[
  {
    "category": "voice_selection",
    "subject": "Narration voice",
    "chosen": "Piper en_US-amy-medium (local, free)",
    "options_rejected": [
      "cloud text to speech APIs"
    ],
    "reason": "no API key is needed and the cost stays at zero"
  },
  {
    "category": "render_path",
    "subject": "Composition engine",
    "chosen": "FFmpeg direct (local)",
    "options_rejected": [
      "Remotion",
      "HyperFrames"
    ],
    "reason": "the designed cards plus zoom and fades cover this pipeline, with fewer moving parts"
  },
  {
    "category": "music_source",
    "subject": "Music bed",
    "chosen": "synthesised pad made in the run",
    "options_rejected": [
      "library music"
    ],
    "reason": "no licence questions and no download needed"
  }
]