A local path belongs to your computer
A remote service cannot open /Users/you/video.mp4. The file helper reads the path locally and uploads the file’s bytes. Your original video stays on your computer.
Prepare large videos before upload
Use the helper’s prepare-audio option to extract a mono MP3 audio track. This requires local FFmpeg. It can make a large video fit the 24 MB upload limit. The prepared audio must still pass the duration limit.
Save the job before paying
The helper writes the quote and private access key into the receipt file you choose. Run checkout with that receipt. After payment, use wait to download the transcript. Keep the receipt private.
node transcript.mjs quote ./video.mp4 --prepare-audio --receipt ./job.json
node transcript.mjs checkout ./job.json
node transcript.mjs wait ./job.json --output ./transcript.txt