pair
+      :video video-e :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir 1
+      :rot-a [0 30] :rot-b [0 -30]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.3] :zoom-b [1 0.7]))
+
+    (def blend-5 (process-pair
+      :video video-5 :energy energy-data :beat-data beat-data
+      :rng rng :rot-dir 1
+      :rot-a [0 45] :rot-b [0 -45]
+      :zoom-a [1 1.5] :zoom-b [1 0.5]))
+    
+    ;; --- Cycle zoom + crossfade via template ---
+
+    (def combined (cycle-crossfade
+      :beat-data beat-data
+      :input-videos [monday-blend escher-blend blend-2 duel-blend blend-4 ext-blend dopple-blend blend-5]
+      :init-clen 60))
+
+    ;; --- Final output: sporadic spin + ripple ---
+    (def final-video (-> combined
+      (effect rotate :angle (bind whole-spin values))
+      (effect ripple
+        :amplitude (* (bind ripple-gate values) (bind energy-data values :range [5 50]))
+        :center_x (bind ripple-cx values)
+        :center_y (bind ripple-cy values)
+        :frequency 8
+        :decay 2
+        :speed 5))))
+
+  ;; Stage 3: Output
+  (stage :output
+    :requires [:process]
+    :inputs [final-video audio-clip]
+    (mux final-video audio-clip)))
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp
index a2237e1..5565872 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art.sexp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ;; ASCII Art effect - converts image to ASCII characters
+(require-primitives "ascii")
 
 (define-effect ascii_art
   :params (
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art_fx.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art_fx.sexp
index 724d37f..2bb14be 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art_fx.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_art_fx.sexp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ;; ASCII Art FX - converts image to ASCII characters with per-character effects
+(require-primitives "ascii")
 
 (define-effect ascii_art_fx
   :params (
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_zones.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_zones.sexp
index 245900f..6bc441c 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_zones.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/ascii_zones.sexp
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 ;; ASCII Zones effect - different character sets for different brightness zones
 ;; Dark areas use simple chars, mid uses standard, bright uses blocks
+(require-primitives "ascii")
 
 (define-effect ascii_zones
   :params (
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp
index 893c49e..ba5296d 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/blend.sexp
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
     (opacity :type float :default 0.5)
     (resize_mode :type string :default "fit")
     (priority :type string :default "width")
-    (pad_color :type list :default [0 0 0])
+    (pad_color :type list :default (quote [0 0 0]))
   )
   (let [a frame-a
         a-w (width a)
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ece540e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/blend_multi.sexp
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+;; N-way weighted blend effect
+;;
+;; Takes N input frames via `inputs` and N per-frame weights.
+;; Produces a single frame: the normalised weighted composite.
+;;
+;; Parameters:
+;;   weights     - list of N floats, one per input (resolved per-frame)
+;;   mode        - blend mode applied when folding each frame in:
+;;                   "alpha"       — pure weighted average (default)
+;;                   "multiply"    — darken by multiplication
+;;                   "screen"      — lighten (inverse multiply)
+;;                   "overlay"     — contrast-boosting midtone blend
+;;                   "soft-light"  — gentle dodge/burn
+;;                   "hard-light"  — strong dodge/burn
+;;                   "color-dodge" — brightens towards white
+;;                   "color-burn"  — darkens towards black
+;;                   "difference"  — absolute pixel difference
+;;                   "exclusion"   — softer difference
+;;                   "add"         — additive (clamped)
+;;                   "subtract"    — subtractive (clamped)
+;;                   "darken"      — per-pixel minimum
+;;                   "lighten"     — per-pixel maximum
+;;   resize_mode - how to match frame dimensions (fit, crop, stretch)
+;;
+;; Uses a left-fold over inputs[1..N-1].  At each step the running
+;; opacity is:  w[i] / (w[0] + w[1] + ... + w[i])
+;; which produces the correct normalised weighted result.
+
+(require-primitives "image" "blending")
+
+(define-effect blend_multi
+  :params (
+    (weights :type list :default (quote []))
+    (mode :type string :default "alpha")
+    (resize_mode :type string :default "fit")
+  )
+  (let [n (len inputs)
+        ;; Target dimensions from first frame
+        target-w (width (nth inputs 0))
+        target-h (height (nth inputs 0))
+        ;; Fold over indices 1..n-1
+        ;; Accumulator is (list blended-frame running-weight-sum)
+        seed (list (nth inputs 0) (nth weights 0))
+        result (reduce (range 1 n) seed
+                 (lambda (pair i)
+                   (let [acc (nth pair 0)
+                         running (nth pair 1)
+                         w (nth weights i)
+                         new-running (+ running w)
+                         opacity (/ w (max new-running 0.001))
+                         f (resize (nth inputs i) target-w target-h "linear")
+                         ;; Apply blend mode then mix with opacity
+                         blended (if (= mode "alpha")
+                                   (blend-images acc f opacity)
+                                   (blend-images acc (blend-mode acc f mode) opacity))]
+                     (list blended new-running))))]
+    (nth result 0)))
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp
index b152a5c..8fd6b81 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/invert.sexp
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 ;; Invert effect - inverts all colors
 ;; Uses vectorized invert-img primitive for fast processing
+;; amount param: 0 = no invert, 1 = full invert (threshold at 0.5)
 
 (require-primitives "color_ops")
 
 (define-effect invert
-  :params ()
-  (invert-img frame))
+  :params ((amount :type float :default 1 :range [0 1]))
+  (if (> amount 0.5) (invert-img frame) frame))
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp
index aac278f..9d54789 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/ripple.sexp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ;; Ripple effect - radial wave distortion from center
+(require-primitives "geometry" "image" "math")
 
 (define-effect ripple
   :params (
diff --git a/sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp b/sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp
index a3d8902..0e94234 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp
+++ b/sexp_effects/effects/zoom.sexp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 ;; Zoom effect - zooms in/out from center
+(require-primitives "geometry")
 
 (define-effect zoom
   :params (
diff --git a/sexp_effects/interpreter.py b/sexp_effects/interpreter.py
index c647474..830904a 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/interpreter.py
+++ b/sexp_effects/interpreter.py
@@ -793,6 +793,35 @@ class Interpreter:
             return list(self.effects.values())[-1]
         return None
 
+    def load_effect_from_string(self, sexp_content: str, effect_name: str = None) -> EffectDefinition:
+        """Load an effect definition from an S-expression string.
+
+        Args:
+            sexp_content: The S-expression content as a string
+            effect_name: Optional name hint (used if effect doesn't define its own name)
+
+        Returns:
+            The loaded EffectDefinition
+        """
+        expr = parse(sexp_content)
+
+        # Handle multiple top-level expressions
+        if isinstance(expr, list) and expr and isinstance(expr[0], list):
+            for e in expr:
+                self.eval(e)
+        else:
+            self.eval(expr)
+
+        # Return the effect if we can find it by name
+        if effect_name and effect_name in self.effects:
+            return self.effects[effect_name]
+
+        # Return the most recently loaded effect
+        if self.effects:
+            return list(self.effects.values())[-1]
+
+        return None
+
     def run_effect(self, name: str, frame, params: Dict[str, Any],
                    state: Dict[str, Any]) -> tuple:
         """
diff --git a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/ascii.py b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/ascii.py
index 75625ed..858f010 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/ascii.py
+++ b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/ascii.py
@@ -51,22 +51,22 @@ def _parse_color(color_str: str) -> tuple:
 
 
 def _cell_sample(frame: np.ndarray, cell_size: int):
-    """Sample frame into cells, returning colors and luminances."""
+    """Sample frame into cells, returning colors and luminances.
+
+    Uses cv2.resize with INTER_AREA (pixel-area averaging) which is
+    ~25x faster than numpy reshape+mean for block downsampling.
+    """
     h, w = frame.shape[:2]
     rows = h // cell_size
     cols = w // cell_size
 
-    colors = np.zeros((rows, cols, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
-    luminances = np.zeros((rows, cols), dtype=np.float32)
+    # Crop to exact grid then block-average via cv2 area interpolation.
+    cropped = frame[:rows * cell_size, :cols * cell_size]
+    colors = cv2.resize(cropped, (cols, rows), interpolation=cv2.INTER_AREA)
 
-    for r in range(rows):
-        for c in range(cols):
-            y1, y2 = r * cell_size, (r + 1) * cell_size
-            x1, x2 = c * cell_size, (c + 1) * cell_size
-            cell = frame[y1:y2, x1:x2]
-            avg_color = np.mean(cell, axis=(0, 1))
-            colors[r, c] = avg_color.astype(np.uint8)
-            luminances[r, c] = (0.299 * avg_color[0] + 0.587 * avg_color[1] + 0.114 * avg_color[2]) / 255
+    luminances = ((0.299 * colors[:, :, 0] +
+                    0.587 * colors[:, :, 1] +
+                    0.114 * colors[:, :, 2]) / 255.0).astype(np.float32)
 
     return colors, luminances
 
@@ -303,9 +303,35 @@ def _apply_cell_effect(cell_img, zone, cell_effect, interp, env, extra_params):
             cell_env.set(cell_effect.params[1], zone)
 
         result = interp.eval(cell_effect.body, cell_env)
-    else:
-        # Fallback: it might be a callable
+    elif isinstance(cell_effect, list):
+        # Raw S-expression lambda like (lambda [cell zone] body) or (fn [cell zone] body)
+        # Check if it's a lambda expression
+        head = cell_effect[0] if cell_effect else None
+        head_name = head.name if head and hasattr(head, 'name') else str(head) if head else None
+        is_lambda = head_name in ('lambda', 'fn')
+
+        if is_lambda:
+            # (lambda [params...] body)
+            params = cell_effect[1] if len(cell_effect) > 1 else []
+            body = cell_effect[2] if len(cell_effect) > 2 else None
+
+            # Bind lambda parameters
+            if isinstance(params, list) and len(params) >= 1:
+                param_name = params[0].name if hasattr(params[0], 'name') else str(params[0])
+                cell_env.set(param_name, cell_img)
+            if isinstance(params, list) and len(params) >= 2:
+                param_name = params[1].name if hasattr(params[1], 'name') else str(params[1])
+                cell_env.set(param_name, zone)
+
+            result = interp.eval(body, cell_env) if body else cell_img
+        else:
+            # Some other expression - just evaluate it
+            result = interp.eval(cell_effect, cell_env)
+    elif callable(cell_effect):
+        # It's a callable
         result = cell_effect(cell_img, zone)
+    else:
+        raise ValueError(f"cell_effect must be a Lambda, list, or callable, got {type(cell_effect)}")
 
     if isinstance(result, np.ndarray) and result.shape == cell_img.shape:
         return result
@@ -317,6 +343,46 @@ def _apply_cell_effect(cell_img, zone, cell_effect, interp, env, extra_params):
     raise ValueError(f"cell_effect must return an image array, got {type(result)}")
 
 
+def _get_legacy_ascii_primitives():
+    """Import ASCII primitives from legacy primitives module.
+
+    These are loaded lazily to avoid import issues during module loading.
+    By the time a primitive library is loaded, sexp_effects.primitives
+    is already in sys.modules (imported by sexp_effects.__init__).
+    """
+    from sexp_effects.primitives import (
+        prim_cell_sample,
+        prim_luminance_to_chars,
+        prim_render_char_grid,
+        prim_render_char_grid_fx,
+        prim_alphabet_char,
+        prim_alphabet_length,
+        prim_map_char_grid,
+        prim_map_colors,
+        prim_make_char_grid,
+        prim_set_char,
+        prim_get_char,
+        prim_char_grid_dimensions,
+        cell_sample_extended,
+    )
+    return {
+        'cell-sample': prim_cell_sample,
+        'cell-sample-extended': cell_sample_extended,
+        'luminance-to-chars': prim_luminance_to_chars,
+        'render-char-grid': prim_render_char_grid,
+        'render-char-grid-fx': prim_render_char_grid_fx,
+        'alphabet-char': prim_alphabet_char,
+        'alphabet-length': prim_alphabet_length,
+        'map-char-grid': prim_map_char_grid,
+        'map-colors': prim_map_colors,
+        'make-char-grid': prim_make_char_grid,
+        'set-char': prim_set_char,
+        'get-char': prim_get_char,
+        'char-grid-dimensions': prim_char_grid_dimensions,
+    }
+
+
 PRIMITIVES = {
     'ascii-fx-zone': prim_ascii_fx_zone,
+    **_get_legacy_ascii_primitives(),
 }
diff --git a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/core.py b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/core.py
index 9ac2a64..3220e5e 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/core.py
+++ b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/core.py
@@ -39,6 +39,32 @@ def prim_mod(a, b):
     return a % b
 
 
+def prim_abs(x):
+    return abs(x)
+
+
+def prim_min(*args):
+    return min(args)
+
+
+def prim_max(*args):
+    return max(args)
+
+
+def prim_round(x):
+    return round(x)
+
+
+def prim_floor(x):
+    import math
+    return math.floor(x)
+
+
+def prim_ceil(x):
+    import math
+    return math.ceil(x)
+
+
 # Comparison
 def prim_lt(a, b):
     return a < b
@@ -98,6 +124,17 @@ def prim_get(obj, key, default=None):
     return default
 
 
+def prim_nth(seq, i):
+    i = int(i)
+    if 0 <= i < len(seq):
+        return seq[i]
+    return None
+
+
+def prim_first(seq):
+    return seq[0] if seq else None
+
+
 def prim_length(seq):
     return len(seq)
 
@@ -127,6 +164,31 @@ def prim_is_nil(x):
     return x is None
 
 
+# Higher-order / iteration
+def prim_reduce(seq, init, fn):
+    """(reduce seq init fn) — fold left: fn(fn(fn(init, s0), s1), s2) ..."""
+    acc = init
+    for item in seq:
+        acc = fn(acc, item)
+    return acc
+
+
+def prim_map(seq, fn):
+    """(map seq fn) — apply fn to each element, return new list."""
+    return [fn(item) for item in seq]
+
+
+def prim_range(*args):
+    """(range end), (range start end), or (range start end step) — integer range."""
+    if len(args) == 1:
+        return list(range(int(args[0])))
+    elif len(args) == 2:
+        return list(range(int(args[0]), int(args[1])))
+    elif len(args) >= 3:
+        return list(range(int(args[0]), int(args[1]), int(args[2])))
+    return []
+
+
 # Core primitives dict
 PRIMITIVES = {
     # Arithmetic
@@ -135,6 +197,12 @@ PRIMITIVES = {
     '*': prim_mul,
     '/': prim_div,
     'mod': prim_mod,
+    'abs': prim_abs,
+    'min': prim_min,
+    'max': prim_max,
+    'round': prim_round,
+    'floor': prim_floor,
+    'ceil': prim_ceil,
 
     # Comparison
     '<': prim_lt,
@@ -151,6 +219,8 @@ PRIMITIVES = {
 
     # Data access
     'get': prim_get,
+    'nth': prim_nth,
+    'first': prim_first,
     'length': prim_length,
     'len': prim_length,
     'list': prim_list,
@@ -161,4 +231,10 @@ PRIMITIVES = {
     'list?': prim_is_list,
     'dict?': prim_is_dict,
     'nil?': prim_is_nil,
+
+    # Higher-order / iteration
+    'reduce': prim_reduce,
+    'fold': prim_reduce,
+    'map': prim_map,
+    'range': prim_range,
 }
diff --git a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/geometry.py b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/geometry.py
index 60b0636..5b385a4 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/geometry.py
+++ b/sexp_effects/primitive_libs/geometry.py
@@ -100,6 +100,24 @@ def prim_affine(img, src_pts, dst_pts):
     return cv2.warpAffine(img, M, (w, h))
 
 
+def _get_legacy_geometry_primitives():
+    """Import geometry primitives from legacy primitives module."""
+    from sexp_effects.primitives import (
+        prim_coords_x,
+        prim_coords_y,
+        prim_ripple_displace,
+        prim_fisheye_displace,
+        prim_kaleidoscope_displace,
+    )
+    return {
+        'coords-x': prim_coords_x,
+        'coords-y': prim_coords_y,
+        'ripple-displace': prim_ripple_displace,
+        'fisheye-displace': prim_fisheye_displace,
+        'kaleidoscope-displace': prim_kaleidoscope_displace,
+    }
+
+
 PRIMITIVES = {
     # Basic transforms
     'translate': prim_translate,
@@ -119,4 +137,7 @@ PRIMITIVES = {
     # Advanced transforms
     'perspective': prim_perspective,
     'affine': prim_affine,
+
+    # Displace / coordinate ops (from legacy primitives)
+    **_get_legacy_geometry_primitives(),
 }
diff --git a/sexp_effects/primitives.py b/sexp_effects/primitives.py
index 64cbff8..8bdca5c 100644
--- a/sexp_effects/primitives.py
+++ b/sexp_effects/primitives.py
@@ -1444,42 +1444,80 @@ CHAR_ALPHABETS = {
     "digits": " 0123456789",
 }
 
-# Global atlas cache
+# Global atlas cache: keyed on (frozenset(chars), cell_size) ->
+# (atlas_array, char_to_idx) where atlas_array is (N, cell_size, cell_size) uint8.
 _char_atlas_cache = {}
+_CHAR_ATLAS_CACHE_MAX = 32
 
 
 def _get_char_atlas(alphabet: str, cell_size: int) -> dict:
-    """Get or create character atlas for alphabet."""
-    cache_key = f"{alphabet}_{cell_size}"
-    if cache_key in _char_atlas_cache:
-        return _char_atlas_cache[cache_key]
+    """Get or create character atlas for alphabet (legacy dict version)."""
+    atlas_arr, char_to_idx = _get_render_atlas(alphabet, cell_size)
+    # Build legacy dict from array
+    idx_to_char = {v: k for k, v in char_to_idx.items()}
+    return {idx_to_char[i]: atlas_arr[i] for i in range(len(atlas_arr))}
+
+
+def _get_render_atlas(unique_chars_or_alphabet, cell_size: int):
+    """Get or build a stacked numpy atlas for vectorised rendering.
+
+    Args:
+        unique_chars_or_alphabet: Either an alphabet name (str looked up in
+            CHAR_ALPHABETS), a literal character string, or a set/frozenset
+            of characters.
+        cell_size: Pixel size of each cell.
+
+    Returns:
+        (atlas_array, char_to_idx) where
+            atlas_array: (num_chars, cell_size, cell_size) uint8 masks
+            char_to_idx: dict mapping character -> index in atlas_array
+    """
+    if isinstance(unique_chars_or_alphabet, (set, frozenset)):
+        chars_tuple = tuple(sorted(unique_chars_or_alphabet))
+    else:
+        resolved = CHAR_ALPHABETS.get(unique_chars_or_alphabet, unique_chars_or_alphabet)
+        chars_tuple = tuple(resolved)
+
+    cache_key = (chars_tuple, cell_size)
+    cached = _char_atlas_cache.get(cache_key)
+    if cached is not None:
+        return cached
 
-    chars = CHAR_ALPHABETS.get(alphabet, alphabet)  # Use as literal if not found
     font = cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_SIMPLEX
     font_scale = cell_size / 20.0
     thickness = max(1, int(cell_size / 10))
 
-    atlas = {}
-    for char in chars:
-        char_img = np.zeros((cell_size, cell_size), dtype=np.uint8)
-        if char != ' ':
+    n = len(chars_tuple)
+    atlas = np.zeros((n, cell_size, cell_size), dtype=np.uint8)
+    char_to_idx = {}
+
+    for i, char in enumerate(chars_tuple):
+        char_to_idx[char] = i
+        if char and char != ' ':
             try:
-                (text_w, text_h), baseline = cv2.getTextSize(char, font, font_scale, thickness)
+                (text_w, text_h), _ = cv2.getTextSize(char, font, font_scale, thickness)
                 text_x = max(0, (cell_size - text_w) // 2)
                 text_y = (cell_size + text_h) // 2
-                cv2.putText(char_img, char, (text_x, text_y), font, font_scale, 255, thickness, cv2.LINE_AA)
-            except:
+                cv2.putText(atlas[i], char, (text_x, text_y),
+                            font, font_scale, 255, thickness, cv2.LINE_AA)
+            except Exception:
                 pass
-        atlas[char] = char_img
 
-    _char_atlas_cache[cache_key] = atlas
-    return atlas
+    # Evict oldest entry if cache is full
+    if len(_char_atlas_cache) >= _CHAR_ATLAS_CACHE_MAX:
+        _char_atlas_cache.pop(next(iter(_char_atlas_cache)))
+
+    _char_atlas_cache[cache_key] = (atlas, char_to_idx)
+    return atlas, char_to_idx
 
 
 def prim_cell_sample(img: np.ndarray, cell_size: int) -> Tuple[np.ndarray, np.ndarray]:
     """
     Sample image into cell grid, returning average colors and luminances.
 
+    Uses cv2.resize with INTER_AREA (pixel-area averaging) which is
+    ~25x faster than numpy reshape+mean for block downsampling.
+
     Args:
         img: source image
         cell_size: size of each cell in pixels
@@ -1497,13 +1535,10 @@ def prim_cell_sample(img: np.ndarray, cell_size: int) -> Tuple[np.ndarray, np.nd
         return (np.zeros((1, 1, 3), dtype=np.uint8),
                 np.zeros((1, 1), dtype=np.float32))
 
-    # Crop to grid
+    # Crop to exact grid then block-average via cv2 area interpolation.
     grid_h, grid_w = rows * cell_size, cols * cell_size
     cropped = img[:grid_h, :grid_w]
-
-    # Reshape and average
-    reshaped = cropped.reshape(rows, cell_size, cols, cell_size, 3)
-    colors = reshaped.mean(axis=(1, 3)).astype(np.uint8)
+    colors = cv2.resize(cropped, (cols, rows), interpolation=cv2.INTER_AREA)
 
     # Compute luminance
     luminances = (0.299 * colors[:, :, 0] +
@@ -1628,16 +1663,11 @@ def prim_luminance_to_chars(luminances: np.ndarray, alphabet: str, contrast: flo
     indices = ((lum / 255) * (num_chars - 1)).astype(np.int32)
     indices = np.clip(indices, 0, num_chars - 1)
 
-    # Convert to character array
-    rows, cols = indices.shape
-    result = []
-    for r in range(rows):
-        row = []
-        for c in range(cols):
-            row.append(chars[indices[r, c]])
-        result.append(row)
+    # Vectorised conversion via numpy char array lookup
+    chars_arr = np.array(list(chars))
+    char_grid = chars_arr[indices.ravel()].reshape(indices.shape)
 
-    return result
+    return char_grid.tolist()
 
 
 def prim_render_char_grid(img: np.ndarray, chars: List[List[str]], colors: np.ndarray,
@@ -1647,6 +1677,10 @@ def prim_render_char_grid(img: np.ndarray, chars: List[List[str]], colors: np.nd
     """
     Render a grid of characters onto an image.
 
+    Uses vectorised numpy operations instead of per-cell Python loops:
+    the character atlas is looked up via fancy indexing and the full
+    mask + colour image are assembled in bulk.
+
     Args:
         img: source image (for dimensions)
         chars: 2D list of single characters
@@ -1664,12 +1698,11 @@ def prim_render_char_grid(img: np.ndarray, chars: List[List[str]], colors: np.nd
 
     # Parse background_color
     if isinstance(background_color, (list, tuple)):
-        # Legacy: accept RGB list
         bg_color = tuple(int(c) for c in background_color[:3])
     else:
         bg_color = parse_color(background_color)
         if bg_color is None:
-            bg_color = (0, 0, 0)  # Default to black
+            bg_color = (0, 0, 0)
 
     # Handle invert_colors - swap fg and bg
     if invert_colors and fg_color is not None:
@@ -1686,58 +1719,66 @@ def prim_render_char_grid(img: np.ndarray, chars: List[List[str]], colors: np.nd
 
     bg = list(bg_color)
 
-    result = np.full((h, w, 3), bg, dtype=np.uint8)
-
-    # Collect all unique characters to build minimal atlas
+    # --- Build atlas & index grid ---
     unique_chars = set()
     for row in chars:
         for ch in row:
             unique_chars.add(ch)
 
-    # Build atlas for unique chars
-    font = cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_SIMPLEX
-    font_scale = cell_size / 20.0
-    thickness = max(1, int(cell_size / 10))
+    atlas, char_to_idx = _get_render_atlas(unique_chars, cell_size)
 
-    atlas = {}
-    for char in unique_chars:
-        char_img = np.zeros((cell_size, cell_size), dtype=np.uint8)
-        if char and char != ' ':
-            try:
-                (text_w, text_h), _ = cv2.getTextSize(char, font, font_scale, thickness)
-                text_x = max(0, (cell_size - text_w) // 2)
-                text_y = (cell_size + text_h) // 2
-                cv2.putText(char_img, char, (text_x, text_y), font, font_scale, 255, thickness, cv2.LINE_AA)
-            except:
-                pass
-        atlas[char] = char_img
+    # Convert 2D char list to index array using ordinal lookup table
+    # (avoids per-cell Python dict lookup).
+    space_idx = char_to_idx.get(' ', 0)
+    max_ord = max(ord(ch) for ch in char_to_idx) + 1
+    ord_lookup = np.full(max_ord, space_idx, dtype=np.int32)
+    for ch, idx in char_to_idx.items():
+        if ch:
+            ord_lookup[ord(ch)] = idx
 
-    # Render characters
-    for r in range(rows):
-        for c in range(cols):
-            char = chars[r][c]
-            if not char or char == ' ':
-                continue
+    flat = [ch for row in chars for ch in row]
+    ords = np.frombuffer(np.array(flat, dtype='U1'), dtype=np.uint32)
+    char_indices = ord_lookup[ords].reshape(rows, cols)
 
-            y1, x1 = r * cell_size, c * cell_size
-            char_mask = atlas.get(char)
+    # --- Vectorised mask assembly ---
+    # atlas[char_indices] -> (rows, cols, cell_size, cell_size)
+    # Transpose to (rows, cell_size, cols, cell_size) then reshape to full image.
+    all_masks = atlas[char_indices]
+    full_mask = all_masks.transpose(0, 2, 1, 3).reshape(h, w)
 
-            if char_mask is None:
-                continue
+    # Expand per-cell colours to per-pixel (only when needed).
+    need_color_full = (color_mode in ("color", "invert")
+                       or (fg_color is None and color_mode != "mono"))
 
-            if fg_color is not None:
-                # Use fixed color (named color or hex value)
-                color = np.array(fg_color, dtype=np.uint8)
-            elif color_mode == "mono":
-                color = np.array([255, 255, 255], dtype=np.uint8)
-            elif color_mode == "invert":
-                result[y1:y1+cell_size, x1:x1+cell_size] = colors[r, c]
-                color = np.array([0, 0, 0], dtype=np.uint8)
-            else:  # color
-                color = colors[r, c]
+    if need_color_full:
+        color_full = np.repeat(
+            np.repeat(colors[:rows, :cols], cell_size, axis=0),
+            cell_size, axis=1)
 
-            mask = char_mask > 0
-            result[y1:y1+cell_size, x1:x1+cell_size][mask] = color
+    # --- Vectorised colour composite ---
+    # Use element-wise multiply/np.where instead of boolean-indexed scatter
+    # for much better memory access patterns.
+    mask_u8 = (full_mask > 0).astype(np.uint8)[:, :, np.newaxis]
+
+    if color_mode == "invert":
+        # Background is source colour; characters are black.
+        # result = color_full * (1 - mask)
+        result = color_full * (1 - mask_u8)
+    elif fg_color is not None:
+        # Fixed foreground colour on background.
+        fg = np.array(fg_color, dtype=np.uint8)
+        bg_arr = np.array(bg, dtype=np.uint8)
+        result = np.where(mask_u8, fg, bg_arr).astype(np.uint8)
+    elif color_mode == "mono":
+        bg_arr = np.array(bg, dtype=np.uint8)
+        result = np.where(mask_u8, np.uint8(255), bg_arr).astype(np.uint8)
+    else:
+        # "color" mode – each cell uses its source colour on bg.
+        if bg == [0, 0, 0]:
+            result = color_full * mask_u8
+        else:
+            bg_arr = np.array(bg, dtype=np.uint8)
+            result = np.where(mask_u8, color_full, bg_arr).astype(np.uint8)
 
     # Resize to match original if needed
     orig_h, orig_w = img.shape[:2]
diff --git a/streaming/__init__.py b/streaming/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c007cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+"""
+Streaming video compositor for real-time effect processing.
+
+This module provides a frame-by-frame streaming architecture that:
+- Reads from multiple video sources with automatic looping
+- Applies effects inline (no intermediate files)
+- Composites layers with time-varying weights
+- Outputs to display, file, or stream
+
+Usage:
+    from streaming import StreamingCompositor, VideoSource, AudioAnalyzer
+
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=["video1.mp4", "video2.mp4"],
+        effects_per_source=[...],
+        compositor_config={...},
+    )
+
+    # With live audio
+    audio = AudioAnalyzer(device=0)
+    compositor.run(output="output.mp4", duration=60, audio=audio)
+
+    # With preview window
+    compositor.run(output="preview", duration=60)
+
+Backends:
+    - numpy: Works everywhere, ~3-5 fps (default)
+    - glsl: Requires GPU, 30+ fps real-time (future)
+"""
+
+from .sources import VideoSource, ImageSource
+from .compositor import StreamingCompositor
+from .backends import NumpyBackend, get_backend
+from .output import DisplayOutput, FileOutput
+
+__all__ = [
+    "StreamingCompositor",
+    "VideoSource",
+    "ImageSource",
+    "NumpyBackend",
+    "get_backend",
+    "DisplayOutput",
+    "FileOutput",
+]
diff --git a/streaming/audio.py b/streaming/audio.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d20937
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/audio.py
@@ -0,0 +1,486 @@
+"""
+Live audio analysis for reactive effects.
+
+Provides real-time audio features:
+- Energy (RMS amplitude)
+- Beat detection
+- Frequency bands (bass, mid, high)
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+from typing import Optional
+import threading
+import time
+
+
+class AudioAnalyzer:
+    """
+    Real-time audio analyzer using sounddevice.
+
+    Captures audio from microphone/line-in and computes
+    features in real-time for effect parameter bindings.
+
+    Example:
+        analyzer = AudioAnalyzer(device=0)
+        analyzer.start()
+
+        # In compositor loop:
+        energy = analyzer.get_energy()
+        beat = analyzer.get_beat()
+
+        analyzer.stop()
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        device: int = None,
+        sample_rate: int = 44100,
+        block_size: int = 1024,
+        buffer_seconds: float = 0.5,
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize audio analyzer.
+
+        Args:
+            device: Audio input device index (None = default)
+            sample_rate: Audio sample rate
+            block_size: Samples per block
+            buffer_seconds: Ring buffer duration
+        """
+        self.sample_rate = sample_rate
+        self.block_size = block_size
+        self.device = device
+
+        # Ring buffer for recent audio
+        buffer_size = int(sample_rate * buffer_seconds)
+        self._buffer = np.zeros(buffer_size, dtype=np.float32)
+        self._buffer_pos = 0
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+        # Beat detection state
+        self._last_energy = 0
+        self._energy_history = []
+        self._last_beat_time = 0
+        self._beat_threshold = 1.5  # Energy ratio for beat detection
+        self._min_beat_interval = 0.1  # Min seconds between beats
+
+        # Stream state
+        self._stream = None
+        self._running = False
+
+    def _audio_callback(self, indata, frames, time_info, status):
+        """Called by sounddevice for each audio block."""
+        with self._lock:
+            # Add to ring buffer
+            data = indata[:, 0] if len(indata.shape) > 1 else indata
+            n = len(data)
+            if self._buffer_pos + n <= len(self._buffer):
+                self._buffer[self._buffer_pos:self._buffer_pos + n] = data
+            else:
+                # Wrap around
+                first = len(self._buffer) - self._buffer_pos
+                self._buffer[self._buffer_pos:] = data[:first]
+                self._buffer[:n - first] = data[first:]
+            self._buffer_pos = (self._buffer_pos + n) % len(self._buffer)
+
+    def start(self):
+        """Start audio capture."""
+        try:
+            import sounddevice as sd
+        except ImportError:
+            print("Warning: sounddevice not installed. Audio analysis disabled.")
+            print("Install with: pip install sounddevice")
+            return
+
+        self._stream = sd.InputStream(
+            device=self.device,
+            channels=1,
+            samplerate=self.sample_rate,
+            blocksize=self.block_size,
+            callback=self._audio_callback,
+        )
+        self._stream.start()
+        self._running = True
+
+    def stop(self):
+        """Stop audio capture."""
+        if self._stream:
+            self._stream.stop()
+            self._stream.close()
+            self._stream = None
+        self._running = False
+
+    def get_energy(self) -> float:
+        """
+        Get current audio energy (RMS amplitude).
+
+        Returns:
+            Energy value normalized to 0-1 range (approximately)
+        """
+        with self._lock:
+            # Use recent samples
+            recent = 2048
+            if self._buffer_pos >= recent:
+                data = self._buffer[self._buffer_pos - recent:self._buffer_pos]
+            else:
+                data = np.concatenate([
+                    self._buffer[-(recent - self._buffer_pos):],
+                    self._buffer[:self._buffer_pos]
+                ])
+
+        # RMS energy
+        rms = np.sqrt(np.mean(data ** 2))
+
+        # Normalize (typical mic input is quite low)
+        normalized = min(1.0, rms * 10)
+
+        return normalized
+
+    def get_beat(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        Detect if current moment is a beat.
+
+        Simple onset detection based on energy spikes.
+
+        Returns:
+            True if beat detected, False otherwise
+        """
+        current_energy = self.get_energy()
+        now = time.time()
+
+        # Update energy history
+        self._energy_history.append(current_energy)
+        if len(self._energy_history) > 20:
+            self._energy_history.pop(0)
+
+        # Need enough history
+        if len(self._energy_history) < 5:
+            self._last_energy = current_energy
+            return False
+
+        # Average recent energy
+        avg_energy = np.mean(self._energy_history[:-1])
+
+        # Beat if current energy is significantly above average
+        is_beat = (
+            current_energy > avg_energy * self._beat_threshold and
+            now - self._last_beat_time > self._min_beat_interval and
+            current_energy > self._last_energy  # Rising edge
+        )
+
+        if is_beat:
+            self._last_beat_time = now
+
+        self._last_energy = current_energy
+        return is_beat
+
+    def get_spectrum(self, bands: int = 3) -> np.ndarray:
+        """
+        Get frequency spectrum divided into bands.
+
+        Args:
+            bands: Number of frequency bands (default 3: bass, mid, high)
+
+        Returns:
+            Array of band energies, normalized to 0-1
+        """
+        with self._lock:
+            # Use recent samples for FFT
+            n = 2048
+            if self._buffer_pos >= n:
+                data = self._buffer[self._buffer_pos - n:self._buffer_pos]
+            else:
+                data = np.concatenate([
+                    self._buffer[-(n - self._buffer_pos):],
+                    self._buffer[:self._buffer_pos]
+                ])
+
+        # FFT
+        fft = np.abs(np.fft.rfft(data * np.hanning(len(data))))
+
+        # Divide into bands
+        band_size = len(fft) // bands
+        result = np.zeros(bands)
+        for i in range(bands):
+            start = i * band_size
+            end = start + band_size
+            result[i] = np.mean(fft[start:end])
+
+        # Normalize
+        max_val = np.max(result)
+        if max_val > 0:
+            result = result / max_val
+
+        return result
+
+    @property
+    def is_running(self) -> bool:
+        return self._running
+
+    def __enter__(self):
+        self.start()
+        return self
+
+    def __exit__(self, *args):
+        self.stop()
+
+
+class FileAudioAnalyzer:
+    """
+    Audio analyzer that reads from a file (for testing/development).
+
+    Pre-computes analysis and plays back in sync with video.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, path: str, analysis_data: dict = None):
+        """
+        Initialize from audio file.
+
+        Args:
+            path: Path to audio file
+            analysis_data: Pre-computed analysis (times, values, etc.)
+        """
+        self.path = path
+        self.analysis_data = analysis_data or {}
+        self._current_time = 0
+
+    def set_time(self, t: float):
+        """Set current playback time."""
+        self._current_time = t
+
+    def get_energy(self) -> float:
+        """Get energy at current time from pre-computed data."""
+        track = self.analysis_data.get("energy", {})
+        return self._interpolate(track, self._current_time)
+
+    def get_beat(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if current time is near a beat."""
+        track = self.analysis_data.get("beats", {})
+        times = track.get("times", [])
+
+        # Check if we're within 50ms of a beat
+        for beat_time in times:
+            if abs(beat_time - self._current_time) < 0.05:
+                return True
+        return False
+
+    def _interpolate(self, track: dict, t: float) -> float:
+        """Interpolate value at time t."""
+        times = track.get("times", [])
+        values = track.get("values", [])
+
+        if not times or not values:
+            return 0.0
+
+        if t <= times[0]:
+            return values[0]
+        if t >= times[-1]:
+            return values[-1]
+
+        # Find bracket and interpolate
+        for i in range(len(times) - 1):
+            if times[i] <= t <= times[i + 1]:
+                alpha = (t - times[i]) / (times[i + 1] - times[i])
+                return values[i] * (1 - alpha) + values[i + 1] * alpha
+
+        return values[-1]
+
+    @property
+    def is_running(self) -> bool:
+        return True
+
+
+class StreamingAudioAnalyzer:
+    """
+    Real-time audio analyzer that streams from a file.
+
+    Reads audio in sync with video time and computes features on-the-fly.
+    No pre-computation needed - analysis happens as frames are processed.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, path: str, sample_rate: int = 22050, hop_length: int = 512):
+        """
+        Initialize streaming audio analyzer.
+
+        Args:
+            path: Path to audio file
+            sample_rate: Sample rate for analysis
+            hop_length: Hop length for feature extraction
+        """
+        import subprocess
+        import json
+
+        self.path = path
+        self.sample_rate = sample_rate
+        self.hop_length = hop_length
+        self._current_time = 0.0
+
+        # Get audio duration
+        cmd = ["ffprobe", "-v", "quiet", "-print_format", "json",
+               "-show_format", str(path)]
+        result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
+        info = json.loads(result.stdout)
+        self.duration = float(info["format"]["duration"])
+
+        # Audio buffer and state
+        self._audio_data = None
+        self._energy_history = []
+        self._last_energy = 0
+        self._last_beat_time = -1
+        self._beat_threshold = 1.5
+        self._min_beat_interval = 0.15
+
+        # Load audio lazily
+        self._loaded = False
+
+    def _load_audio(self):
+        """Load audio data on first use."""
+        if self._loaded:
+            return
+
+        import subprocess
+
+        # Use ffmpeg to decode audio to raw PCM
+        cmd = [
+            "ffmpeg", "-v", "quiet",
+            "-i", str(self.path),
+            "-f", "f32le",  # 32-bit float, little-endian
+            "-ac", "1",      # mono
+            "-ar", str(self.sample_rate),
+            "-"
+        ]
+        result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True)
+        self._audio_data = np.frombuffer(result.stdout, dtype=np.float32)
+        self._loaded = True
+
+    def set_time(self, t: float):
+        """Set current playback time."""
+        self._current_time = t
+
+    def get_energy(self) -> float:
+        """Compute energy at current time."""
+        self._load_audio()
+
+        if self._audio_data is None or len(self._audio_data) == 0:
+            return 0.0
+
+        # Get sample index for current time
+        sample_idx = int(self._current_time * self.sample_rate)
+        window_size = self.hop_length * 2
+
+        start = max(0, sample_idx - window_size // 2)
+        end = min(len(self._audio_data), sample_idx + window_size // 2)
+
+        if start >= end:
+            return 0.0
+
+        # RMS energy
+        chunk = self._audio_data[start:end]
+        rms = np.sqrt(np.mean(chunk ** 2))
+
+        # Normalize to 0-1 range (approximate)
+        energy = min(1.0, rms * 3.0)
+
+        self._last_energy = energy
+        return energy
+
+    def get_beat(self) -> bool:
+        """Detect beat using spectral flux (change in frequency content)."""
+        self._load_audio()
+
+        if self._audio_data is None or len(self._audio_data) == 0:
+            return False
+
+        # Get audio chunks for current and previous frame
+        sample_idx = int(self._current_time * self.sample_rate)
+        chunk_size = self.hop_length * 2
+
+        # Current chunk
+        start = max(0, sample_idx - chunk_size // 2)
+        end = min(len(self._audio_data), sample_idx + chunk_size // 2)
+        if end - start < chunk_size // 2:
+            return False
+        current_chunk = self._audio_data[start:end]
+
+        # Previous chunk (one hop back)
+        prev_start = max(0, start - self.hop_length)
+        prev_end = max(0, end - self.hop_length)
+        if prev_end <= prev_start:
+            return False
+        prev_chunk = self._audio_data[prev_start:prev_end]
+
+        # Compute spectra
+        current_spec = np.abs(np.fft.rfft(current_chunk * np.hanning(len(current_chunk))))
+        prev_spec = np.abs(np.fft.rfft(prev_chunk * np.hanning(len(prev_chunk))))
+
+        # Spectral flux: sum of positive differences (onset = new frequencies appearing)
+        min_len = min(len(current_spec), len(prev_spec))
+        diff = current_spec[:min_len] - prev_spec[:min_len]
+        flux = np.sum(np.maximum(0, diff))  # Only count increases
+
+        # Normalize by spectrum size
+        flux = flux / (min_len + 1)
+
+        # Update flux history
+        self._energy_history.append((self._current_time, flux))
+        while self._energy_history and self._energy_history[0][0] < self._current_time - 1.5:
+            self._energy_history.pop(0)
+
+        if len(self._energy_history) < 3:
+            return False
+
+        # Adaptive threshold based on recent flux values
+        flux_values = [f for t, f in self._energy_history]
+        mean_flux = np.mean(flux_values)
+        std_flux = np.std(flux_values) + 0.001  # Avoid division by zero
+
+        # Beat if flux is above mean (more sensitive threshold)
+        threshold = mean_flux + std_flux * 0.3  # Lower = more sensitive
+        min_interval = 0.1  # Allow up to 600 BPM
+        time_ok = self._current_time - self._last_beat_time > min_interval
+
+        is_beat = flux > threshold and time_ok
+
+        if is_beat:
+            self._last_beat_time = self._current_time
+
+        return is_beat
+
+    def get_spectrum(self, bands: int = 3) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Get frequency spectrum at current time."""
+        self._load_audio()
+
+        if self._audio_data is None or len(self._audio_data) == 0:
+            return np.zeros(bands)
+
+        sample_idx = int(self._current_time * self.sample_rate)
+        n = 2048
+
+        start = max(0, sample_idx - n // 2)
+        end = min(len(self._audio_data), sample_idx + n // 2)
+
+        if end - start < n // 2:
+            return np.zeros(bands)
+
+        chunk = self._audio_data[start:end]
+
+        # FFT
+        fft = np.abs(np.fft.rfft(chunk * np.hanning(len(chunk))))
+
+        # Divide into bands
+        band_size = len(fft) // bands
+        result = np.zeros(bands)
+        for i in range(bands):
+            s, e = i * band_size, (i + 1) * band_size
+            result[i] = np.mean(fft[s:e])
+
+        # Normalize
+        max_val = np.max(result)
+        if max_val > 0:
+            result = result / max_val
+
+        return result
+
+    @property
+    def is_running(self) -> bool:
+        return True
diff --git a/streaming/backends.py b/streaming/backends.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc695d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/backends.py
@@ -0,0 +1,308 @@
+"""
+Effect processing backends.
+
+Provides abstraction over different rendering backends:
+- numpy: CPU-based, works everywhere, ~3-5 fps
+- glsl: GPU-based, requires OpenGL, 30+ fps (future)
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import List, Dict, Any, Optional
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+class Backend(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for effect processing backends."""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process_frame(
+        self,
+        frames: List[np.ndarray],
+        effects_per_frame: List[List[Dict]],
+        compositor_config: Dict,
+        t: float,
+        analysis_data: Dict,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """
+        Process multiple input frames through effects and composite.
+
+        Args:
+            frames: List of input frames (one per source)
+            effects_per_frame: List of effect chains (one per source)
+            compositor_config: How to blend the layers
+            t: Current time in seconds
+            analysis_data: Analysis data for binding resolution
+
+        Returns:
+            Composited output frame
+        """
+        pass
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def load_effect(self, effect_path: Path) -> Any:
+        """Load an effect definition."""
+        pass
+
+
+class NumpyBackend(Backend):
+    """
+    CPU-based effect processing using NumPy.
+
+    Uses existing sexp_effects interpreter for effect execution.
+    Works on any system, but limited to ~3-5 fps for complex effects.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, recipe_dir: Path = None, minimal_primitives: bool = True):
+        self.recipe_dir = recipe_dir or Path(".")
+        self.minimal_primitives = minimal_primitives
+        self._interpreter = None
+        self._loaded_effects = {}
+
+    def _get_interpreter(self):
+        """Lazy-load the sexp interpreter."""
+        if self._interpreter is None:
+            from sexp_effects import get_interpreter
+            self._interpreter = get_interpreter(minimal_primitives=self.minimal_primitives)
+        return self._interpreter
+
+    def load_effect(self, effect_path: Path) -> Any:
+        """Load an effect from sexp file."""
+        effect_key = str(effect_path)
+        if effect_key not in self._loaded_effects:
+            interp = self._get_interpreter()
+            interp.load_effect(str(effect_path))
+            self._loaded_effects[effect_key] = effect_path.stem
+        return self._loaded_effects[effect_key]
+
+    def _resolve_binding(self, value: Any, t: float, analysis_data: Dict) -> Any:
+        """Resolve a parameter binding to its value at time t."""
+        if not isinstance(value, dict):
+            return value
+
+        if "_binding" in value or "_bind" in value:
+            source = value.get("source") or value.get("_bind")
+            feature = value.get("feature", "values")
+            range_map = value.get("range")
+
+            track = analysis_data.get(source, {})
+            times = track.get("times", [])
+            values = track.get("values", [])
+
+            if not times or not values:
+                return 0.0
+
+            # Find value at time t (linear interpolation)
+            if t <= times[0]:
+                val = values[0]
+            elif t >= times[-1]:
+                val = values[-1]
+            else:
+                # Binary search for bracket
+                for i in range(len(times) - 1):
+                    if times[i] <= t <= times[i + 1]:
+                        alpha = (t - times[i]) / (times[i + 1] - times[i])
+                        val = values[i] * (1 - alpha) + values[i + 1] * alpha
+                        break
+                else:
+                    val = values[-1]
+
+            # Apply range mapping
+            if range_map and len(range_map) == 2:
+                val = range_map[0] + val * (range_map[1] - range_map[0])
+
+            return val
+
+        return value
+
+    def _apply_effect(
+        self,
+        frame: np.ndarray,
+        effect_name: str,
+        params: Dict,
+        t: float,
+        analysis_data: Dict,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Apply a single effect to a frame."""
+        # Resolve bindings in params
+        resolved_params = {"_time": t}
+        for key, value in params.items():
+            if key in ("effect", "effect_path", "cid", "analysis_refs"):
+                continue
+            resolved_params[key] = self._resolve_binding(value, t, analysis_data)
+
+        # Try fast native effects first
+        result = self._apply_native_effect(frame, effect_name, resolved_params)
+        if result is not None:
+            return result
+
+        # Fall back to sexp interpreter for complex effects
+        interp = self._get_interpreter()
+        if effect_name in interp.effects:
+            result, _ = interp.run_effect(effect_name, frame, resolved_params, {})
+            return result
+
+        # Unknown effect - pass through
+        return frame
+
+    def _apply_native_effect(
+        self,
+        frame: np.ndarray,
+        effect_name: str,
+        params: Dict,
+    ) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+        """Fast native numpy effects for real-time streaming."""
+        import cv2
+
+        if effect_name == "zoom":
+            amount = float(params.get("amount", 1.0))
+            if abs(amount - 1.0) < 0.01:
+                return frame
+            h, w = frame.shape[:2]
+            # Crop center and resize
+            new_w, new_h = int(w / amount), int(h / amount)
+            x1, y1 = (w - new_w) // 2, (h - new_h) // 2
+            cropped = frame[y1:y1+new_h, x1:x1+new_w]
+            return cv2.resize(cropped, (w, h))
+
+        elif effect_name == "rotate":
+            angle = float(params.get("angle", 0))
+            if abs(angle) < 0.5:
+                return frame
+            h, w = frame.shape[:2]
+            center = (w // 2, h // 2)
+            matrix = cv2.getRotationMatrix2D(center, angle, 1.0)
+            return cv2.warpAffine(frame, matrix, (w, h))
+
+        elif effect_name == "brightness":
+            amount = float(params.get("amount", 1.0))
+            return np.clip(frame * amount, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
+        elif effect_name == "invert":
+            amount = float(params.get("amount", 1.0))
+            if amount < 0.5:
+                return frame
+            return 255 - frame
+
+        # Not a native effect
+        return None
+
+    def process_frame(
+        self,
+        frames: List[np.ndarray],
+        effects_per_frame: List[List[Dict]],
+        compositor_config: Dict,
+        t: float,
+        analysis_data: Dict,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """
+        Process frames through effects and composite.
+        """
+        if not frames:
+            return np.zeros((720, 1280, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+
+        processed = []
+
+        # Apply effects to each input frame
+        for i, (frame, effects) in enumerate(zip(frames, effects_per_frame)):
+            result = frame.copy()
+            for effect_config in effects:
+                effect_name = effect_config.get("effect", "")
+                if effect_name:
+                    result = self._apply_effect(
+                        result, effect_name, effect_config, t, analysis_data
+                    )
+            processed.append(result)
+
+        # Composite layers
+        if len(processed) == 1:
+            return processed[0]
+
+        return self._composite(processed, compositor_config, t, analysis_data)
+
+    def _composite(
+        self,
+        frames: List[np.ndarray],
+        config: Dict,
+        t: float,
+        analysis_data: Dict,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Composite multiple frames into one."""
+        mode = config.get("mode", "alpha")
+        weights = config.get("weights", [1.0 / len(frames)] * len(frames))
+
+        # Resolve weight bindings
+        resolved_weights = []
+        for w in weights:
+            resolved_weights.append(self._resolve_binding(w, t, analysis_data))
+
+        # Normalize weights
+        total = sum(resolved_weights)
+        if total > 0:
+            resolved_weights = [w / total for w in resolved_weights]
+        else:
+            resolved_weights = [1.0 / len(frames)] * len(frames)
+
+        # Resize frames to match first frame
+        target_h, target_w = frames[0].shape[:2]
+        resized = []
+        for frame in frames:
+            if frame.shape[:2] != (target_h, target_w):
+                import cv2
+                frame = cv2.resize(frame, (target_w, target_h))
+            resized.append(frame.astype(np.float32))
+
+        # Weighted blend
+        result = np.zeros_like(resized[0])
+        for frame, weight in zip(resized, resolved_weights):
+            result += frame * weight
+
+        return np.clip(result, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
+
+class GLSLBackend(Backend):
+    """
+    GPU-based effect processing using OpenGL/GLSL.
+
+    Requires GPU with OpenGL 3.3+ support (or Mesa software renderer).
+    Achieves 30+ fps real-time processing.
+
+    TODO: Implement when ready for GPU acceleration.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        raise NotImplementedError(
+            "GLSL backend not yet implemented. Use NumpyBackend for now."
+        )
+
+    def load_effect(self, effect_path: Path) -> Any:
+        pass
+
+    def process_frame(
+        self,
+        frames: List[np.ndarray],
+        effects_per_frame: List[List[Dict]],
+        compositor_config: Dict,
+        t: float,
+        analysis_data: Dict,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        pass
+
+
+def get_backend(name: str = "numpy", **kwargs) -> Backend:
+    """
+    Get a backend by name.
+
+    Args:
+        name: "numpy" or "glsl"
+        **kwargs: Backend-specific options
+
+    Returns:
+        Backend instance
+    """
+    if name == "numpy":
+        return NumpyBackend(**kwargs)
+    elif name == "glsl":
+        return GLSLBackend(**kwargs)
+    else:
+        raise ValueError(f"Unknown backend: {name}")
diff --git a/streaming/compositor.py b/streaming/compositor.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..477128f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/compositor.py
@@ -0,0 +1,595 @@
+"""
+Streaming video compositor.
+
+Main entry point for the streaming pipeline. Combines:
+- Multiple video sources (with looping)
+- Per-source effect chains
+- Layer compositing
+- Optional live audio analysis
+- Output to display/file/stream
+"""
+
+import time
+import sys
+import numpy as np
+from typing import List, Dict, Any, Optional, Union
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from .sources import Source, VideoSource
+from .backends import Backend, NumpyBackend, get_backend
+from .output import Output, DisplayOutput, FileOutput, MultiOutput
+
+
+class StreamingCompositor:
+    """
+    Real-time streaming video compositor.
+
+    Reads frames from multiple sources, applies effects, composites layers,
+    and outputs the result - all frame-by-frame without intermediate files.
+
+    Example:
+        compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+            sources=["video1.mp4", "video2.mp4"],
+            effects_per_source=[
+                [{"effect": "rotate", "angle": 45}],
+                [{"effect": "zoom", "amount": 1.5}],
+            ],
+            compositor_config={"mode": "alpha", "weights": [0.5, 0.5]},
+        )
+        compositor.run(output="preview", duration=60)
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        sources: List[Union[str, Source]],
+        effects_per_source: List[List[Dict]] = None,
+        compositor_config: Dict = None,
+        analysis_data: Dict = None,
+        backend: str = "numpy",
+        recipe_dir: Path = None,
+        fps: float = 30,
+        audio_source: str = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize the streaming compositor.
+
+        Args:
+            sources: List of video paths or Source objects
+            effects_per_source: List of effect chains, one per source
+            compositor_config: How to blend layers (mode, weights)
+            analysis_data: Pre-computed analysis data for bindings
+            backend: "numpy" or "glsl"
+            recipe_dir: Directory for resolving relative effect paths
+            fps: Output frame rate
+            audio_source: Path to audio file for streaming analysis
+        """
+        self.fps = fps
+        self.recipe_dir = recipe_dir or Path(".")
+        self.analysis_data = analysis_data or {}
+
+        # Initialize streaming audio analyzer if audio source provided
+        self._audio_analyzer = None
+        self._audio_source = audio_source
+        if audio_source:
+            from .audio import StreamingAudioAnalyzer
+            self._audio_analyzer = StreamingAudioAnalyzer(audio_source)
+            print(f"Streaming audio: {audio_source}", file=sys.stderr)
+
+        # Initialize sources
+        self.sources: List[Source] = []
+        for src in sources:
+            if isinstance(src, Source):
+                self.sources.append(src)
+            elif isinstance(src, (str, Path)):
+                self.sources.append(VideoSource(str(src), target_fps=fps))
+            else:
+                raise ValueError(f"Unknown source type: {type(src)}")
+
+        # Effect chains (default: no effects)
+        self.effects_per_source = effects_per_source or [[] for _ in self.sources]
+        if len(self.effects_per_source) != len(self.sources):
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"effects_per_source length ({len(self.effects_per_source)}) "
+                f"must match sources length ({len(self.sources)})"
+            )
+
+        # Compositor config (default: equal blend)
+        self.compositor_config = compositor_config or {
+            "mode": "alpha",
+            "weights": [1.0 / len(self.sources)] * len(self.sources),
+        }
+
+        # Initialize backend
+        self.backend: Backend = get_backend(
+            backend,
+            recipe_dir=self.recipe_dir,
+        )
+
+        # Load effects
+        self._load_effects()
+
+    def _load_effects(self):
+        """Pre-load all effect definitions."""
+        for effects in self.effects_per_source:
+            for effect_config in effects:
+                effect_path = effect_config.get("effect_path")
+                if effect_path:
+                    full_path = self.recipe_dir / effect_path
+                    if full_path.exists():
+                        self.backend.load_effect(full_path)
+
+    def _create_output(
+        self,
+        output: Union[str, Output],
+        size: tuple,
+    ) -> Output:
+        """Create output target from string or Output object."""
+        if isinstance(output, Output):
+            return output
+
+        if output == "preview":
+            return DisplayOutput("Streaming Preview", size,
+                               audio_source=self._audio_source, fps=self.fps)
+        elif output == "null":
+            from .output import NullOutput
+            return NullOutput()
+        elif isinstance(output, str):
+            return FileOutput(output, size, fps=self.fps, audio_source=self._audio_source)
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown output type: {output}")
+
+    def run(
+        self,
+        output: Union[str, Output] = "preview",
+        duration: float = None,
+        audio_analyzer=None,
+        show_fps: bool = True,
+        recipe_executor=None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Run the streaming compositor.
+
+        Args:
+            output: Output target - "preview", filename, or Output object
+            duration: Duration in seconds (None = run until quit)
+            audio_analyzer: Optional AudioAnalyzer for live audio reactivity
+            show_fps: Show FPS counter in console
+            recipe_executor: Optional StreamingRecipeExecutor for full recipe logic
+        """
+        # Determine output size from first source
+        output_size = self.sources[0].size
+
+        # Create output
+        out = self._create_output(output, output_size)
+
+        # Determine duration
+        if duration is None:
+            # Run until stopped (or min source duration if not looping)
+            duration = min(s.duration for s in self.sources)
+            if duration == float('inf'):
+                duration = 3600  # 1 hour max for live sources
+
+        total_frames = int(duration * self.fps)
+        frame_time = 1.0 / self.fps
+
+        print(f"Streaming: {len(self.sources)} sources -> {output}", file=sys.stderr)
+        print(f"Duration: {duration:.1f}s, {total_frames} frames @ {self.fps}fps", file=sys.stderr)
+        print(f"Output size: {output_size[0]}x{output_size[1]}", file=sys.stderr)
+        print(f"Press 'q' to quit (if preview)", file=sys.stderr)
+
+        # Frame loop
+        start_time = time.time()
+        frame_count = 0
+        fps_update_interval = 30  # Update FPS display every N frames
+        last_fps_time = start_time
+        last_fps_count = 0
+
+        try:
+            for frame_num in range(total_frames):
+                if not out.is_open:
+                    print(f"\nOutput closed at frame {frame_num}", file=sys.stderr)
+                    break
+
+                t = frame_num * frame_time
+
+                try:
+                    # Update analysis data from streaming audio (file-based)
+                    energy = 0.0
+                    is_beat = False
+                    if self._audio_analyzer:
+                        self._update_from_audio(self._audio_analyzer, t)
+                        energy = self.analysis_data.get("live_energy", {}).get("values", [0])[0]
+                        is_beat = self.analysis_data.get("live_beat", {}).get("values", [0])[0] > 0.5
+                    elif audio_analyzer:
+                        self._update_from_audio(audio_analyzer, t)
+                        energy = self.analysis_data.get("live_energy", {}).get("values", [0])[0]
+                        is_beat = self.analysis_data.get("live_beat", {}).get("values", [0])[0] > 0.5
+
+                    # Read frames from all sources
+                    frames = [src.read_frame(t) for src in self.sources]
+
+                    # Process through recipe executor if provided
+                    if recipe_executor:
+                        result = self._process_with_executor(
+                            frames, recipe_executor, energy, is_beat, t
+                        )
+                    else:
+                        # Simple backend processing
+                        result = self.backend.process_frame(
+                            frames,
+                            self.effects_per_source,
+                            self.compositor_config,
+                            t,
+                            self.analysis_data,
+                        )
+
+                    # Output
+                    out.write(result, t)
+                    frame_count += 1
+
+                    # FPS display
+                    if show_fps and frame_count % fps_update_interval == 0:
+                        now = time.time()
+                        elapsed = now - last_fps_time
+                        if elapsed > 0:
+                            current_fps = (frame_count - last_fps_count) / elapsed
+                            progress = frame_num / total_frames * 100
+                            print(
+                                f"\r  {progress:5.1f}% | {current_fps:5.1f} fps | "
+                                f"frame {frame_num}/{total_frames}",
+                                end="", file=sys.stderr
+                            )
+                        last_fps_time = now
+                        last_fps_count = frame_count
+
+                except Exception as e:
+                    print(f"\nError at frame {frame_num}, t={t:.1f}s: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
+                    import traceback
+                    traceback.print_exc()
+                    break
+
+        except KeyboardInterrupt:
+            print("\nInterrupted", file=sys.stderr)
+        finally:
+            out.close()
+            for src in self.sources:
+                if hasattr(src, 'close'):
+                    src.close()
+
+        # Final stats
+        elapsed = time.time() - start_time
+        avg_fps = frame_count / elapsed if elapsed > 0 else 0
+        print(f"\nCompleted: {frame_count} frames in {elapsed:.1f}s ({avg_fps:.1f} fps avg)", file=sys.stderr)
+
+    def _process_with_executor(
+        self,
+        frames: List[np.ndarray],
+        executor,
+        energy: float,
+        is_beat: bool,
+        t: float,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """
+        Process frames using the recipe executor for full pipeline.
+
+        Implements:
+        1. process-pair: two clips per source with effects, blended
+        2. cycle-crossfade: dynamic composition with zoom and weights
+        3. Final effects: whole-spin, ripple
+        """
+        import cv2
+
+        # Target size from first source
+        target_h, target_w = frames[0].shape[:2]
+
+        # Resize all frames to target size (letterbox to preserve aspect ratio)
+        resized_frames = []
+        for frame in frames:
+            fh, fw = frame.shape[:2]
+            if (fh, fw) != (target_h, target_w):
+                # Calculate scale to fit while preserving aspect ratio
+                scale = min(target_w / fw, target_h / fh)
+                new_w, new_h = int(fw * scale), int(fh * scale)
+                resized = cv2.resize(frame, (new_w, new_h))
+                # Center on black canvas
+                canvas = np.zeros((target_h, target_w, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+                x_off = (target_w - new_w) // 2
+                y_off = (target_h - new_h) // 2
+                canvas[y_off:y_off+new_h, x_off:x_off+new_w] = resized
+                resized_frames.append(canvas)
+            else:
+                resized_frames.append(frame)
+        frames = resized_frames
+
+        # Update executor state
+        executor.on_frame(energy, is_beat, t)
+
+        # Get weights to know which sources are active
+        weights = executor.get_cycle_weights()
+
+        # Process each source as a "pair" (clip A and B with different effects)
+        processed_pairs = []
+
+        for i, frame in enumerate(frames):
+            # Skip sources with zero weight (but still need placeholder)
+            if i < len(weights) and weights[i] < 0.001:
+                processed_pairs.append(None)
+                continue
+            # Get effect params for clip A and B
+            params_a = executor.get_effect_params(i, "a", energy)
+            params_b = executor.get_effect_params(i, "b", energy)
+            pair_params = executor.get_pair_params(i)
+
+            # Process clip A
+            clip_a = self._apply_clip_effects(frame.copy(), params_a, t)
+
+            # Process clip B
+            clip_b = self._apply_clip_effects(frame.copy(), params_b, t)
+
+            # Blend A and B using pair_mix opacity
+            opacity = pair_params["blend_opacity"]
+            blended = cv2.addWeighted(
+                clip_a, 1 - opacity,
+                clip_b, opacity,
+                0
+            )
+
+            # Apply pair rotation
+            h, w = blended.shape[:2]
+            center = (w // 2, h // 2)
+            angle = pair_params["pair_rotation"]
+            if abs(angle) > 0.5:
+                matrix = cv2.getRotationMatrix2D(center, angle, 1.0)
+                blended = cv2.warpAffine(blended, matrix, (w, h))
+
+            processed_pairs.append(blended)
+
+        # Cycle-crossfade composition
+        weights = executor.get_cycle_weights()
+        zooms = executor.get_cycle_zooms()
+
+        # Apply zoom per pair and composite
+        h, w = target_h, target_w
+        result = np.zeros((h, w, 3), dtype=np.float32)
+
+        for idx, (pair, weight, zoom) in enumerate(zip(processed_pairs, weights, zooms)):
+            # Skip zero-weight sources
+            if pair is None or weight < 0.001:
+                continue
+
+            orig_shape = pair.shape
+
+            # Apply zoom
+            if zoom > 1.01:
+                # Zoom in: crop center and resize up
+                new_w, new_h = int(w / zoom), int(h / zoom)
+                if new_w > 0 and new_h > 0:
+                    x1, y1 = (w - new_w) // 2, (h - new_h) // 2
+                    cropped = pair[y1:y1+new_h, x1:x1+new_w]
+                    pair = cv2.resize(cropped, (w, h))
+            elif zoom < 0.99:
+                # Zoom out: shrink video and center on black
+                scaled_w, scaled_h = int(w * zoom), int(h * zoom)
+                if scaled_w > 0 and scaled_h > 0:
+                    shrunk = cv2.resize(pair, (scaled_w, scaled_h))
+                    canvas = np.zeros((h, w, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+                    x_off, y_off = (w - scaled_w) // 2, (h - scaled_h) // 2
+                    canvas[y_off:y_off+scaled_h, x_off:x_off+scaled_w] = shrunk
+                    pair = canvas.copy()
+
+            # Draw colored border - size indicates zoom level
+            border_colors = [(255, 0, 0), (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255), (255, 255, 0)]
+            color = border_colors[idx % 4]
+            thickness = max(3, int(10 * weight))  # Thicker border = higher weight
+            pair = np.ascontiguousarray(pair)
+            pair[:thickness, :] = color
+            pair[-thickness:, :] = color
+            pair[:, :thickness] = color
+            pair[:, -thickness:] = color
+
+            result += pair.astype(np.float32) * weight
+
+        result = np.clip(result, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
+        # Apply final effects (whole-spin, ripple)
+        final_params = executor.get_final_effects(energy)
+
+        # Whole spin
+        spin_angle = final_params["whole_spin_angle"]
+        if abs(spin_angle) > 0.5:
+            center = (w // 2, h // 2)
+            matrix = cv2.getRotationMatrix2D(center, spin_angle, 1.0)
+            result = cv2.warpAffine(result, matrix, (w, h))
+
+        # Ripple effect
+        amp = final_params["ripple_amplitude"]
+        if amp > 1:
+            result = self._apply_ripple(result, amp,
+                                        final_params["ripple_cx"],
+                                        final_params["ripple_cy"],
+                                        t)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _apply_clip_effects(self, frame: np.ndarray, params: dict, t: float) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Apply per-clip effects: rotate, zoom, invert, hue_shift, ascii."""
+        import cv2
+
+        h, w = frame.shape[:2]
+
+        # Rotate
+        angle = params["rotate_angle"]
+        if abs(angle) > 0.5:
+            center = (w // 2, h // 2)
+            matrix = cv2.getRotationMatrix2D(center, angle, 1.0)
+            frame = cv2.warpAffine(frame, matrix, (w, h))
+
+        # Zoom
+        zoom = params["zoom_amount"]
+        if abs(zoom - 1.0) > 0.01:
+            new_w, new_h = int(w / zoom), int(h / zoom)
+            if new_w > 0 and new_h > 0:
+                x1, y1 = (w - new_w) // 2, (h - new_h) // 2
+                x1, y1 = max(0, x1), max(0, y1)
+                x2, y2 = min(w, x1 + new_w), min(h, y1 + new_h)
+                if x2 > x1 and y2 > y1:
+                    cropped = frame[y1:y2, x1:x2]
+                    frame = cv2.resize(cropped, (w, h))
+
+        # Invert
+        if params["invert_amount"] > 0.5:
+            frame = 255 - frame
+
+        # Hue shift
+        hue_deg = params["hue_degrees"]
+        if abs(hue_deg) > 1:
+            hsv = cv2.cvtColor(frame, cv2.COLOR_RGB2HSV)
+            hsv[:, :, 0] = (hsv[:, :, 0].astype(np.int32) + int(hue_deg / 2)) % 180
+            frame = cv2.cvtColor(hsv, cv2.COLOR_HSV2RGB)
+
+        # ASCII art
+        if params["ascii_mix"] > 0.5:
+            char_size = max(4, int(params["ascii_char_size"]))
+            frame = self._apply_ascii(frame, char_size)
+
+        return frame
+
+    def _apply_ascii(self, frame: np.ndarray, char_size: int) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Apply ASCII art effect."""
+        import cv2
+        from PIL import Image, ImageDraw, ImageFont
+
+        h, w = frame.shape[:2]
+        chars = " .:-=+*#%@"
+
+        # Get font
+        try:
+            font = ImageFont.truetype("/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSansMono.ttf", char_size)
+        except:
+            font = ImageFont.load_default()
+
+        # Sample cells using area interpolation (fast block average)
+        rows = h // char_size
+        cols = w // char_size
+        if rows < 1 or cols < 1:
+            return frame
+
+        # Crop to exact grid and downsample
+        cropped = frame[:rows * char_size, :cols * char_size]
+        cell_colors = cv2.resize(cropped, (cols, rows), interpolation=cv2.INTER_AREA)
+
+        # Compute luminance
+        luminances = (0.299 * cell_colors[:, :, 0] +
+                      0.587 * cell_colors[:, :, 1] +
+                      0.114 * cell_colors[:, :, 2]) / 255.0
+
+        # Create output image
+        out_h = rows * char_size
+        out_w = cols * char_size
+        output = Image.new('RGB', (out_w, out_h), (0, 0, 0))
+        draw = ImageDraw.Draw(output)
+
+        # Draw characters
+        for r in range(rows):
+            for c in range(cols):
+                lum = luminances[r, c]
+                color = tuple(cell_colors[r, c])
+
+                # Map luminance to character
+                idx = int(lum * (len(chars) - 1))
+                char = chars[idx]
+
+                # Draw character
+                x = c * char_size
+                y = r * char_size
+                draw.text((x, y), char, fill=color, font=font)
+
+        # Convert back to numpy and resize to original
+        result = np.array(output)
+        if result.shape[:2] != (h, w):
+            result = cv2.resize(result, (w, h), interpolation=cv2.INTER_LINEAR)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _apply_ripple(self, frame: np.ndarray, amplitude: float,
+                      cx: float, cy: float, t: float = 0) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Apply ripple distortion effect."""
+        import cv2
+
+        h, w = frame.shape[:2]
+        center_x, center_y = cx * w, cy * h
+        max_dim = max(w, h)
+
+        # Create coordinate grids
+        y_coords, x_coords = np.mgrid[0:h, 0:w].astype(np.float32)
+
+        # Distance from center
+        dx = x_coords - center_x
+        dy = y_coords - center_y
+        dist = np.sqrt(dx*dx + dy*dy)
+
+        # Ripple parameters (matching recipe: frequency=8, decay=2, speed=5)
+        freq = 8
+        decay = 2
+        speed = 5
+        phase = t * speed * 2 * np.pi
+
+        # Ripple displacement (matching original formula)
+        ripple = np.sin(2 * np.pi * freq * dist / max_dim + phase) * amplitude
+
+        # Apply decay
+        if decay > 0:
+            ripple = ripple * np.exp(-dist * decay / max_dim)
+
+        # Displace along radial direction
+        with np.errstate(divide='ignore', invalid='ignore'):
+            norm_dx = np.where(dist > 0, dx / dist, 0)
+            norm_dy = np.where(dist > 0, dy / dist, 0)
+
+        map_x = (x_coords + ripple * norm_dx).astype(np.float32)
+        map_y = (y_coords + ripple * norm_dy).astype(np.float32)
+
+        return cv2.remap(frame, map_x, map_y, cv2.INTER_LINEAR,
+                        borderMode=cv2.BORDER_REFLECT)
+
+    def _update_from_audio(self, analyzer, t: float):
+        """Update analysis data from audio analyzer (streaming or live)."""
+        # Set time for file-based streaming analyzers
+        if hasattr(analyzer, 'set_time'):
+            analyzer.set_time(t)
+
+        # Get current audio features
+        energy = analyzer.get_energy() if hasattr(analyzer, 'get_energy') else 0
+        beat = analyzer.get_beat() if hasattr(analyzer, 'get_beat') else False
+
+        # Update analysis tracks - these can be referenced by effect bindings
+        self.analysis_data["live_energy"] = {
+            "times": [t],
+            "values": [energy],
+            "duration": float('inf'),
+        }
+        self.analysis_data["live_beat"] = {
+            "times": [t],
+            "values": [1.0 if beat else 0.0],
+            "duration": float('inf'),
+        }
+
+
+def quick_preview(
+    sources: List[str],
+    effects: List[List[Dict]] = None,
+    duration: float = 10,
+    fps: float = 30,
+):
+    """
+    Quick preview helper - show sources with optional effects.
+
+    Example:
+        quick_preview(["video1.mp4", "video2.mp4"], duration=30)
+    """
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=sources,
+        effects_per_source=effects,
+        fps=fps,
+    )
+    compositor.run(output="preview", duration=duration)
diff --git a/streaming/demo.py b/streaming/demo.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b1899f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/demo.py
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Demo script for streaming compositor.
+
+Usage:
+    # Preview two videos blended
+    python -m streaming.demo preview video1.mp4 video2.mp4
+
+    # Record output to file
+    python -m streaming.demo record video1.mp4 video2.mp4 -o output.mp4
+
+    # Benchmark (no output)
+    python -m streaming.demo benchmark video1.mp4 --duration 10
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+
+# Add parent to path for imports
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent))
+
+from streaming import StreamingCompositor, VideoSource
+from streaming.output import NullOutput
+
+
+def demo_preview(sources: list, duration: float, effects: bool = False):
+    """Preview sources with optional simple effects."""
+    effects_config = None
+    if effects:
+        effects_config = [
+            [{"effect": "rotate", "angle": 15}],
+            [{"effect": "zoom", "amount": 1.2}],
+        ][:len(sources)]
+
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=sources,
+        effects_per_source=effects_config,
+        recipe_dir=Path(__file__).parent.parent,
+    )
+    compositor.run(output="preview", duration=duration)
+
+
+def demo_record(sources: list, output_path: str, duration: float):
+    """Record blended output to file."""
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=sources,
+        recipe_dir=Path(__file__).parent.parent,
+    )
+    compositor.run(output=output_path, duration=duration)
+
+
+def demo_benchmark(sources: list, duration: float):
+    """Benchmark processing speed (no output)."""
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=sources,
+        recipe_dir=Path(__file__).parent.parent,
+    )
+    compositor.run(output="null", duration=duration)
+
+
+def demo_audio_reactive(sources: list, duration: float):
+    """Preview with live audio reactivity."""
+    from streaming.audio import AudioAnalyzer
+
+    # Create compositor with energy-reactive effects
+    effects_config = [
+        [{
+            "effect": "zoom",
+            "amount": {"_binding": True, "source": "live_energy", "feature": "values", "range": [1.0, 1.5]},
+        }]
+        for _ in sources
+    ]
+
+    compositor = StreamingCompositor(
+        sources=sources,
+        effects_per_source=effects_config,
+        recipe_dir=Path(__file__).parent.parent,
+    )
+
+    # Start audio analyzer
+    try:
+        with AudioAnalyzer() as audio:
+            print("Audio analyzer started. Make some noise!", file=sys.stderr)
+            compositor.run(output="preview", duration=duration, audio_analyzer=audio)
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"Audio not available: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
+        print("Running without audio...", file=sys.stderr)
+        compositor.run(output="preview", duration=duration)
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Streaming compositor demo")
+    parser.add_argument("mode", choices=["preview", "record", "benchmark", "audio"],
+                        help="Demo mode")
+    parser.add_argument("sources", nargs="+", help="Video source files")
+    parser.add_argument("-o", "--output", help="Output file (for record mode)")
+    parser.add_argument("-d", "--duration", type=float, default=30,
+                        help="Duration in seconds")
+    parser.add_argument("--effects", action="store_true",
+                        help="Apply simple effects (for preview)")
+
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    # Verify sources exist
+    for src in args.sources:
+        if not Path(src).exists():
+            print(f"Error: Source not found: {src}", file=sys.stderr)
+            sys.exit(1)
+
+    if args.mode == "preview":
+        demo_preview(args.sources, args.duration, args.effects)
+    elif args.mode == "record":
+        if not args.output:
+            print("Error: --output required for record mode", file=sys.stderr)
+            sys.exit(1)
+        demo_record(args.sources, args.output, args.duration)
+    elif args.mode == "benchmark":
+        demo_benchmark(args.sources, args.duration)
+    elif args.mode == "audio":
+        demo_audio_reactive(args.sources, args.duration)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()
diff --git a/streaming/output.py b/streaming/output.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b3064b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/output.py
@@ -0,0 +1,259 @@
+"""
+Output targets for streaming compositor.
+
+Supports:
+- Display window (preview)
+- File output (recording)
+- Stream output (RTMP, etc.) - future
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+import subprocess
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Tuple, Optional
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+class Output(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for output targets."""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def write(self, frame: np.ndarray, t: float):
+        """Write a frame to the output."""
+        pass
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def close(self):
+        """Close the output and clean up resources."""
+        pass
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def is_open(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if output is still open/valid."""
+        pass
+
+
+class DisplayOutput(Output):
+    """
+    Display frames using mpv (handles Wayland properly).
+
+    Useful for live preview. Press 'q' to quit.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, title: str = "Streaming Preview", size: Tuple[int, int] = None,
+                 audio_source: str = None, fps: float = 30):
+        self.title = title
+        self.size = size
+        self.audio_source = audio_source
+        self.fps = fps
+        self._is_open = True
+        self._process = None
+        self._audio_process = None
+
+    def _start_mpv(self, frame_size: Tuple[int, int]):
+        """Start mpv process for display."""
+        import sys
+        w, h = frame_size
+        cmd = [
+            "mpv",
+            "--no-cache",
+            "--demuxer=rawvideo",
+            f"--demuxer-rawvideo-w={w}",
+            f"--demuxer-rawvideo-h={h}",
+            "--demuxer-rawvideo-mp-format=rgb24",
+            f"--demuxer-rawvideo-fps={self.fps}",
+            f"--title={self.title}",
+            "-",
+        ]
+        print(f"Starting mpv: {' '.join(cmd)}", file=sys.stderr)
+        self._process = subprocess.Popen(
+            cmd,
+            stdin=subprocess.PIPE,
+            stderr=subprocess.PIPE,
+        )
+
+        # Start audio playback if we have an audio source
+        if self.audio_source:
+            audio_cmd = [
+                "ffplay", "-nodisp", "-autoexit", "-loglevel", "quiet",
+                str(self.audio_source)
+            ]
+            print(f"Starting audio: {self.audio_source}", file=sys.stderr)
+            self._audio_process = subprocess.Popen(
+                audio_cmd,
+                stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL,
+                stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL,
+            )
+
+    def write(self, frame: np.ndarray, t: float):
+        """Display frame."""
+        if not self._is_open:
+            return
+
+        # Ensure frame is correct format
+        if frame.dtype != np.uint8:
+            frame = np.clip(frame, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+        if not frame.flags['C_CONTIGUOUS']:
+            frame = np.ascontiguousarray(frame)
+
+        # Start mpv on first frame
+        if self._process is None:
+            self._start_mpv((frame.shape[1], frame.shape[0]))
+
+        # Check if mpv is still running
+        if self._process.poll() is not None:
+            self._is_open = False
+            return
+
+        try:
+            self._process.stdin.write(frame.tobytes())
+            self._process.stdin.flush()  # Prevent buffering
+        except BrokenPipeError:
+            self._is_open = False
+
+    def close(self):
+        """Close the display and audio."""
+        if self._process:
+            try:
+                self._process.stdin.close()
+            except:
+                pass
+            self._process.terminate()
+            self._process.wait()
+        if self._audio_process:
+            self._audio_process.terminate()
+            self._audio_process.wait()
+        self._is_open = False
+
+    @property
+    def is_open(self) -> bool:
+        if self._process and self._process.poll() is not None:
+            self._is_open = False
+        return self._is_open
+
+
+class FileOutput(Output):
+    """
+    Write frames to a video file using ffmpeg.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        path: str,
+        size: Tuple[int, int],
+        fps: float = 30,
+        codec: str = "libx264",
+        crf: int = 18,
+        preset: str = "fast",
+        audio_source: str = None,
+    ):
+        self.path = Path(path)
+        self.size = size
+        self.fps = fps
+        self._is_open = True
+
+        # Build ffmpeg command
+        cmd = [
+            "ffmpeg", "-y",
+            "-f", "rawvideo",
+            "-vcodec", "rawvideo",
+            "-pix_fmt", "rgb24",
+            "-s", f"{size[0]}x{size[1]}",
+            "-r", str(fps),
+            "-i", "-",
+        ]
+
+        # Add audio input if provided
+        if audio_source:
+            cmd.extend(["-i", str(audio_source)])
+
+        cmd.extend([
+            "-c:v", codec,
+            "-preset", preset,
+            "-crf", str(crf),
+            "-pix_fmt", "yuv420p",
+        ])
+
+        # Add audio codec if we have audio
+        if audio_source:
+            cmd.extend(["-c:a", "aac", "-b:a", "192k", "-shortest"])
+
+        cmd.append(str(self.path))
+
+        self._process = subprocess.Popen(
+            cmd,
+            stdin=subprocess.PIPE,
+            stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL,
+        )
+
+    def write(self, frame: np.ndarray, t: float):
+        """Write frame to video file."""
+        if not self._is_open or self._process.poll() is not None:
+            self._is_open = False
+            return
+
+        # Resize if needed
+        if frame.shape[1] != self.size[0] or frame.shape[0] != self.size[1]:
+            import cv2
+            frame = cv2.resize(frame, self.size)
+
+        try:
+            self._process.stdin.write(frame.tobytes())
+        except BrokenPipeError:
+            self._is_open = False
+
+    def close(self):
+        """Close the video file."""
+        if self._process:
+            self._process.stdin.close()
+            self._process.wait()
+        self._is_open = False
+
+    @property
+    def is_open(self) -> bool:
+        return self._is_open and self._process.poll() is None
+
+
+class MultiOutput(Output):
+    """
+    Write to multiple outputs simultaneously.
+
+    Useful for recording while showing preview.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, outputs: list):
+        self.outputs = outputs
+
+    def write(self, frame: np.ndarray, t: float):
+        for output in self.outputs:
+            if output.is_open:
+                output.write(frame, t)
+
+    def close(self):
+        for output in self.outputs:
+            output.close()
+
+    @property
+    def is_open(self) -> bool:
+        return any(o.is_open for o in self.outputs)
+
+
+class NullOutput(Output):
+    """
+    Discard frames (for benchmarking).
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._is_open = True
+        self.frame_count = 0
+
+    def write(self, frame: np.ndarray, t: float):
+        self.frame_count += 1
+
+    def close(self):
+        self._is_open = False
+
+    @property
+    def is_open(self) -> bool:
+        return self._is_open
diff --git a/streaming/recipe_adapter.py b/streaming/recipe_adapter.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..acf9722
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/recipe_adapter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,414 @@
+"""
+Adapter to run sexp recipes through the streaming compositor.
+
+Bridges the gap between:
+- Existing recipe format (sexp files with stages, effects, analysis)
+- Streaming compositor (sources, effect chains, compositor config)
+"""
+
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "artdag"))
+
+from .compositor import StreamingCompositor
+from .sources import VideoSource
+from .audio import FileAudioAnalyzer
+
+
+class RecipeAdapter:
+    """
+    Adapts a compiled sexp recipe to run through the streaming compositor.
+
+    Example:
+        adapter = RecipeAdapter("effects/quick_test.sexp")
+        adapter.run(output="preview", duration=60)
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        recipe_path: str,
+        params: Dict[str, Any] = None,
+        backend: str = "numpy",
+    ):
+        """
+        Load and prepare a recipe for streaming.
+
+        Args:
+            recipe_path: Path to .sexp recipe file
+            params: Parameter overrides
+            backend: "numpy" or "glsl"
+        """
+        self.recipe_path = Path(recipe_path)
+        self.recipe_dir = self.recipe_path.parent
+        self.params = params or {}
+        self.backend = backend
+
+        # Compile recipe
+        self._compile()
+
+    def _compile(self):
+        """Compile the recipe and extract structure."""
+        from artdag.sexp.compiler import compile_string
+
+        recipe_text = self.recipe_path.read_text()
+        self.compiled = compile_string(recipe_text, self.params, recipe_dir=self.recipe_dir)
+
+        # Extract key info
+        self.sources = {}  # name -> path
+        self.effects_registry = {}  # effect_name -> path
+        self.analyzers = {}  # name -> analyzer info
+
+        # Walk nodes to find sources and structure
+        # nodes is a list in CompiledRecipe
+        for node in self.compiled.nodes:
+            node_type = node.get("type", "")
+
+            if node_type == "SOURCE":
+                config = node.get("config", {})
+                path = config.get("path")
+                if path:
+                    self.sources[node["id"]] = self.recipe_dir / path
+
+            elif node_type == "ANALYZE":
+                config = node.get("config", {})
+                self.analyzers[node["id"]] = {
+                    "analyzer": config.get("analyzer"),
+                    "path": config.get("analyzer_path"),
+                }
+
+        # Get effects registry from compiled recipe
+        # registry has 'effects' sub-dict
+        effects_dict = self.compiled.registry.get("effects", {})
+        for name, info in effects_dict.items():
+            if info.get("path"):
+                self.effects_registry[name] = Path(info["path"])
+
+    def run_analysis(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """
+        Run analysis phase (energy, beats, etc.).
+
+        Returns:
+            Dict of analysis track name -> {times, values, duration}
+        """
+        print(f"Running analysis...", file=sys.stderr)
+
+        # Use existing planner's analysis execution
+        from artdag.sexp.planner import create_plan
+
+        analysis_data = {}
+
+        def on_analysis(node_id: str, results: dict):
+            analysis_data[node_id] = results
+            print(f"  {node_id[:16]}...: {len(results.get('times', []))} samples", file=sys.stderr)
+
+        # Create plan (runs analysis as side effect)
+        plan = create_plan(
+            self.compiled,
+            inputs={},
+            recipe_dir=self.recipe_dir,
+            on_analysis=on_analysis,
+        )
+
+        # Also store named analysis tracks
+        for name, data in plan.analysis.items():
+            analysis_data[name] = data
+
+        return analysis_data
+
+    def build_compositor(
+        self,
+        analysis_data: Dict[str, Any] = None,
+        fps: float = None,
+    ) -> StreamingCompositor:
+        """
+        Build a streaming compositor from the recipe.
+
+        This is a simplified version that handles common patterns.
+        Complex recipes may need manual configuration.
+
+        Args:
+            analysis_data: Pre-computed analysis data
+
+        Returns:
+            Configured StreamingCompositor
+        """
+        # Extract video and audio sources in SLICE_ON input order
+        video_sources = []
+        audio_source = None
+
+        # Find audio source first
+        for node_id, path in self.sources.items():
+            suffix = path.suffix.lower()
+            if suffix in ('.mp3', '.wav', '.flac', '.ogg', '.m4a', '.aac'):
+                audio_source = str(path)
+                break
+
+        # Find SLICE_ON node to get correct video order
+        slice_on_inputs = None
+        for node in self.compiled.nodes:
+            if node.get('type') == 'SLICE_ON':
+                # Use 'videos' config key which has the correct order
+                config = node.get('config', {})
+                slice_on_inputs = config.get('videos', [])
+                break
+
+        if slice_on_inputs:
+            # Trace each SLICE_ON input back to its SOURCE
+            node_lookup = {n['id']: n for n in self.compiled.nodes}
+
+            def trace_to_source(node_id, visited=None):
+                """Trace a node back to its SOURCE, return source path."""
+                if visited is None:
+                    visited = set()
+                if node_id in visited:
+                    return None
+                visited.add(node_id)
+
+                node = node_lookup.get(node_id)
+                if not node:
+                    return None
+                if node.get('type') == 'SOURCE':
+                    return self.sources.get(node_id)
+                # Recurse through inputs
+                for inp in node.get('inputs', []):
+                    result = trace_to_source(inp, visited)
+                    if result:
+                        return result
+                return None
+
+            # Build video_sources in SLICE_ON input order
+            for inp_id in slice_on_inputs:
+                source_path = trace_to_source(inp_id)
+                if source_path:
+                    suffix = source_path.suffix.lower()
+                    if suffix in ('.mp4', '.webm', '.mov', '.avi', '.mkv'):
+                        video_sources.append(str(source_path))
+
+        # Fallback to definition order if no SLICE_ON
+        if not video_sources:
+            for node_id, path in self.sources.items():
+                suffix = path.suffix.lower()
+                if suffix in ('.mp4', '.webm', '.mov', '.avi', '.mkv'):
+                    video_sources.append(str(path))
+
+        if not video_sources:
+            raise ValueError("No video sources found in recipe")
+
+        # Build effect chains - use live audio bindings (matching video_sources count)
+        effects_per_source = self._build_streaming_effects(n_sources=len(video_sources))
+
+        # Build compositor config from recipe
+        compositor_config = self._extract_compositor_config(analysis_data)
+
+        return StreamingCompositor(
+            sources=video_sources,
+            effects_per_source=effects_per_source,
+            compositor_config=compositor_config,
+            analysis_data=analysis_data or {},
+            backend=self.backend,
+            recipe_dir=self.recipe_dir,
+            fps=fps or self.compiled.encoding.get("fps", 30),
+            audio_source=audio_source,
+        )
+
+    def _build_streaming_effects(self, n_sources: int = None) -> List[List[Dict]]:
+        """
+        Build effect chains for streaming with live audio bindings.
+
+        Replicates the recipe's effect pipeline:
+        - Per source: rotate, zoom, invert, hue_shift, ascii_art
+        - All driven by live_energy and live_beat
+        """
+        if n_sources is None:
+            n_sources = len([p for p in self.sources.values()
+                            if p.suffix.lower() in ('.mp4', '.webm', '.mov', '.avi', '.mkv')])
+
+        effects_per_source = []
+
+        for i in range(n_sources):
+            # Alternate rotation direction per source
+            rot_dir = 1 if i % 2 == 0 else -1
+
+            effects = [
+                # Rotate - energy drives angle
+                {
+                    "effect": "rotate",
+                    "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry.get("rotate", "")),
+                    "angle": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_energy",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [0, 45 * rot_dir],
+                    },
+                },
+                # Zoom - energy drives amount
+                {
+                    "effect": "zoom",
+                    "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry.get("zoom", "")),
+                    "amount": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_energy",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [1.0, 1.5] if i % 2 == 0 else [1.0, 0.7],
+                    },
+                },
+                # Invert - beat triggers
+                {
+                    "effect": "invert",
+                    "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry.get("invert", "")),
+                    "amount": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_beat",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [0, 1],
+                    },
+                },
+                # Hue shift - energy drives hue
+                {
+                    "effect": "hue_shift",
+                    "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry.get("hue_shift", "")),
+                    "degrees": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_energy",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [0, 180],
+                    },
+                },
+                # ASCII art - energy drives char size, beat triggers mix
+                {
+                    "effect": "ascii_art",
+                    "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry.get("ascii_art", "")),
+                    "char_size": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_energy",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [4, 32],
+                    },
+                    "mix": {
+                        "_binding": True,
+                        "source": "live_beat",
+                        "feature": "values",
+                        "range": [0, 1],
+                    },
+                },
+            ]
+            effects_per_source.append(effects)
+
+        return effects_per_source
+
+    def _extract_effects(self) -> List[List[Dict]]:
+        """Extract effect chains for each source (legacy, pre-computed analysis)."""
+        # Simplified: find EFFECT nodes and their configs
+        effects_per_source = []
+
+        for node_id, path in self.sources.items():
+            if path.suffix.lower() not in ('.mp4', '.webm', '.mov', '.avi', '.mkv'):
+                continue
+
+            # Find effects that depend on this source
+            # This is simplified - real implementation would trace the DAG
+            effects = []
+
+            for node in self.compiled.nodes:
+                if node.get("type") == "EFFECT":
+                    config = node.get("config", {})
+                    effect_name = config.get("effect")
+                    if effect_name and effect_name in self.effects_registry:
+                        effect_config = {
+                            "effect": effect_name,
+                            "effect_path": str(self.effects_registry[effect_name]),
+                        }
+                        # Copy only effect params (filter out internal fields)
+                        internal_fields = (
+                            "effect", "effect_path", "cid", "effect_cid",
+                            "effects_registry", "analysis_refs", "inputs",
+                        )
+                        for k, v in config.items():
+                            if k not in internal_fields:
+                                effect_config[k] = v
+                        effects.append(effect_config)
+                        break  # One effect per source for now
+
+            effects_per_source.append(effects)
+
+        return effects_per_source
+
+    def _extract_compositor_config(self, analysis_data: Dict) -> Dict:
+        """Extract compositor configuration."""
+        # Look for blend_multi or similar composition nodes
+        for node in self.compiled.nodes:
+            if node.get("type") == "EFFECT":
+                config = node.get("config", {})
+                if config.get("effect") == "blend_multi":
+                    return {
+                        "mode": config.get("mode", "alpha"),
+                        "weights": config.get("weights", []),
+                    }
+
+        # Default: equal blend
+        n_sources = len([p for p in self.sources.values()
+                        if p.suffix.lower() in ('.mp4', '.webm', '.mov', '.avi', '.mkv')])
+        return {
+            "mode": "alpha",
+            "weights": [1.0 / n_sources] * n_sources if n_sources > 0 else [1.0],
+        }
+
+    def run(
+        self,
+        output: str = "preview",
+        duration: float = None,
+        fps: float = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Run the recipe through streaming compositor.
+
+        Everything streams: video frames read on-demand, audio analyzed in real-time.
+        No pre-computation.
+
+        Args:
+            output: "preview", filename, or Output object
+            duration: Duration in seconds (default: audio duration)
+            fps: Frame rate (default from recipe, or 30)
+        """
+        # Build compositor with recipe executor for full pipeline
+        from .recipe_executor import StreamingRecipeExecutor
+
+        compositor = self.build_compositor(analysis_data={}, fps=fps)
+
+        # Use audio duration if not specified
+        if duration is None:
+            if compositor._audio_analyzer:
+                duration = compositor._audio_analyzer.duration
+                print(f"Using audio duration: {duration:.1f}s", file=sys.stderr)
+            else:
+                # Live mode - run until quit
+                print("Live mode - press 'q' to quit", file=sys.stderr)
+
+        # Create sexp executor that interprets the recipe
+        from .sexp_executor import SexpStreamingExecutor
+        executor = SexpStreamingExecutor(self.compiled, seed=42)
+
+        compositor.run(output=output, duration=duration, recipe_executor=executor)
+
+
+def run_recipe(
+    recipe_path: str,
+    output: str = "preview",
+    duration: float = None,
+    params: Dict = None,
+    fps: float = None,
+):
+    """
+    Run a recipe through streaming compositor.
+
+    Everything streams in real-time: video frames, audio analysis.
+    No pre-computation - starts immediately.
+
+    Example:
+        run_recipe("effects/quick_test.sexp", output="preview", duration=30)
+        run_recipe("effects/quick_test.sexp", output="preview", fps=5)  # Lower fps for slow systems
+    """
+    adapter = RecipeAdapter(recipe_path, params=params)
+    adapter.run(output=output, duration=duration, fps=fps)
diff --git a/streaming/recipe_executor.py b/streaming/recipe_executor.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..678d9f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/recipe_executor.py
@@ -0,0 +1,415 @@
+"""
+Streaming recipe executor.
+
+Implements the full recipe logic for real-time streaming:
+- Scans (state machines that evolve on beats)
+- Process-pair template (two clips with sporadic effects, blended)
+- Cycle-crossfade (dynamic composition cycling through video pairs)
+"""
+
+import random
+import numpy as np
+from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ScanState:
+    """State for a scan (beat-driven state machine)."""
+    value: Any = 0
+    rng: random.Random = field(default_factory=random.Random)
+
+
+class StreamingScans:
+    """
+    Real-time scan executor.
+
+    Scans are state machines that evolve on each beat.
+    They drive effect parameters like invert triggers, hue shifts, etc.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, seed: int = 42, n_sources: int = 4):
+        self.master_seed = seed
+        self.n_sources = n_sources
+        self.scans: Dict[str, ScanState] = {}
+        self.beat_count = 0
+        self.current_time = 0.0
+        self.last_beat_time = 0.0
+        self._init_scans()
+
+    def _init_scans(self):
+        """Initialize all scans with their own RNG seeds."""
+        scan_names = []
+
+        # Per-pair scans (dynamic based on n_sources)
+        for i in range(self.n_sources):
+            scan_names.extend([
+                f"inv_a_{i}", f"inv_b_{i}", f"hue_a_{i}", f"hue_b_{i}",
+                f"ascii_a_{i}", f"ascii_b_{i}", f"pair_mix_{i}", f"pair_rot_{i}",
+            ])
+
+        # Global scans
+        scan_names.extend(["whole_spin", "ripple_gate", "cycle"])
+
+        for i, name in enumerate(scan_names):
+            rng = random.Random(self.master_seed + i)
+            self.scans[name] = ScanState(value=self._init_value(name), rng=rng)
+
+    def _init_value(self, name: str) -> Any:
+        """Get initial value for a scan."""
+        if name.startswith("inv_") or name.startswith("ascii_"):
+            return 0  # Counter for remaining beats
+        elif name.startswith("hue_"):
+            return {"rem": 0, "hue": 0}
+        elif name.startswith("pair_mix"):
+            return {"rem": 0, "opacity": 0.5}
+        elif name.startswith("pair_rot"):
+            pair_idx = int(name.split("_")[-1])
+            rot_dir = 1 if pair_idx % 2 == 0 else -1
+            return {"beat": 0, "clen": 25, "dir": rot_dir, "angle": 0}
+        elif name == "whole_spin":
+            return {
+                "phase": 0,        # 0 = waiting, 1 = spinning
+                "beat": 0,         # beats into current phase
+                "plen": 20,        # beats in this phase
+                "dir": 1,          # spin direction
+                "total_angle": 0.0,      # cumulative angle after all spins
+                "spin_start_angle": 0.0, # angle when current spin started
+                "spin_start_time": 0.0,  # time when current spin started
+                "spin_end_time": 0.0,    # estimated time when spin ends
+            }
+        elif name == "ripple_gate":
+            return {"rem": 0, "cx": 0.5, "cy": 0.5}
+        elif name == "cycle":
+            return {"cycle": 0, "beat": 0, "clen": 60}
+        return 0
+
+    def on_beat(self):
+        """Update all scans on a beat."""
+        self.beat_count += 1
+        # Estimate beat interval from last two beats
+        beat_interval = self.current_time - self.last_beat_time if self.last_beat_time > 0 else 0.5
+        self.last_beat_time = self.current_time
+
+        for name, state in self.scans.items():
+            state.value = self._step_scan(name, state.value, state.rng, beat_interval)
+
+    def _step_scan(self, name: str, value: Any, rng: random.Random, beat_interval: float = 0.5) -> Any:
+        """Step a scan forward by one beat."""
+
+        # Invert scan: 10% chance, lasts 1-5 beats
+        if name.startswith("inv_"):
+            if value > 0:
+                return value - 1
+            elif rng.random() < 0.1:
+                return rng.randint(1, 5)
+            return 0
+
+        # Hue scan: 10% chance, random hue 30-330, lasts 1-5 beats
+        elif name.startswith("hue_"):
+            if value["rem"] > 0:
+                return {"rem": value["rem"] - 1, "hue": value["hue"]}
+            elif rng.random() < 0.1:
+                return {"rem": rng.randint(1, 5), "hue": rng.uniform(30, 330)}
+            return {"rem": 0, "hue": 0}
+
+        # ASCII scan: 5% chance, lasts 1-3 beats
+        elif name.startswith("ascii_"):
+            if value > 0:
+                return value - 1
+            elif rng.random() < 0.05:
+                return rng.randint(1, 3)
+            return 0
+
+        # Pair mix: changes every 1-11 beats
+        elif name.startswith("pair_mix"):
+            if value["rem"] > 0:
+                return {"rem": value["rem"] - 1, "opacity": value["opacity"]}
+            return {"rem": rng.randint(1, 11), "opacity": rng.choice([0, 0.5, 1.0])}
+
+        # Pair rotation: full rotation every 20-30 beats
+        elif name.startswith("pair_rot"):
+            beat = value["beat"]
+            clen = value["clen"]
+            dir_ = value["dir"]
+            angle = value["angle"]
+
+            if beat + 1 < clen:
+                new_angle = angle + dir_ * (360 / clen)
+                return {"beat": beat + 1, "clen": clen, "dir": dir_, "angle": new_angle}
+            else:
+                return {"beat": 0, "clen": rng.randint(20, 30), "dir": -dir_, "angle": angle}
+
+        # Whole spin: sporadic 720 degree spins (cumulative - stays rotated)
+        elif name == "whole_spin":
+            phase = value["phase"]
+            beat = value["beat"]
+            plen = value["plen"]
+            dir_ = value["dir"]
+            total_angle = value.get("total_angle", 0.0)
+            spin_start_angle = value.get("spin_start_angle", 0.0)
+            spin_start_time = value.get("spin_start_time", 0.0)
+            spin_end_time = value.get("spin_end_time", 0.0)
+
+            if phase == 1:
+                # Currently spinning
+                if beat + 1 < plen:
+                    return {
+                        "phase": 1, "beat": beat + 1, "plen": plen, "dir": dir_,
+                        "total_angle": total_angle,
+                        "spin_start_angle": spin_start_angle,
+                        "spin_start_time": spin_start_time,
+                        "spin_end_time": spin_end_time,
+                    }
+                else:
+                    # Spin complete - update total_angle with final spin
+                    new_total = spin_start_angle + dir_ * 720.0
+                    return {
+                        "phase": 0, "beat": 0, "plen": rng.randint(20, 40), "dir": dir_,
+                        "total_angle": new_total,
+                        "spin_start_angle": new_total,
+                        "spin_start_time": self.current_time,
+                        "spin_end_time": self.current_time,
+                    }
+            else:
+                # Waiting phase
+                if beat + 1 < plen:
+                    return {
+                        "phase": 0, "beat": beat + 1, "plen": plen, "dir": dir_,
+                        "total_angle": total_angle,
+                        "spin_start_angle": spin_start_angle,
+                        "spin_start_time": spin_start_time,
+                        "spin_end_time": spin_end_time,
+                    }
+                else:
+                    # Start new spin
+                    new_dir = 1 if rng.random() < 0.5 else -1
+                    new_plen = rng.randint(10, 25)
+                    spin_duration = new_plen * beat_interval
+                    return {
+                        "phase": 1, "beat": 0, "plen": new_plen, "dir": new_dir,
+                        "total_angle": total_angle,
+                        "spin_start_angle": total_angle,
+                        "spin_start_time": self.current_time,
+                        "spin_end_time": self.current_time + spin_duration,
+                    }
+
+        # Ripple gate: 5% chance, lasts 1-20 beats
+        elif name == "ripple_gate":
+            if value["rem"] > 0:
+                return {"rem": value["rem"] - 1, "cx": value["cx"], "cy": value["cy"]}
+            elif rng.random() < 0.05:
+                return {"rem": rng.randint(1, 20),
+                        "cx": rng.uniform(0.1, 0.9),
+                        "cy": rng.uniform(0.1, 0.9)}
+            return {"rem": 0, "cx": 0.5, "cy": 0.5}
+
+        # Cycle: track which video pair is active
+        elif name == "cycle":
+            beat = value["beat"]
+            clen = value["clen"]
+            cycle = value["cycle"]
+
+            if beat + 1 < clen:
+                return {"cycle": cycle, "beat": beat + 1, "clen": clen}
+            else:
+                # Move to next pair, vary cycle length
+                return {"cycle": (cycle + 1) % 4, "beat": 0,
+                        "clen": 40 + (self.beat_count * 7) % 41}
+
+        return value
+
+    def get_emit(self, name: str) -> float:
+        """Get emitted value for a scan."""
+        value = self.scans[name].value
+
+        if name.startswith("inv_") or name.startswith("ascii_"):
+            return 1.0 if value > 0 else 0.0
+
+        elif name.startswith("hue_"):
+            return value["hue"] if value["rem"] > 0 else 0.0
+
+        elif name.startswith("pair_mix"):
+            return value["opacity"]
+
+        elif name.startswith("pair_rot"):
+            return value["angle"]
+
+        elif name == "whole_spin":
+            # Smooth time-based interpolation during spin
+            phase = value.get("phase", 0)
+            if phase == 1:
+                # Currently spinning - interpolate based on time
+                spin_start_time = value.get("spin_start_time", 0.0)
+                spin_end_time = value.get("spin_end_time", spin_start_time + 1.0)
+                spin_start_angle = value.get("spin_start_angle", 0.0)
+                dir_ = value.get("dir", 1)
+
+                duration = spin_end_time - spin_start_time
+                if duration > 0:
+                    progress = (self.current_time - spin_start_time) / duration
+                    progress = max(0.0, min(1.0, progress))  # clamp to 0-1
+                else:
+                    progress = 1.0
+
+                return spin_start_angle + progress * 720.0 * dir_
+            else:
+                # Not spinning - return cumulative angle
+                return value.get("total_angle", 0.0)
+
+        elif name == "ripple_gate":
+            return 1.0 if value["rem"] > 0 else 0.0
+
+        elif name == "cycle":
+            return value
+
+        return 0.0
+
+
+class StreamingRecipeExecutor:
+    """
+    Executes a recipe in streaming mode.
+
+    Implements:
+    - process-pair: two video clips with opposite effects, blended
+    - cycle-crossfade: dynamic cycling through video pairs
+    - Final effects: whole-spin rotation, ripple
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, n_sources: int = 4, seed: int = 42):
+        self.n_sources = n_sources
+        self.scans = StreamingScans(seed, n_sources=n_sources)
+        self.last_beat_detected = False
+        self.current_time = 0.0
+
+    def on_frame(self, energy: float, is_beat: bool, t: float = 0.0):
+        """Called each frame with current audio analysis."""
+        self.current_time = t
+        self.scans.current_time = t
+        # Update scans on beat
+        if is_beat and not self.last_beat_detected:
+            self.scans.on_beat()
+        self.last_beat_detected = is_beat
+
+    def get_effect_params(self, source_idx: int, clip: str, energy: float) -> Dict:
+        """
+        Get effect parameters for a source clip.
+
+        Args:
+            source_idx: Which video source (0-3)
+            clip: "a" or "b" (each source has two clips)
+            energy: Current audio energy (0-1)
+        """
+        suffix = f"_{source_idx}"
+
+        # Rotation ranges alternate
+        if source_idx % 2 == 0:
+            rot_range = [0, 45] if clip == "a" else [0, -45]
+            zoom_range = [1, 1.5] if clip == "a" else [1, 0.5]
+        else:
+            rot_range = [0, -45] if clip == "a" else [0, 45]
+            zoom_range = [1, 0.5] if clip == "a" else [1, 1.5]
+
+        return {
+            "rotate_angle": rot_range[0] + energy * (rot_range[1] - rot_range[0]),
+            "zoom_amount": zoom_range[0] + energy * (zoom_range[1] - zoom_range[0]),
+            "invert_amount": self.scans.get_emit(f"inv_{clip}{suffix}"),
+            "hue_degrees": self.scans.get_emit(f"hue_{clip}{suffix}"),
+            "ascii_mix": 0,  # Disabled - too slow without GPU
+            "ascii_char_size": 4 + energy * 28,  # 4-32
+        }
+
+    def get_pair_params(self, source_idx: int) -> Dict:
+        """Get blend and rotation params for a video pair."""
+        suffix = f"_{source_idx}"
+        return {
+            "blend_opacity": self.scans.get_emit(f"pair_mix{suffix}"),
+            "pair_rotation": self.scans.get_emit(f"pair_rot{suffix}"),
+        }
+
+    def get_cycle_weights(self) -> List[float]:
+        """Get blend weights for cycle-crossfade composition."""
+        cycle_state = self.scans.get_emit("cycle")
+        active = cycle_state["cycle"]
+        beat = cycle_state["beat"]
+        clen = cycle_state["clen"]
+        n = self.n_sources
+
+        phase3 = beat * 3
+        weights = []
+
+        for p in range(n):
+            prev = (p + n - 1) % n
+
+            if active == p:
+                if phase3 < clen:
+                    w = 0.9
+                elif phase3 < clen * 2:
+                    w = 0.9 - ((phase3 - clen) / clen) * 0.85
+                else:
+                    w = 0.05
+            elif active == prev:
+                if phase3 < clen:
+                    w = 0.05
+                elif phase3 < clen * 2:
+                    w = 0.05 + ((phase3 - clen) / clen) * 0.85
+                else:
+                    w = 0.9
+            else:
+                w = 0.05
+
+            weights.append(w)
+
+        # Normalize
+        total = sum(weights)
+        if total > 0:
+            weights = [w / total for w in weights]
+
+        return weights
+
+    def get_cycle_zooms(self) -> List[float]:
+        """Get zoom amounts for cycle-crossfade."""
+        cycle_state = self.scans.get_emit("cycle")
+        active = cycle_state["cycle"]
+        beat = cycle_state["beat"]
+        clen = cycle_state["clen"]
+        n = self.n_sources
+
+        phase3 = beat * 3
+        zooms = []
+
+        for p in range(n):
+            prev = (p + n - 1) % n
+
+            if active == p:
+                if phase3 < clen:
+                    z = 1.0
+                elif phase3 < clen * 2:
+                    z = 1.0 + ((phase3 - clen) / clen) * 1.0
+                else:
+                    z = 0.1
+            elif active == prev:
+                if phase3 < clen:
+                    z = 3.0  # Start big
+                elif phase3 < clen * 2:
+                    z = 3.0 - ((phase3 - clen) / clen) * 2.0  # Shrink to 1.0
+                else:
+                    z = 1.0
+            else:
+                z = 0.1
+
+            zooms.append(z)
+
+        return zooms
+
+    def get_final_effects(self, energy: float) -> Dict:
+        """Get final composition effects (whole-spin, ripple)."""
+        ripple_gate = self.scans.get_emit("ripple_gate")
+        ripple_state = self.scans.scans["ripple_gate"].value
+
+        return {
+            "whole_spin_angle": self.scans.get_emit("whole_spin"),
+            "ripple_amplitude": ripple_gate * (5 + energy * 45),  # 5-50
+            "ripple_cx": ripple_state["cx"],
+            "ripple_cy": ripple_state["cy"],
+        }
diff --git a/streaming/sexp_executor.py b/streaming/sexp_executor.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0151853
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/sexp_executor.py
@@ -0,0 +1,678 @@
+"""
+Streaming S-expression executor.
+
+Executes compiled sexp recipes in real-time by:
+- Evaluating scan expressions on each beat
+- Resolving bindings to get effect parameter values
+- Applying effects frame-by-frame
+- Evaluating SLICE_ON Lambda for cycle crossfade
+"""
+
+import random
+import numpy as np
+from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+
+from .sexp_interp import SexpInterpreter, eval_slice_on_lambda
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ScanState:
+    """Runtime state for a scan."""
+    node_id: str
+    name: Optional[str]
+    value: Any
+    rng: random.Random
+    init_expr: dict
+    step_expr: dict
+    emit_expr: dict
+
+
+class ExprEvaluator:
+    """
+    Evaluates compiled expression ASTs.
+
+    Expressions are dicts with:
+    - _expr: True (marks as expression)
+    - op: operation name
+    - args: list of arguments
+    - name: for 'var' ops
+    - keys: for 'dict' ops
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, rng: random.Random = None):
+        self.rng = rng or random.Random()
+
+    def eval(self, expr: Any, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate an expression in the given environment."""
+        # Literal values
+        if not isinstance(expr, dict):
+            return expr
+
+        # Check if it's an expression
+        if not expr.get('_expr'):
+            # It's a plain dict - return as-is
+            return expr
+
+        op = expr.get('op')
+        args = expr.get('args', [])
+
+        # Evaluate based on operation
+        if op == 'var':
+            name = expr.get('name')
+            if name in env:
+                return env[name]
+            raise KeyError(f"Unknown variable: {name}")
+
+        elif op == 'dict':
+            keys = expr.get('keys', [])
+            values = [self.eval(a, env) for a in args]
+            return dict(zip(keys, values))
+
+        elif op == 'get':
+            obj = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            key = args[1]
+            return obj.get(key) if isinstance(obj, dict) else obj[key]
+
+        elif op == 'if':
+            cond = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            if cond:
+                return self.eval(args[1], env)
+            elif len(args) > 2:
+                return self.eval(args[2], env)
+            return None
+
+        # Comparison ops
+        elif op == '<':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) < self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '>':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) > self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '<=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) <= self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '>=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) >= self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) == self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '!=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) != self.eval(args[1], env)
+
+        # Arithmetic ops
+        elif op == '+':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) + self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '-':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) - self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '*':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) * self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '/':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) / self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == 'mod':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) % self.eval(args[1], env)
+
+        # Random ops
+        elif op == 'rand':
+            return self.rng.random()
+        elif op == 'rand-int':
+            lo = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            hi = self.eval(args[1], env)
+            return self.rng.randint(lo, hi)
+        elif op == 'rand-range':
+            lo = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            hi = self.eval(args[1], env)
+            return self.rng.uniform(lo, hi)
+
+        # Logic ops
+        elif op == 'and':
+            return all(self.eval(a, env) for a in args)
+        elif op == 'or':
+            return any(self.eval(a, env) for a in args)
+        elif op == 'not':
+            return not self.eval(args[0], env)
+
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown operation: {op}")
+
+
+class SexpStreamingExecutor:
+    """
+    Executes a compiled sexp recipe in streaming mode.
+
+    Reads scan definitions, effect chains, and bindings from the
+    compiled recipe and executes them frame-by-frame.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, compiled_recipe, seed: int = 42):
+        self.recipe = compiled_recipe
+        self.master_seed = seed
+
+        # Build node lookup
+        self.nodes = {n['id']: n for n in compiled_recipe.nodes}
+
+        # State (must be initialized before _init_scans)
+        self.beat_count = 0
+        self.current_time = 0.0
+        self.last_beat_time = 0.0
+        self.last_beat_detected = False
+        self.energy = 0.0
+
+        # Initialize scans
+        self.scans: Dict[str, ScanState] = {}
+        self.scan_outputs: Dict[str, Any] = {}  # Current emit values by node_id
+        self._init_scans()
+
+        # Initialize SLICE_ON interpreter
+        self.sexp_interp = SexpInterpreter(random.Random(seed))
+        self._slice_on_lambda = None
+        self._slice_on_acc = None
+        self._slice_on_result = None  # Last evaluation result {layers, compose, acc}
+        self._init_slice_on()
+
+    def _init_slice_on(self):
+        """Initialize SLICE_ON Lambda for cycle crossfade."""
+        for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+            if node.get('type') == 'SLICE_ON':
+                config = node.get('config', {})
+                self._slice_on_lambda = config.get('fn')
+                init = config.get('init', {})
+                self._slice_on_acc = {
+                    'cycle': init.get('cycle', 0),
+                    'beat': init.get('beat', 0),
+                    'clen': init.get('clen', 60),
+                }
+                # Evaluate initial state
+                self._eval_slice_on()
+                break
+
+    def _eval_slice_on(self):
+        """Evaluate the SLICE_ON Lambda with current state."""
+        if not self._slice_on_lambda:
+            return
+
+        n = len(self._get_video_sources())
+        videos = list(range(n))  # Placeholder video indices
+
+        try:
+            result = eval_slice_on_lambda(
+                self._slice_on_lambda,
+                self._slice_on_acc,
+                self.beat_count,
+                0.0,  # start time (not used for weights)
+                1.0,  # end time (not used for weights)
+                videos,
+                self.sexp_interp,
+            )
+            self._slice_on_result = result
+            # Update accumulator for next beat
+            if 'acc' in result:
+                self._slice_on_acc = result['acc']
+        except Exception as e:
+            import sys
+            print(f"SLICE_ON eval error: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
+
+    def _init_scans(self):
+        """Initialize all scan nodes from the recipe."""
+        seed_offset = 0
+        for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+            if node.get('type') == 'SCAN':
+                node_id = node['id']
+                config = node.get('config', {})
+
+                # Create RNG with unique seed
+                scan_seed = config.get('seed', self.master_seed + seed_offset)
+                rng = random.Random(scan_seed)
+                seed_offset += 1
+
+                # Evaluate initial value
+                init_expr = config.get('init', 0)
+                evaluator = ExprEvaluator(rng)
+                init_value = evaluator.eval(init_expr, {})
+
+                self.scans[node_id] = ScanState(
+                    node_id=node_id,
+                    name=node.get('name'),
+                    value=init_value,
+                    rng=rng,
+                    init_expr=init_expr,
+                    step_expr=config.get('step_expr', {}),
+                    emit_expr=config.get('emit_expr', {}),
+                )
+
+                # Compute initial emit
+                self._update_emit(node_id)
+
+    def _update_emit(self, node_id: str):
+        """Update the emit value for a scan."""
+        scan = self.scans[node_id]
+        evaluator = ExprEvaluator(scan.rng)
+
+        # Build environment from current state
+        env = self._build_scan_env(scan)
+
+        # Evaluate emit expression
+        emit_value = evaluator.eval(scan.emit_expr, env)
+        self.scan_outputs[node_id] = emit_value
+
+    def _build_scan_env(self, scan: ScanState) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Build environment for scan expression evaluation."""
+        env = {}
+
+        # Add state variables
+        if isinstance(scan.value, dict):
+            env.update(scan.value)
+        else:
+            env['acc'] = scan.value
+
+        # Add beat count
+        env['beat_count'] = self.beat_count
+        env['time'] = self.current_time
+
+        return env
+
+    def on_beat(self):
+        """Update all scans on a beat."""
+        self.beat_count += 1
+
+        # Estimate beat interval
+        beat_interval = self.current_time - self.last_beat_time if self.last_beat_time > 0 else 0.5
+        self.last_beat_time = self.current_time
+
+        # Step each scan
+        for node_id, scan in self.scans.items():
+            evaluator = ExprEvaluator(scan.rng)
+            env = self._build_scan_env(scan)
+
+            # Evaluate step expression
+            new_value = evaluator.eval(scan.step_expr, env)
+            scan.value = new_value
+
+            # Update emit
+            self._update_emit(node_id)
+
+        # Step the cycle state
+        self._step_cycle()
+
+    def on_frame(self, energy: float, is_beat: bool, t: float = 0.0):
+        """Called each frame with audio analysis."""
+        self.current_time = t
+        self.energy = energy
+
+        # Update scans on beat (edge detection)
+        if is_beat and not self.last_beat_detected:
+            self.on_beat()
+        self.last_beat_detected = is_beat
+
+    def resolve_binding(self, binding: dict) -> Any:
+        """Resolve a binding to get the current value."""
+        if not isinstance(binding, dict) or not binding.get('_binding'):
+            return binding
+
+        source_id = binding.get('source')
+        feature = binding.get('feature', 'values')
+        range_map = binding.get('range')
+
+        # Get the raw value
+        if source_id in self.scan_outputs:
+            value = self.scan_outputs[source_id]
+        else:
+            # Might be an analyzer reference - use energy as fallback
+            value = self.energy
+
+        # Extract feature if value is a dict
+        if isinstance(value, dict) and feature in value:
+            value = value[feature]
+
+        # Apply range mapping
+        if range_map and isinstance(value, (int, float)):
+            lo, hi = range_map
+            value = lo + value * (hi - lo)
+
+        return value
+
+    def get_effect_params(self, effect_node: dict) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Get resolved parameters for an effect node."""
+        config = effect_node.get('config', {})
+        params = {}
+
+        for key, value in config.items():
+            # Skip internal fields
+            if key in ('effect', 'effect_path', 'effect_cid', 'effects_registry', 'analysis_refs'):
+                continue
+
+            # Resolve bindings
+            params[key] = self.resolve_binding(value)
+
+        return params
+
+    def get_scan_value(self, name: str) -> Any:
+        """Get scan output by name."""
+        for node_id, scan in self.scans.items():
+            if scan.name == name:
+                return self.scan_outputs.get(node_id)
+        return None
+
+    def get_all_scan_values(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """Get all named scan outputs."""
+        result = {}
+        for node_id, scan in self.scans.items():
+            if scan.name:
+                result[scan.name] = self.scan_outputs.get(node_id)
+        return result
+
+    # === Compositor interface methods ===
+
+    def _get_video_sources(self) -> List[str]:
+        """Get list of video source node IDs."""
+        sources = []
+        for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+            if node.get('type') == 'SOURCE':
+                sources.append(node['id'])
+        # Filter to video only (exclude audio - last one is usually audio)
+        # Look at file extensions in the paths
+        return sources[:-1] if len(sources) > 1 else sources
+
+    def _trace_effect_chain(self, start_id: str, stop_at_blend: bool = True) -> List[dict]:
+        """Trace effect chain from a node, returning effects in order."""
+        chain = []
+        current_id = start_id
+
+        for _ in range(20):  # Max depth
+            # Find node that uses current as input
+            next_node = None
+            for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+                if current_id in node.get('inputs', []):
+                    if node.get('type') == 'EFFECT':
+                        effect_type = node.get('config', {}).get('effect')
+                        chain.append(node)
+                        if stop_at_blend and effect_type == 'blend':
+                            return chain
+                        next_node = node
+                        break
+                    elif node.get('type') == 'SEGMENT':
+                        next_node = node
+                        break
+
+            if next_node is None:
+                break
+            current_id = next_node['id']
+
+        return chain
+
+    def _find_clip_chains(self, source_idx: int) -> tuple:
+        """Find effect chains for clip A and B from a source."""
+        sources = self._get_video_sources()
+        if source_idx >= len(sources):
+            return [], []
+
+        source_id = sources[source_idx]
+
+        # Find SEGMENT node
+        segment_id = None
+        for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+            if node.get('type') == 'SEGMENT' and source_id in node.get('inputs', []):
+                segment_id = node['id']
+                break
+
+        if not segment_id:
+            return [], []
+
+        # Find the two effect chains from segment (clip A and clip B)
+        chains = []
+        for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+            if segment_id in node.get('inputs', []) and node.get('type') == 'EFFECT':
+                chain = self._trace_effect_chain(segment_id)
+                # Get chain starting from this specific branch
+                branch_chain = [node]
+                current = node['id']
+                for _ in range(10):
+                    found = False
+                    for n in self.recipe.nodes:
+                        if current in n.get('inputs', []) and n.get('type') == 'EFFECT':
+                            branch_chain.append(n)
+                            if n.get('config', {}).get('effect') == 'blend':
+                                break
+                            current = n['id']
+                            found = True
+                            break
+                    if not found:
+                        break
+                chains.append(branch_chain)
+
+        # Return first two chains as A and B
+        chain_a = chains[0] if len(chains) > 0 else []
+        chain_b = chains[1] if len(chains) > 1 else []
+        return chain_a, chain_b
+
+    def get_effect_params(self, source_idx: int, clip: str, energy: float) -> Dict:
+        """Get effect parameters for a source clip (compositor interface)."""
+        # Get the correct chain for this clip
+        chain_a, chain_b = self._find_clip_chains(source_idx)
+        chain = chain_a if clip == 'a' else chain_b
+
+        # Default params
+        params = {
+            "rotate_angle": 0,
+            "zoom_amount": 1.0,
+            "invert_amount": 0,
+            "hue_degrees": 0,
+            "ascii_mix": 0,
+            "ascii_char_size": 8,
+        }
+
+        # Resolve from effects in chain
+        for eff in chain:
+            config = eff.get('config', {})
+            effect_type = config.get('effect')
+
+            if effect_type == 'rotate':
+                angle_binding = config.get('angle')
+                if angle_binding:
+                    if isinstance(angle_binding, dict) and angle_binding.get('_binding'):
+                        # Bound to analyzer - use energy with range
+                        range_map = angle_binding.get('range')
+                        if range_map:
+                            lo, hi = range_map
+                            params["rotate_angle"] = lo + energy * (hi - lo)
+                        else:
+                            params["rotate_angle"] = self.resolve_binding(angle_binding)
+                    else:
+                        params["rotate_angle"] = angle_binding if isinstance(angle_binding, (int, float)) else 0
+
+            elif effect_type == 'zoom':
+                amount_binding = config.get('amount')
+                if amount_binding:
+                    if isinstance(amount_binding, dict) and amount_binding.get('_binding'):
+                        range_map = amount_binding.get('range')
+                        if range_map:
+                            lo, hi = range_map
+                            params["zoom_amount"] = lo + energy * (hi - lo)
+                        else:
+                            params["zoom_amount"] = self.resolve_binding(amount_binding)
+                    else:
+                        params["zoom_amount"] = amount_binding if isinstance(amount_binding, (int, float)) else 1.0
+
+            elif effect_type == 'invert':
+                amount_binding = config.get('amount')
+                if amount_binding:
+                    val = self.resolve_binding(amount_binding)
+                    params["invert_amount"] = val if isinstance(val, (int, float)) else 0
+
+            elif effect_type == 'hue_shift':
+                deg_binding = config.get('degrees')
+                if deg_binding:
+                    val = self.resolve_binding(deg_binding)
+                    params["hue_degrees"] = val if isinstance(val, (int, float)) else 0
+
+            elif effect_type == 'ascii_art':
+                mix_binding = config.get('mix')
+                if mix_binding:
+                    val = self.resolve_binding(mix_binding)
+                    params["ascii_mix"] = val if isinstance(val, (int, float)) else 0
+                size_binding = config.get('char_size')
+                if size_binding:
+                    if isinstance(size_binding, dict) and size_binding.get('_binding'):
+                        range_map = size_binding.get('range')
+                        if range_map:
+                            lo, hi = range_map
+                            params["ascii_char_size"] = lo + energy * (hi - lo)
+
+        return params
+
+    def get_pair_params(self, source_idx: int) -> Dict:
+        """Get blend and rotation params for a video pair (compositor interface)."""
+        params = {
+            "blend_opacity": 0.5,
+            "pair_rotation": 0,
+        }
+
+        # Find the blend node for this source
+        chain_a, _ = self._find_clip_chains(source_idx)
+
+        # The last effect in chain_a should be the blend
+        blend_node = None
+        for eff in reversed(chain_a):
+            if eff.get('config', {}).get('effect') == 'blend':
+                blend_node = eff
+                break
+
+        if blend_node:
+            config = blend_node.get('config', {})
+            opacity_binding = config.get('opacity')
+            if opacity_binding:
+                val = self.resolve_binding(opacity_binding)
+                if isinstance(val, (int, float)):
+                    params["blend_opacity"] = val
+
+            # Find rotate after blend (pair rotation)
+            blend_id = blend_node['id']
+            for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+                if blend_id in node.get('inputs', []) and node.get('type') == 'EFFECT':
+                    if node.get('config', {}).get('effect') == 'rotate':
+                        angle_binding = node.get('config', {}).get('angle')
+                        if angle_binding:
+                            val = self.resolve_binding(angle_binding)
+                            if isinstance(val, (int, float)):
+                                params["pair_rotation"] = val
+                        break
+
+        return params
+
+    def _get_cycle_state(self) -> dict:
+        """Get current cycle state from SLICE_ON or internal tracking."""
+        if not hasattr(self, '_cycle_state'):
+            # Initialize from SLICE_ON node
+            for node in self.recipe.nodes:
+                if node.get('type') == 'SLICE_ON':
+                    init = node.get('config', {}).get('init', {})
+                    self._cycle_state = {
+                        'cycle': init.get('cycle', 0),
+                        'beat': init.get('beat', 0),
+                        'clen': init.get('clen', 60),
+                    }
+                    break
+            else:
+                self._cycle_state = {'cycle': 0, 'beat': 0, 'clen': 60}
+
+        return self._cycle_state
+
+    def _step_cycle(self):
+        """Step the cycle state forward on beat by evaluating SLICE_ON Lambda."""
+        # Use interpreter to evaluate the Lambda
+        self._eval_slice_on()
+
+    def get_cycle_weights(self) -> List[float]:
+        """Get blend weights for cycle-crossfade from SLICE_ON result."""
+        n = len(self._get_video_sources())
+        if n == 0:
+            return [1.0]
+
+        # Get weights from interpreted result
+        if self._slice_on_result:
+            compose = self._slice_on_result.get('compose', {})
+            weights = compose.get('weights', [])
+            if weights and len(weights) == n:
+                # Normalize
+                total = sum(weights)
+                if total > 0:
+                    return [w / total for w in weights]
+
+        # Fallback: equal weights
+        return [1.0 / n] * n
+
+    def get_cycle_zooms(self) -> List[float]:
+        """Get zoom amounts for cycle-crossfade from SLICE_ON result."""
+        n = len(self._get_video_sources())
+        if n == 0:
+            return [1.0]
+
+        # Get zooms from interpreted result (layers -> effects -> zoom amount)
+        if self._slice_on_result:
+            layers = self._slice_on_result.get('layers', [])
+            if layers and len(layers) == n:
+                zooms = []
+                for layer in layers:
+                    effects = layer.get('effects', [])
+                    zoom_amt = 1.0
+                    for eff in effects:
+                        if eff.get('effect') == 'zoom' or (hasattr(eff.get('effect'), 'name') and eff.get('effect').name == 'zoom'):
+                            zoom_amt = eff.get('amount', 1.0)
+                            break
+                    zooms.append(zoom_amt)
+                return zooms
+
+        # Fallback
+        return [1.0] * n
+
+    def _get_final_rotate_scan_id(self) -> str:
+        """Find the scan ID that drives the final rotation (after SLICE_ON)."""
+        if hasattr(self, '_final_rotate_scan_id'):
+            return self._final_rotate_scan_id
+
+        # Find SLICE_ON node index
+        slice_on_idx = None
+        for i, node in enumerate(self.recipe.nodes):
+            if node.get('type') == 'SLICE_ON':
+                slice_on_idx = i
+                break
+
+        # Find rotate effect after SLICE_ON
+        if slice_on_idx is not None:
+            for node in self.recipe.nodes[slice_on_idx + 1:]:
+                if node.get('type') == 'EFFECT':
+                    config = node.get('config', {})
+                    if config.get('effect') == 'rotate':
+                        angle_binding = config.get('angle', {})
+                        if isinstance(angle_binding, dict) and angle_binding.get('_binding'):
+                            self._final_rotate_scan_id = angle_binding.get('source')
+                            return self._final_rotate_scan_id
+
+        self._final_rotate_scan_id = None
+        return None
+
+    def get_final_effects(self, energy: float) -> Dict:
+        """Get final composition effects (compositor interface)."""
+        # Get named scans
+        scan_values = self.get_all_scan_values()
+
+        # Whole spin - get from the specific scan bound to final rotate effect
+        whole_spin = 0
+        final_rotate_scan_id = self._get_final_rotate_scan_id()
+        if final_rotate_scan_id and final_rotate_scan_id in self.scan_outputs:
+            val = self.scan_outputs[final_rotate_scan_id]
+            if isinstance(val, dict) and 'angle' in val:
+                whole_spin = val['angle']
+            elif isinstance(val, (int, float)):
+                whole_spin = val
+
+        # Ripple
+        ripple_gate = scan_values.get('ripple-gate', 0)
+        ripple_cx = scan_values.get('ripple-cx', 0.5)
+        ripple_cy = scan_values.get('ripple-cy', 0.5)
+
+        if isinstance(ripple_gate, dict):
+            ripple_gate = ripple_gate.get('gate', 0) if 'gate' in ripple_gate else 1
+
+        return {
+            "whole_spin_angle": whole_spin,
+            "ripple_amplitude": ripple_gate * (5 + energy * 45),
+            "ripple_cx": ripple_cx if isinstance(ripple_cx, (int, float)) else 0.5,
+            "ripple_cy": ripple_cy if isinstance(ripple_cy, (int, float)) else 0.5,
+        }
diff --git a/streaming/sexp_interp.py b/streaming/sexp_interp.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3433b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/sexp_interp.py
@@ -0,0 +1,376 @@
+"""
+S-expression interpreter for streaming execution.
+
+Evaluates sexp expressions including:
+- let bindings
+- lambda definitions and calls
+- Arithmetic, comparison, logic operators
+- dict/list operations
+- Random number generation
+"""
+
+import random
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class Lambda:
+    """Runtime lambda value."""
+    params: List[str]
+    body: Any
+    closure: Dict[str, Any]
+
+
+class Symbol:
+    """Symbol reference."""
+    def __init__(self, name: str):
+        self.name = name
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return f"Symbol({self.name})"
+
+
+class SexpInterpreter:
+    """
+    Interprets S-expressions in real-time.
+
+    Handles the full sexp language used in recipes.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, rng: random.Random = None):
+        self.rng = rng or random.Random()
+        self.globals: Dict[str, Any] = {}
+
+    def eval(self, expr: Any, env: Dict[str, Any] = None) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate an expression in the given environment."""
+        if env is None:
+            env = {}
+
+        # Literals
+        if isinstance(expr, (int, float, str, bool)) or expr is None:
+            return expr
+
+        # Symbol lookup
+        if isinstance(expr, Symbol) or (hasattr(expr, 'name') and hasattr(expr, '__class__') and expr.__class__.__name__ == 'Symbol'):
+            name = expr.name if hasattr(expr, 'name') else str(expr)
+            if name in env:
+                return env[name]
+            if name in self.globals:
+                return self.globals[name]
+            raise NameError(f"Undefined symbol: {name}")
+
+        # Compiled expression dict (from compiler)
+        if isinstance(expr, dict):
+            if expr.get('_expr'):
+                return self._eval_compiled_expr(expr, env)
+            # Plain dict - evaluate values that might be expressions
+            result = {}
+            for k, v in expr.items():
+                # Some keys should keep Symbol values as strings (effect names, modes)
+                if k in ('effect', 'mode') and hasattr(v, 'name'):
+                    result[k] = v.name
+                else:
+                    result[k] = self.eval(v, env)
+            return result
+
+        # List expression (sexp)
+        if isinstance(expr, (list, tuple)) and len(expr) > 0:
+            return self._eval_list(expr, env)
+
+        # Empty list
+        if isinstance(expr, (list, tuple)):
+            return []
+
+        return expr
+
+    def _eval_compiled_expr(self, expr: dict, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate a compiled expression dict."""
+        op = expr.get('op')
+        args = expr.get('args', [])
+
+        if op == 'var':
+            name = expr.get('name')
+            if name in env:
+                return env[name]
+            if name in self.globals:
+                return self.globals[name]
+            raise NameError(f"Undefined: {name}")
+
+        elif op == 'dict':
+            keys = expr.get('keys', [])
+            values = [self.eval(a, env) for a in args]
+            return dict(zip(keys, values))
+
+        elif op == 'get':
+            obj = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            key = args[1]
+            return obj.get(key) if isinstance(obj, dict) else obj[key]
+
+        elif op == 'if':
+            cond = self.eval(args[0], env)
+            if cond:
+                return self.eval(args[1], env)
+            elif len(args) > 2:
+                return self.eval(args[2], env)
+            return None
+
+        # Comparison
+        elif op == '<':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) < self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '>':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) > self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '<=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) <= self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '>=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) >= self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) == self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '!=':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) != self.eval(args[1], env)
+
+        # Arithmetic
+        elif op == '+':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) + self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '-':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) - self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '*':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) * self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == '/':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) / self.eval(args[1], env)
+        elif op == 'mod':
+            return self.eval(args[0], env) % self.eval(args[1], env)
+
+        # Random
+        elif op == 'rand':
+            return self.rng.random()
+        elif op == 'rand-int':
+            return self.rng.randint(self.eval(args[0], env), self.eval(args[1], env))
+        elif op == 'rand-range':
+            return self.rng.uniform(self.eval(args[0], env), self.eval(args[1], env))
+
+        # Logic
+        elif op == 'and':
+            return all(self.eval(a, env) for a in args)
+        elif op == 'or':
+            return any(self.eval(a, env) for a in args)
+        elif op == 'not':
+            return not self.eval(args[0], env)
+
+        else:
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown op: {op}")
+
+    def _eval_list(self, expr: list, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate a list expression (sexp form)."""
+        if len(expr) == 0:
+            return []
+
+        head = expr[0]
+
+        # Get head name
+        if isinstance(head, Symbol) or (hasattr(head, 'name') and hasattr(head, '__class__')):
+            head_name = head.name if hasattr(head, 'name') else str(head)
+        elif isinstance(head, str):
+            head_name = head
+        else:
+            # Not a symbol - check if it's a data list or function call
+            if isinstance(head, dict):
+                # List of dicts - evaluate each element as data
+                return [self.eval(item, env) for item in expr]
+            # Otherwise evaluate as function call
+            fn = self.eval(head, env)
+            args = [self.eval(a, env) for a in expr[1:]]
+            return self._call(fn, args, env)
+
+        # Special forms
+        if head_name == 'let':
+            return self._eval_let(expr, env)
+        elif head_name in ('lambda', 'fn'):
+            return self._eval_lambda(expr, env)
+        elif head_name == 'if':
+            return self._eval_if(expr, env)
+        elif head_name == 'dict':
+            return self._eval_dict(expr, env)
+        elif head_name == 'get':
+            obj = self.eval(expr[1], env)
+            key = self.eval(expr[2], env) if len(expr) > 2 else expr[2]
+            if isinstance(key, str):
+                return obj.get(key) if isinstance(obj, dict) else getattr(obj, key, None)
+            return obj[key]
+        elif head_name == 'len':
+            return len(self.eval(expr[1], env))
+        elif head_name == 'range':
+            start = self.eval(expr[1], env)
+            end = self.eval(expr[2], env) if len(expr) > 2 else start
+            if len(expr) == 2:
+                return list(range(end))
+            return list(range(start, end))
+        elif head_name == 'map':
+            fn = self.eval(expr[1], env)
+            lst = self.eval(expr[2], env)
+            return [self._call(fn, [x], env) for x in lst]
+        elif head_name == 'mod':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) % self.eval(expr[2], env)
+
+        # Arithmetic
+        elif head_name == '+':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) + self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '-':
+            if len(expr) == 2:
+                return -self.eval(expr[1], env)
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) - self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '*':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) * self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '/':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) / self.eval(expr[2], env)
+
+        # Comparison
+        elif head_name == '<':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) < self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '>':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) > self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '<=':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) <= self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '>=':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) >= self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif head_name == '=':
+            return self.eval(expr[1], env) == self.eval(expr[2], env)
+
+        # Logic
+        elif head_name == 'and':
+            return all(self.eval(a, env) for a in expr[1:])
+        elif head_name == 'or':
+            return any(self.eval(a, env) for a in expr[1:])
+        elif head_name == 'not':
+            return not self.eval(expr[1], env)
+
+        # Function call
+        else:
+            fn = env.get(head_name) or self.globals.get(head_name)
+            if fn is None:
+                raise NameError(f"Undefined function: {head_name}")
+            args = [self.eval(a, env) for a in expr[1:]]
+            return self._call(fn, args, env)
+
+    def _eval_let(self, expr: list, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate (let [bindings...] body)."""
+        bindings = expr[1]
+        body = expr[2]
+
+        # Create new environment with bindings
+        new_env = dict(env)
+
+        # Process bindings in pairs
+        i = 0
+        while i < len(bindings):
+            name = bindings[i]
+            if isinstance(name, Symbol) or hasattr(name, 'name'):
+                name = name.name if hasattr(name, 'name') else str(name)
+            value = self.eval(bindings[i + 1], new_env)
+            new_env[name] = value
+            i += 2
+
+        return self.eval(body, new_env)
+
+    def _eval_lambda(self, expr: list, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Lambda:
+        """Evaluate (lambda [params] body)."""
+        params_expr = expr[1]
+        body = expr[2]
+
+        # Extract parameter names
+        params = []
+        for p in params_expr:
+            if isinstance(p, Symbol) or hasattr(p, 'name'):
+                params.append(p.name if hasattr(p, 'name') else str(p))
+            else:
+                params.append(str(p))
+
+        return Lambda(params=params, body=body, closure=dict(env))
+
+    def _eval_if(self, expr: list, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Evaluate (if cond then else)."""
+        cond = self.eval(expr[1], env)
+        if cond:
+            return self.eval(expr[2], env)
+        elif len(expr) > 3:
+            return self.eval(expr[3], env)
+        return None
+
+    def _eval_dict(self, expr: list, env: Dict[str, Any]) -> dict:
+        """Evaluate (dict :key val ...)."""
+        result = {}
+        i = 1
+        while i < len(expr):
+            key = expr[i]
+            # Handle keyword syntax (:key) and Keyword objects
+            if hasattr(key, 'name'):
+                key = key.name
+            elif hasattr(key, '__class__') and key.__class__.__name__ == 'Keyword':
+                key = str(key).lstrip(':')
+            elif isinstance(key, str) and key.startswith(':'):
+                key = key[1:]
+            value = self.eval(expr[i + 1], env)
+            result[key] = value
+            i += 2
+        return result
+
+    def _call(self, fn: Any, args: List[Any], env: Dict[str, Any]) -> Any:
+        """Call a function with arguments."""
+        if isinstance(fn, Lambda):
+            # Our own Lambda type
+            call_env = dict(fn.closure)
+            for param, arg in zip(fn.params, args):
+                call_env[param] = arg
+            return self.eval(fn.body, call_env)
+        elif hasattr(fn, 'params') and hasattr(fn, 'body'):
+            # Lambda from parser (artdag.sexp.parser.Lambda)
+            call_env = dict(env)
+            if hasattr(fn, 'closure') and fn.closure:
+                call_env.update(fn.closure)
+            # Get param names
+            params = []
+            for p in fn.params:
+                if hasattr(p, 'name'):
+                    params.append(p.name)
+                else:
+                    params.append(str(p))
+            for param, arg in zip(params, args):
+                call_env[param] = arg
+            return self.eval(fn.body, call_env)
+        elif callable(fn):
+            return fn(*args)
+        else:
+            raise TypeError(f"Not callable: {type(fn).__name__}")
+
+
+def eval_slice_on_lambda(lambda_obj, acc: dict, i: int, start: float, end: float,
+                         videos: list, interp: SexpInterpreter = None) -> dict:
+    """
+    Evaluate a SLICE_ON lambda function.
+
+    Args:
+        lambda_obj: The Lambda object from the compiled recipe
+        acc: Current accumulator state
+        i: Beat index
+        start: Slice start time
+        end: Slice end time
+        videos: List of video inputs
+        interp: Interpreter to use
+
+    Returns:
+        Dict with 'layers', 'compose', 'acc' keys
+    """
+    if interp is None:
+        interp = SexpInterpreter()
+
+    # Set up global 'videos' for (len videos) to work
+    interp.globals['videos'] = videos
+
+    # Build initial environment with lambda parameters
+    env = dict(lambda_obj.closure) if hasattr(lambda_obj, 'closure') and lambda_obj.closure else {}
+    env['videos'] = videos
+
+    # Call the lambda
+    result = interp._call(lambda_obj, [acc, i, start, end], env)
+
+    return result
diff --git a/streaming/sources.py b/streaming/sources.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..71e7e53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/streaming/sources.py
@@ -0,0 +1,281 @@
+"""
+Video and image sources with looping support.
+"""
+
+import numpy as np
+import subprocess
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Optional, Tuple
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+
+
+class Source(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for frame sources."""
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def read_frame(self, t: float) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Read frame at time t (with looping if needed)."""
+        pass
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def duration(self) -> float:
+        """Source duration in seconds."""
+        pass
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def size(self) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+        """Frame size as (width, height)."""
+        pass
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def fps(self) -> float:
+        """Frames per second."""
+        pass
+
+
+class VideoSource(Source):
+    """
+    Video file source with automatic looping.
+
+    Reads frames on-demand, seeking as needed. When time exceeds
+    duration, wraps around (loops).
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, path: str, target_fps: float = 30):
+        self.path = Path(path)
+        self.target_fps = target_fps
+
+        # Initialize decode state first (before _probe which could fail)
+        self._process: Optional[subprocess.Popen] = None
+        self._current_start: Optional[float] = None
+        self._frame_buffer: Optional[np.ndarray] = None
+        self._buffer_time: Optional[float] = None
+
+        self._duration = None
+        self._size = None
+        self._fps = None
+
+        if not self.path.exists():
+            raise FileNotFoundError(f"Video not found: {path}")
+
+        self._probe()
+
+    def _probe(self):
+        """Get video metadata."""
+        cmd = [
+            "ffprobe", "-v", "quiet",
+            "-print_format", "json",
+            "-show_format", "-show_streams",
+            str(self.path)
+        ]
+        result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
+        data = json.loads(result.stdout)
+
+        # Get duration
+        self._duration = float(data["format"]["duration"])
+
+        # Get video stream info
+        for stream in data["streams"]:
+            if stream["codec_type"] == "video":
+                self._size = (int(stream["width"]), int(stream["height"]))
+                # Parse fps from r_frame_rate (e.g., "30/1" or "30000/1001")
+                fps_parts = stream.get("r_frame_rate", "30/1").split("/")
+                self._fps = float(fps_parts[0]) / float(fps_parts[1])
+                break
+
+    @property
+    def duration(self) -> float:
+        return self._duration
+
+    @property
+    def size(self) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+        return self._size
+
+    @property
+    def fps(self) -> float:
+        return self._fps
+
+    def _start_decode(self, start_time: float):
+        """Start ffmpeg decode process from given time."""
+        if self._process:
+            try:
+                self._process.stdout.close()
+            except:
+                pass
+            self._process.terminate()
+            try:
+                self._process.wait(timeout=1)
+            except:
+                self._process.kill()
+                self._process.wait()
+
+        w, h = self._size
+        cmd = [
+            "ffmpeg", "-v", "quiet",
+            "-ss", str(start_time),
+            "-i", str(self.path),
+            "-f", "rawvideo",
+            "-pix_fmt", "rgb24",
+            "-r", str(self.target_fps),
+            "-"
+        ]
+        self._process = subprocess.Popen(
+            cmd,
+            stdout=subprocess.PIPE,
+            stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL,
+            bufsize=w * h * 3 * 4,  # Buffer a few frames
+        )
+        self._current_start = start_time
+        self._buffer_time = start_time
+
+    def read_frame(self, t: float) -> np.ndarray:
+        """
+        Read frame at time t.
+
+        If t exceeds duration, wraps around (loops).
+        Seeks if needed, otherwise reads sequentially.
+        """
+        # Wrap time for looping
+        t_wrapped = t % self._duration
+
+        # Check if we need to seek (loop point or large time jump)
+        need_seek = (
+            self._process is None or
+            self._buffer_time is None or
+            abs(t_wrapped - self._buffer_time) > 1.0 / self.target_fps * 2
+        )
+
+        if need_seek:
+            self._start_decode(t_wrapped)
+
+        # Read frame
+        w, h = self._size
+        frame_size = w * h * 3
+
+        # Try to read with retries for seek settling
+        for attempt in range(3):
+            raw = self._process.stdout.read(frame_size)
+            if len(raw) == frame_size:
+                break
+            # End of stream or seek not ready - restart from beginning
+            self._start_decode(0)
+
+        if len(raw) < frame_size:
+            # Still no data - return last frame or black
+            if self._frame_buffer is not None:
+                return self._frame_buffer.copy()
+            return np.zeros((h, w, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+
+        frame = np.frombuffer(raw, dtype=np.uint8).reshape((h, w, 3))
+        self._frame_buffer = frame  # Cache for fallback
+        self._buffer_time = t_wrapped + 1.0 / self.target_fps
+
+        return frame
+
+    def close(self):
+        """Clean up resources."""
+        if self._process:
+            self._process.terminate()
+            self._process.wait()
+            self._process = None
+
+    def __del__(self):
+        self.close()
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return f"VideoSource({self.path.name}, {self._size[0]}x{self._size[1]}, {self._duration:.1f}s)"
+
+
+class ImageSource(Source):
+    """
+    Static image source (returns same frame for any time).
+
+    Useful for backgrounds, overlays, etc.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, path: str):
+        self.path = Path(path)
+        if not self.path.exists():
+            raise FileNotFoundError(f"Image not found: {path}")
+
+        # Load image
+        import cv2
+        self._frame = cv2.imread(str(self.path))
+        self._frame = cv2.cvtColor(self._frame, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB)
+        self._size = (self._frame.shape[1], self._frame.shape[0])
+
+    @property
+    def duration(self) -> float:
+        return float('inf')  # Images last forever
+
+    @property
+    def size(self) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+        return self._size
+
+    @property
+    def fps(self) -> float:
+        return 30.0  # Arbitrary
+
+    def read_frame(self, t: float) -> np.ndarray:
+        return self._frame.copy()
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return f"ImageSource({self.path.name}, {self._size[0]}x{self._size[1]})"
+
+
+class LiveSource(Source):
+    """
+    Live video capture source (webcam, capture card, etc.).
+
+    Time parameter is ignored - always returns latest frame.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, device: int = 0, size: Tuple[int, int] = (1280, 720), fps: float = 30):
+        import cv2
+        self._cap = cv2.VideoCapture(device)
+        self._cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH, size[0])
+        self._cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT, size[1])
+        self._cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FPS, fps)
+
+        # Get actual settings
+        self._size = (
+            int(self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH)),
+            int(self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT))
+        )
+        self._fps = self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FPS)
+
+        if not self._cap.isOpened():
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Could not open video device {device}")
+
+    @property
+    def duration(self) -> float:
+        return float('inf')  # Live - no duration
+
+    @property
+    def size(self) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+        return self._size
+
+    @property
+    def fps(self) -> float:
+        return self._fps
+
+    def read_frame(self, t: float) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Read latest frame (t is ignored for live sources)."""
+        import cv2
+        ret, frame = self._cap.read()
+        if not ret:
+            return np.zeros((self._size[1], self._size[0], 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+        return cv2.cvtColor(frame, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB)
+
+    def close(self):
+        self._cap.release()
+
+    def __del__(self):
+        self.close()
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return f"LiveSource({self._size[0]}x{self._size[1]}, {self._fps}fps)"
diff --git a/templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp b/templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..40a87ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/cycle-crossfade.sexp
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+;; cycle-crossfade template
+;;
+;; Generalized cycling zoom-crossfade for any number of video layers.
+;; Cycles through videos with smooth zoom-based crossfade transitions.
+;;
+;; Parameters:
+;;   beat-data     - beat analysis node (drives timing)
+;;   input-videos  - list of video nodes to cycle through
+;;   init-clen     - initial cycle length in beats
+;;
+;; NOTE: The parameter is named "input-videos" (not "videos") because
+;; template substitution replaces param names everywhere in the AST.
+;; The planner's _expand_slice_on injects env["videos"] at plan time,
+;; so (len videos) inside the lambda references that injected value.
+
+(deftemplate cycle-crossfade
+  (beat-data input-videos init-clen)
+
+  (slice-on beat-data
+    :videos input-videos
+    :init {:cycle 0 :beat 0 :clen init-clen}
+    :fn (lambda [acc i start end]
+      (let [beat   (get acc "beat")
+            clen   (get acc "clen")
+            active (get acc "cycle")
+            n      (len videos)
+            phase3 (* beat 3)
+            wt (lambda [p]
+              (let [prev (mod (+ p (- n 1)) n)]
+                (if (= active p)
+                  (if (< phase3 clen) 1.0
+                    (if (< phase3 (* clen 2))
+                      (- 1.0 (* (/ (- phase3 clen) clen) 1.0))
+                      0.0))
+                  (if (= active prev)
+                    (if (< phase3 clen) 0.0
+                      (if (< phase3 (* clen 2))
+                        (* (/ (- phase3 clen) clen) 1.0)
+                        1.0))
+                    0.0))))
+            zm (lambda [p]
+              (let [prev (mod (+ p (- n 1)) n)]
+                (if (= active p)
+                  ;; Active video: normal -> zoom out during transition -> tiny
+                  (if (< phase3 clen) 1.0
+                    (if (< phase3 (* clen 2))
+                      (+ 1.0 (* (/ (- phase3 clen) clen) 1.0))
+                      0.1))
+                  (if (= active prev)
+                    ;; Incoming video: tiny -> zoom in during transition -> normal
+                    (if (< phase3 clen) 0.1
+                      (if (< phase3 (* clen 2))
+                        (+ 0.1 (* (/ (- phase3 clen) clen) 0.9))
+                        1.0))
+                    0.1))))
+            new-acc (if (< (+ beat 1) clen)
+                      (dict :cycle active :beat (+ beat 1) :clen clen)
+                      (dict :cycle (mod (+ active 1) n) :beat 0
+                            :clen (+ 40 (mod (* i 7) 41))))]
+        {:layers (map (lambda [p]
+                   {:video p :effects [{:effect zoom :amount (zm p)}]})
+                 (range 0 n))
+         :compose {:effect blend_multi :mode "alpha"
+                   :weights (map (lambda [p] (wt p)) (range 0 n))}
+         :acc new-acc}))))
diff --git a/templates/process-pair.sexp b/templates/process-pair.sexp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6720cd2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/process-pair.sexp
@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+;; process-pair template
+;;
+;; Reusable video-pair processor: takes a single video source, creates two
+;; clips (A and B) with opposite rotations and sporadic effects, blends them,
+;; and applies a per-pair slow rotation driven by a beat scan.
+;;
+;; All sporadic triggers (invert, hue-shift, ascii) and pair-level controls
+;; (blend opacity, rotation) are defined internally using seed offsets.
+;;
+;; Parameters:
+;;   video         - source video node
+;;   energy        - energy analysis node (drives rotation/zoom amounts)
+;;   beat-data     - beat analysis node (drives sporadic triggers)
+;;   rng           - RNG object from (make-rng seed) for auto-derived seeds
+;;   rot-dir       - initial rotation direction: 1 (clockwise) or -1 (anti-clockwise)
+;;   rot-a/b       - rotation ranges for clip A/B (e.g. [0 45])
+;;   zoom-a/b      - zoom ranges for clip A/B (e.g. [1 1.5])
+
+(deftemplate process-pair
+  (video energy beat-data rng rot-dir rot-a rot-b zoom-a zoom-b)
+
+  ;; --- Sporadic triggers for clip A ---
+
+  ;; Invert: 10% chance per beat, lasts 1-5 beats
+  (def inv-a (scan beat-data :rng rng :init 0
+    :step (if (> acc 0) (- acc 1) (if (< (rand) 0.1) (rand-int 1 5) 0))
+    :emit (if (> acc 0) 1 0)))
+
+  ;; Hue shift: 10% chance, random hue 30-330 deg, lasts 1-5 beats
+  (def hue-a (scan beat-data :rng rng :init (dict :rem 0 :hue 0)
+    :step (if (> rem 0)
+              (dict :rem (- rem 1) :hue hue)
+              (if (< (rand) 0.1)
+                  (dict :rem (rand-int 1 5) :hue (rand-range 30 330))
+                  (dict :rem 0 :hue 0)))
+    :emit (if (> rem 0) hue 0)))
+
+  ;; ASCII art: 5% chance, lasts 1-3 beats
+  (def ascii-a (scan beat-data :rng rng :init 0
+    :step (if (> acc 0) (- acc 1) (if (< (rand) 0.05) (rand-int 1 3) 0))
+    :emit (if (> acc 0) 1 0)))
+
+  ;; --- Sporadic triggers for clip B (offset seeds) ---
+
+  (def inv-b (scan beat-data :rng rng :init 0
+    :step (if (> acc 0) (- acc 1) (if (< (rand) 0.1) (rand-int 1 5) 0))
+    :emit (if (> acc 0) 1 0)))
+
+  (def hue-b (scan beat-data :rng rng :init (dict :rem 0 :hue 0)
+    :step (if (> rem 0)
+              (dict :rem (- rem 1) :hue hue)
+              (if (< (rand) 0.1)
+                  (dict :rem (rand-int 1 5) :hue (rand-range 30 330))
+                  (dict :rem 0 :hue 0)))
+    :emit (if (> rem 0) hue 0)))
+
+  (def ascii-b (scan beat-data :rng rng :init 0
+    :step (if (> acc 0) (- acc 1) (if (< (rand) 0.05) (rand-int 1 3) 0))
+    :emit (if (> acc 0) 1 0)))
+
+  ;; --- Pair-level controls ---
+
+  ;; Internal A/B blend: randomly show A (0), both (0.5), or B (1), every 1-11 beats
+  (def pair-mix (scan beat-data :rng rng
+    :init (dict :rem 0 :opacity 0.5)
+    :step (if (> rem 0)
+            (dict :rem (- rem 1) :opacity opacity)
+            (dict :rem (rand-int 1 11) :opacity (* (rand-int 0 2) 0.5)))
+    :emit opacity))
+
+  ;; Per-pair rotation: one full rotation every 20-30 beats, alternating direction
+  (def pair-rot (scan beat-data :rng rng
+    :init (dict :beat 0 :clen 25 :dir rot-dir :angle 0)
+    :step (if (< (+ beat 1) clen)
+            (dict :beat (+ beat 1) :clen clen :dir dir
+                  :angle (+ angle (* dir (/ 360 clen))))
+            (dict :beat 0 :clen (rand-int 20 30) :dir (* dir -1)
+                  :angle angle))
+    :emit angle))
+
+  ;; --- Clip A processing ---
+  (def clip-a (-> video (segment :start 0 :duration (bind energy duration))))
+  (def rotated-a (-> clip-a
+    (effect rotate :angle (bind energy values :range rot-a))
+    (effect zoom :amount (bind energy values :range zoom-a))
+    (effect invert :amount (bind inv-a values))
+    (effect hue_shift :degrees (bind hue-a values))
+    ;; ASCII disabled - too slow without GPU
+    ;; (effect ascii_art
+    ;;   :char_size (bind energy values :range [4 32])
+    ;;   :mix (bind ascii-a values))
+    ))
+
+  ;; --- Clip B processing ---
+  (def clip-b (-> video (segment :start 0 :duration (bind energy duration))))
+  (def rotated-b (-> clip-b
+    (effect rotate :angle (bind energy values :range rot-b))
+    (effect zoom :amount (bind energy values :range zoom-b))
+    (effect invert :amount (bind inv-b values))
+    (effect hue_shift :degrees (bind hue-b values))
+    ;; ASCII disabled - too slow without GPU
+    ;; (effect ascii_art
+    ;;   :char_size (bind energy values :range [4 32])
+    ;;   :mix (bind ascii-b values))
+    ))
+
+  ;; --- Blend A+B and apply pair rotation ---
+  (-> rotated-a
+    (effect blend rotated-b
+      :mode "alpha" :opacity (bind pair-mix values) :resize_mode "fit")
+    (effect rotate
+      :angle (bind pair-rot values))))