feat(presets): Add upstream-default preset and enhance demo preset

- Add upstream-default preset matching upstream mainline behavior:
  - Terminal display (not pygame)
  - No message overlay
  - Classic effects: noise, fade, glitch, firehose
  - Mixed positioning mode

- Enhance demo preset to showcase sideline features:
  - Hotswappable effects via effect plugins
  - LFO sensor modulation (oscillator sensor)
  - Mixed positioning mode
  - Message overlay with ntfy integration
  - Includes hud effect for visual feedback

- Update all presets to use mixed positioning mode
- Update completion script for --positioning flag

Usage:
  python -m mainline --preset upstream-default --display terminal
  python -m mainline --preset demo --display pygame

.gitignore

@@ -1,4 +1,17 @@
 __pycache__/
 *.pyc
 .mainline_venv/
+.venv/
+uv.lock
 .mainline_cache_*.json
+.DS_Store
+htmlcov/
+.coverage
+.pytest_cache/
+*.egg-info/
+coverage.xml
+*.dot
+*.png
+test-reports/
+.opencode/
+tests/comparison_output/

.opencode/skills/mainline-architecture/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+---
+name: mainline-architecture
+description: Pipeline stages, capability resolution, and core architecture patterns
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers Mainline's pipeline architecture - the Stage-based system for dependency resolution, data flow, and component composition.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### Stage Class (engine/pipeline/core.py)
+
+The `Stage` ABC is the foundation. All pipeline components inherit from it:
+
+```python
+class Stage(ABC):
+    name: str
+    category: str  # "source", "effect", "overlay", "display", "camera"
+    optional: bool = False
+    
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        """What this stage provides (e.g., 'source.headlines')"""
+        return set()
+    
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        """What this stage needs (e.g., {'source'})"""
+        return set()
+```
+
+### Capability-Based Dependencies
+
+The Pipeline resolves dependencies using **prefix matching**:
+- `"source"` matches `"source.headlines"`, `"source.poetry"`, etc.
+- `"camera.state"` matches the camera state capability
+- This allows flexible composition without hardcoding specific stage names
+
+### Minimum Capabilities
+
+The pipeline requires these minimum capabilities to function:
+- `"source"` - Data source capability
+- `"render.output"` - Rendered content capability
+- `"display.output"` - Display output capability
+- `"camera.state"` - Camera state for viewport filtering
+
+These are automatically injected if missing (auto-injection).
+
+### DataType Enum
+
+PureData-style data types for inlet/outlet validation:
+- `SOURCE_ITEMS`: List[SourceItem] - raw items from sources
+- `ITEM_TUPLES`: List[tuple] - (title, source, timestamp) tuples  
+- `TEXT_BUFFER`: List[str] - rendered ANSI buffer
+- `RAW_TEXT`: str - raw text strings
+- `PIL_IMAGE`: PIL Image object
+
+### Pipeline Execution
+
+The Pipeline (engine/pipeline/controller.py):
+1. Collects all stages from StageRegistry
+2. Resolves dependencies using prefix matching
+3. Executes stages in dependency order
+4. Handles errors for non-optional stages
+
+### Canvas & Camera
+
+- **Canvas** (`engine/canvas.py`): 2D rendering surface with dirty region tracking
+- **Camera** (`engine/camera.py`): Viewport controller for scrolling content
+
+Canvas tracks dirty regions automatically when content is written via `put_region`, `put_text`, `fill`, enabling partial buffer updates.
+
+## Adding New Stages
+
+1. Create a class inheriting from `Stage`
+2. Define `capabilities` and `dependencies` properties
+3. Implement required abstract methods
+4. Register in StageRegistry or use as adapter
+
+## Common Patterns
+
+- Use adapters (engine/pipeline/adapters.py) to wrap existing components as stages
+- Set `optional=True` for stages that can fail gracefully
+- Use `stage_type` and `render_order` for execution ordering
+- Clock stages update state independently of data flow
+
+## Sources
+
+- engine/pipeline/core.py - Stage base class
+- engine/pipeline/controller.py - Pipeline implementation
+- engine/pipeline/adapters/ - Stage adapters
+- docs/PIPELINE.md - Pipeline documentation

.opencode/skills/mainline-display/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+---
+name: mainline-display
+description: Display backend implementation and the Display protocol
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers Mainline's display backend system - how to implement new display backends and how the Display protocol works.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### Display Protocol
+
+All backends implement a common Display protocol (in `engine/display/__init__.py`):
+
+```python
+class Display(Protocol):
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize the display"""
+        ...
+    
+    def show(self, buf: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Display the buffer"""
+        ...
+    
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear the display"""
+        ...
+    
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Clean up resources"""
+        ...
+    
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Return (width, height)"""
+        ...
+```
+
+### DisplayRegistry
+
+Discovers and manages backends:
+
+```python
+from engine.display import DisplayRegistry
+display = DisplayRegistry.create("terminal")  # or "websocket", "null", "multi"
+```
+
+### Available Backends
+
+| Backend | File | Description |
+|---------|------|-------------|
+| terminal | backends/terminal.py | ANSI terminal output |
+| websocket | backends/websocket.py | Web browser via WebSocket |
+| null | backends/null.py | Headless for testing |
+| multi | backends/multi.py | Forwards to multiple displays |
+| moderngl | backends/moderngl.py | GPU-accelerated OpenGL rendering (optional) |
+
+### WebSocket Backend
+
+- WebSocket server: port 8765
+- HTTP server: port 8766 (serves client/index.html)
+- Client has ANSI color parsing and fullscreen support
+
+### Multi Backend
+
+Forwards to multiple displays simultaneously - useful for `terminal + websocket`.
+
+## Adding a New Backend
+
+1. Create `engine/display/backends/my_backend.py`
+2. Implement the Display protocol methods
+3. Register in `engine/display/__init__.py`'s `DisplayRegistry`
+
+Required methods:
+- `init(width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False)` - Initialize display
+- `show(buf: list[str], border: bool = False)` - Display buffer
+- `clear()` - Clear screen
+- `cleanup()` - Clean up resources
+- `get_dimensions() -> tuple[int, int]` - Get terminal dimensions
+
+Optional methods:
+- `title(text: str)` - Set window title
+- `cursor(show: bool)` - Control cursor
+
+## Usage
+
+```bash
+python mainline.py --display terminal  # default
+python mainline.py --display websocket
+python mainline.py --display moderngl  # GPU-accelerated (requires moderngl)
+```
+
+## Common Bugs and Patterns
+
+### BorderMode.OFF Enum Bug
+
+**Problem**: `BorderMode.OFF` has enum value `1` (not `0`), and Python enums are always truthy.
+
+**Incorrect Code**:
+```python
+if border:
+    buffer = render_border(buffer, width, height, fps, frame_time)
+```
+
+**Correct Code**:
+```python
+from engine.display import BorderMode
+if border and border != BorderMode.OFF:
+    buffer = render_border(buffer, width, height, fps, frame_time)
+```
+
+**Why**: Checking `if border:` evaluates to `True` even when `border == BorderMode.OFF` because enum members are always truthy in Python.
+
+### Context Type Mismatch
+
+**Problem**: `PipelineContext` and `EffectContext` have different APIs for storing data.
+
+- `PipelineContext`: Uses `set()`/`get()` for services
+- `EffectContext`: Uses `set_state()`/`get_state()` for state
+
+**Pattern for Passing Data**:
+```python
+# In pipeline setup (uses PipelineContext)
+ctx.set("pipeline_order", pipeline.execution_order)
+
+# In EffectPluginStage (must copy to EffectContext)
+effect_ctx.set_state("pipeline_order", ctx.get("pipeline_order"))
+```
+
+### Terminal Display ANSI Patterns
+
+**Screen Clearing**:
+```python
+output = "\033[H\033[J" + "".join(buffer)
+```
+
+**Cursor Positioning** (used by HUD effect):
+- `\033[row;colH` - Move cursor to row, column
+- Example: `\033[1;1H` - Move to row 1, column 1
+
+**Key Insight**: Terminal display joins buffer lines WITHOUT newlines, relying on ANSI cursor positioning codes to move the cursor to the correct location for each line.
+
+### EffectPluginStage Context Copying
+
+**Problem**: When effects need access to pipeline services (like `pipeline_order`), they must be copied from `PipelineContext` to `EffectContext`.
+
+**Pattern**:
+```python
+# In EffectPluginStage.process()
+# Copy pipeline_order from PipelineContext services to EffectContext state
+pipeline_order = ctx.get("pipeline_order")
+if pipeline_order:
+    effect_ctx.set_state("pipeline_order", pipeline_order)
+```
+
+This ensures effects can access `ctx.get_state("pipeline_order")` in their process method.

.opencode/skills/mainline-effects/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+---
+name: mainline-effects
+description: How to add new effect plugins to Mainline's effect system
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers Mainline's effect plugin system - how to create, configure, and integrate visual effects into the pipeline.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### EffectPlugin ABC (engine/effects/types.py)
+
+All effects must inherit from `EffectPlugin` and implement:
+
+```python
+class EffectPlugin(ABC):
+    name: str
+    config: EffectConfig
+    param_bindings: dict[str, dict[str, str | float]] = {}
+    supports_partial_updates: bool = False
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Process buffer with effect applied"""
+        ...
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        """Configure the effect"""
+        ...
+```
+
+### EffectContext
+
+Passed to every effect's process method:
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class EffectContext:
+    terminal_width: int
+    terminal_height: int
+    scroll_cam: int
+    ticker_height: int
+    camera_x: int = 0
+    mic_excess: float = 0.0
+    grad_offset: float = 0.0
+    frame_number: int = 0
+    has_message: bool = False
+    items: list = field(default_factory=list)
+    _state: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+```
+
+Access sensor values via `ctx.get_sensor_value("sensor_name")`.
+
+### EffectConfig
+
+Configuration dataclass:
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class EffectConfig:
+    enabled: bool = True
+    intensity: float = 1.0
+    params: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+```
+
+### Partial Updates
+
+For performance optimization, set `supports_partial_updates = True` and implement `process_partial`:
+
+```python
+class MyEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    supports_partial_updates = True
+    
+    def process_partial(self, buf, ctx, partial: PartialUpdate) -> list[str]:
+        # Only process changed regions
+        ...
+```
+
+## Adding a New Effect
+
+1. Create file in `effects_plugins/my_effect.py`
+2. Inherit from `EffectPlugin`
+3. Implement `process()` and `configure()`
+4. Add to `effects_plugins/__init__.py` (runtime discovery via issubclass checks)
+
+## Param Bindings
+
+Declarative sensor-to-param mappings:
+
+```python
+param_bindings = {
+    "intensity": {"sensor": "mic", "transform": "linear"},
+    "rate": {"sensor": "oscillator", "transform": "exponential"},
+}
+```
+
+Transforms: `linear`, `exponential`, `threshold`
+
+## Effect Chain
+
+Effects are chained via `engine/effects/chain.py` - processes each effect in order, passing output to next.
+
+## Existing Effects
+
+See `effects_plugins/`:
+- noise.py, fade.py, glitch.py, firehose.py
+- border.py, crop.py, tint.py, hud.py

.opencode/skills/mainline-presets/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+---
+name: mainline-presets
+description: Creating pipeline presets in TOML format for Mainline
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers how to create pipeline presets in TOML format for Mainline's rendering pipeline.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### Preset Loading Order
+
+Presets are loaded from multiple locations (later overrides earlier):
+1. Built-in: `engine/presets.toml`
+2. User config: `~/.config/mainline/presets.toml`
+3. Local override: `./presets.toml`
+
+### PipelinePreset Dataclass
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class PipelinePreset:
+    name: str
+    description: str = ""
+    source: str = "headlines"      # Data source
+    display: str = "terminal"      # Display backend
+    camera: str = "scroll"          # Camera mode
+    effects: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    border: bool = False
+```
+
+### TOML Format
+
+```toml
+[presets.my-preset]
+description = "My custom pipeline"
+source = "headlines"
+display = "terminal"
+camera = "scroll"
+effects = ["noise", "fade"]
+border = true
+```
+
+## Creating a Preset
+
+### Option 1: User Config
+
+Create/edit `~/.config/mainline/presets.toml`:
+
+```toml
+[presets.my-cool-preset]
+description = "Noise and glitch effects"
+source = "headlines"
+display = "terminal"
+effects = ["noise", "glitch"]
+```
+
+### Option 2: Local Override
+
+Create `./presets.toml` in project root:
+
+```toml
+[presets.dev-inspect]
+description = "Pipeline introspection for development"
+source = "headlines"
+display = "terminal"
+effects = ["hud"]
+```
+
+### Option 3: Built-in
+
+Edit `engine/presets.toml` (requires PR to repository).
+
+## Available Sources
+
+- `headlines` - RSS news feeds
+- `poetry` - Literature mode
+- `pipeline-inspect` - Live DAG visualization
+
+## Available Displays
+
+- `terminal` - ANSI terminal
+- `websocket` - Web browser
+- `null` - Headless
+- `moderngl` - GPU-accelerated (optional)
+
+## Available Effects
+
+See `effects_plugins/`:
+- noise, fade, glitch, firehose
+- border, crop, tint, hud
+
+## Validation Functions
+
+Use these from `engine/pipeline/presets.py`:
+- `validate_preset()` - Validate preset structure
+- `validate_signal_path()` - Detect circular dependencies
+- `generate_preset_toml()` - Generate skeleton preset

.opencode/skills/mainline-sensors/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+---
+name: mainline-sensors
+description: Sensor framework for real-time input in Mainline
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers Mainline's sensor framework - how to use, create, and integrate sensors for real-time input.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### Sensor Base Class (engine/sensors/__init__.py)
+
+```python
+class Sensor(ABC):
+    name: str
+    unit: str = ""
+    
+    @property
+    def available(self) -> bool:
+        """Whether sensor is currently available"""
+        return True
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def read(self) -> SensorValue | None:
+        """Read current sensor value"""
+        ...
+    
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        """Initialize sensor (optional)"""
+        pass
+    
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        """Clean up sensor (optional)"""
+        pass
+```
+
+### SensorValue Dataclass
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class SensorValue:
+    sensor_name: str
+    value: float
+    timestamp: float
+    unit: str = ""
+```
+
+### SensorRegistry
+
+Discovers and manages sensors globally:
+
+```python
+from engine.sensors import SensorRegistry
+registry = SensorRegistry()
+sensor = registry.get("mic")
+```
+
+### SensorStage
+
+Pipeline adapter that provides sensor values to effects:
+
+```python
+from engine.pipeline.adapters import SensorStage
+stage = SensorStage(sensor_name="mic")
+```
+
+## Built-in Sensors
+
+| Sensor | File | Description |
+|--------|------|-------------|
+| MicSensor | sensors/mic.py | Microphone input (RMS dB) |
+| OscillatorSensor | sensors/oscillator.py | Test sine wave generator |
+| PipelineMetricsSensor | sensors/pipeline_metrics.py | FPS, frame time, etc. |
+
+## Param Bindings
+
+Effects declare sensor-to-param mappings:
+
+```python
+class GlitchEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    param_bindings = {
+        "intensity": {"sensor": "mic", "transform": "linear"},
+    }
+```
+
+### Transform Functions
+
+- `linear` - Direct mapping to param range
+- `exponential` - Exponential scaling
+- `threshold` - Binary on/off
+
+## Adding a New Sensor
+
+1. Create `engine/sensors/my_sensor.py`
+2. Inherit from `Sensor` ABC
+3. Implement required methods
+4. Register in `SensorRegistry`
+
+Example:
+```python
+class MySensor(Sensor):
+    name = "my-sensor"
+    unit = "units"
+    
+    def read(self) -> SensorValue | None:
+        return SensorValue(
+            sensor_name=self.name,
+            value=self._read_hardware(),
+            timestamp=time.time(),
+            unit=self.unit
+        )
+```
+
+## Using Sensors in Effects
+
+Access sensor values via EffectContext:
+
+```python
+def process(self, buf, ctx):
+    mic_level = ctx.get_sensor_value("mic")
+    if mic_level and mic_level > 0.5:
+        # Apply intense effect
+        ...
+```
+
+Or via param_bindings (automatic):
+
+```python
+# If intensity is bound to "mic", it's automatically 
+# available in self.config.intensity
+```

.opencode/skills/mainline-sources/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+---
+name: mainline-sources
+description: Adding new RSS feeds and data sources to Mainline
+compatibility: opencode
+metadata:
+  audience: developers
+  source_type: codebase
+---
+
+## What This Skill Covers
+
+This skill covers how to add new data sources (RSS feeds, poetry) to Mainline.
+
+## Key Concepts
+
+### Feeds Dictionary (engine/sources.py)
+
+All feeds are defined in a simple dictionary:
+
+```python
+FEEDS = {
+    "Feed Name": "https://example.com/feed.xml",
+    # Category comments help organize:
+    # Science & Technology
+    # Economics & Business
+    # World & Politics
+    # Culture & Ideas
+}
+```
+
+### Poetry Sources
+
+Project Gutenberg URLs for public domain literature:
+
+```python
+POETRY_SOURCES = {
+    "Author Name": "https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1234/pg1234.txt",
+}
+```
+
+### Language & Script Mapping
+
+The sources.py also contains language/script detection mappings used for auto-translation and font selection.
+
+## Adding a New RSS Feed
+
+1. Edit `engine/sources.py`
+2. Add entry to `FEEDS` dict under appropriate category:
+   ```python
+   "My Feed": "https://example.com/feed.xml",
+   ```
+3. The feed will be automatically discovered on next run
+
+### Feed Requirements
+
+- Must be valid RSS or Atom XML
+- Should have `<title>` elements for items
+- Must be HTTP/HTTPS accessible
+
+## Adding Poetry Sources
+
+1. Edit `engine/sources.py`
+2. Add to `POETRY_SOURCES` dict:
+   ```python
+   "Author": "https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/XXXX/pgXXXX.txt",
+   ```
+
+### Poetry Requirements
+
+- Plain text (UTF-8)
+- Project Gutenberg format preferred
+- No DRM-protected sources
+
+## Data Flow
+
+Feeds are fetched via `engine/fetch.py`:
+- `fetch_feed(url)` - Fetches and parses RSS/Atom
+- Results cached for fast restarts
+- Filtered via `engine/filter.py` for content cleaning
+
+## Categories
+
+Organize new feeds by category using comments:
+- Science & Technology
+- Economics & Business  
+- World & Politics
+- Culture & Ideas

.python-version

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+3.12

AGENTS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,465 @@
+# Agent Development Guide
+
+## Development Environment
+
+This project uses:
+- **mise** (mise.jdx.dev) - tool version manager and task runner
+- **uv** - fast Python package installer
+- **ruff** - linter and formatter (line-length 88, target Python 3.10)
+- **pytest** - test runner with strict marker enforcement
+
+### Setup
+
+```bash
+mise run install          # Install dependencies
+# Or: uv sync --all-extras   # includes mic, websocket support
+```
+
+### Available Commands
+
+```bash
+# Testing
+mise run test            # Run all tests
+mise run test-cov       # Run tests with coverage report
+pytest tests/test_foo.py::TestClass::test_method  # Run single test
+
+# Linting & Formatting
+mise run lint            # Run ruff linter
+mise run lint-fix       # Run ruff with auto-fix
+mise run format         # Run ruff formatter
+
+# CI
+mise run ci             # Full CI pipeline (topics-init + lint + test-cov)
+```
+
+### Running a Single Test
+
+```bash
+# Run a specific test function
+pytest tests/test_eventbus.py::TestEventBusInit::test_init_creates_empty_subscribers
+
+# Run all tests in a file
+pytest tests/test_eventbus.py
+
+# Run tests matching a pattern
+pytest -k "test_subscribe"
+```
+
+### Git Hooks
+
+Install hooks at start of session:
+```bash
+ls -la .git/hooks/pre-commit  # Verify installed
+hk init --mise                # Install if missing
+mise run pre-commit           # Run manually
+```
+
+## Code Style Guidelines
+
+### Imports (three sections, alphabetical within each)
+
+```python
+# 1. Standard library
+import os
+import threading
+from collections import defaultdict
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+# 2. Third-party
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+
+# 3. Local project
+from engine.events import EventType
+```
+
+### Type Hints
+
+- Use type hints for all function signatures (parameters and return)
+- Use `|` for unions (Python 3.10+): `EventType | None`
+- Use `dict[K, V]`, `list[V]` (generic syntax): `dict[str, list[int]]`
+- Use `Callable[[ArgType], ReturnType]` for callbacks
+
+```python
+def subscribe(self, event_type: EventType, callback: Callable[[Any], None]) -> None:
+    ...
+
+def get_sensor_value(self, sensor_name: str) -> float | None:
+    return self._state.get(f"sensor.{sensor_name}")
+```
+
+### Naming Conventions
+
+- **Classes**: `PascalCase` (e.g., `EventBus`, `EffectPlugin`)
+- **Functions/methods**: `snake_case` (e.g., `get_event_bus`, `process_partial`)
+- **Constants**: `SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE` (e.g., `CURSOR_OFF`)
+- **Private methods**: `_snake_case` prefix (e.g., `_initialize`)
+- **Type variables**: `PascalCase` (e.g., `T`, `EffectT`)
+
+### Dataclasses
+
+Use `@dataclass` for simple data containers:
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class EffectContext:
+    terminal_width: int
+    terminal_height: int
+    scroll_cam: int
+    ticker_height: int = 0
+    _state: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict, repr=False)
+```
+
+### Abstract Base Classes
+
+Use ABC for interface enforcement:
+
+```python
+class EffectPlugin(ABC):
+    name: str
+    config: EffectConfig
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        ...
+    
+    @abstractmethod
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        ...
+```
+
+### Error Handling
+
+- Catch specific exceptions, not bare `Exception`
+- Use `try/except` with fallbacks for optional features
+- Silent pass in event callbacks to prevent one handler from breaking others
+
+```python
+# Good: specific exception
+try:
+    term_size = os.get_terminal_size()
+except OSError:
+    term_width = 80
+
+# Good: silent pass in callbacks
+for callback in callbacks:
+    try:
+        callback(event)
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+```
+
+### Thread Safety
+
+Use locks for shared state:
+
+```python
+class EventBus:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+    
+    def publish(self, event_type: EventType, event: Any = None) -> None:
+        with self._lock:
+            callbacks = list(self._subscribers.get(event_type, []))
+```
+
+### Comments
+
+- **DO NOT ADD comments** unless explicitly required
+- Let code be self-documenting with good naming
+- Use docstrings only for public APIs or complex logic
+
+### Testing Patterns
+
+Follow pytest conventions:
+
+```python
+class TestEventBusSubscribe:
+    """Tests for EventBus.subscribe method."""
+    
+    def test_subscribe_adds_callback(self):
+        """subscribe() adds a callback for an event type."""
+        bus = EventBus()
+        def callback(e):
+            return None
+        bus.subscribe(EventType.NTFY_MESSAGE, callback)
+        assert bus.subscriber_count(EventType.NTFY_MESSAGE) == 1
+```
+
+- Use classes to group related tests (`Test<ClassName>`, `Test<method_name>`)
+- Test docstrings follow `"<method>() <action>"` pattern
+- Use descriptive assertion messages via pytest behavior
+
+## Workflow Rules
+
+### Before Committing
+
+1. Run tests: `mise run test`
+2. Run linter: `mise run lint`
+3. Review changes: `git diff`
+
+### On Failing Tests
+
+- **Out-of-date test**: Update test to match new expected behavior
+- **Correctly failing test**: Fix implementation, not the test
+
+**Never** modify a test to make it pass without understanding why it failed.
+
+## Testing
+
+Tests live in `tests/` and follow the pattern `test_*.py`.
+
+Run all tests:
+```bash
+mise run test
+```
+
+Run with coverage:
+```bash
+mise run test-cov
+```
+
+The project uses pytest with strict marker enforcement. Test configuration is in `pyproject.toml` under `[tool.pytest.ini_options]`.
+
+### Test Coverage Strategy
+
+Current coverage: 56% (463 tests)
+
+Key areas with lower coverage (acceptable for now):
+- **app.py** (8%): Main entry point - integration heavy, requires terminal
+- **scroll.py** (10%): Terminal-dependent rendering logic (unused)
+
+Key areas with good coverage:
+- **display/backends/null.py** (95%): Easy to test headlessly
+- **display/backends/terminal.py** (96%): Uses mocking
+- **display/backends/multi.py** (100%): Simple forwarding logic
+- **effects/performance.py** (99%): Pure Python logic
+- **eventbus.py** (96%): Simple event system
+- **effects/controller.py** (95%): Effects command handling
+
+Areas needing more tests:
+- **websocket.py** (48%): Network I/O, hard to test in CI
+- **ntfy.py** (50%): Network I/O, hard to test in CI
+- **mic.py** (61%): Audio I/O, hard to test in CI
+
+Note: Terminal-dependent modules (scroll, layers render) are harder to test in CI.
+Performance regression tests are in `tests/test_benchmark.py` with `@pytest.mark.benchmark`.
+
+## Architecture Notes
+
+- **ntfy.py** - standalone notification poller with zero internal dependencies
+- **sensors/** - Sensor framework (MicSensor, OscillatorSensor) for real-time input
+- **eventbus.py** provides thread-safe event publishing for decoupled communication
+- **effects/** - plugin architecture with performance monitoring
+- The new pipeline architecture: source → render → effects → display
+
+#### Canvas & Camera
+
+- **Canvas** (`engine/canvas.py`): 2D rendering surface with dirty region tracking
+- **Camera** (`engine/camera.py`): Viewport controller for scrolling content
+
+The Canvas tracks dirty regions automatically when content is written (via `put_region`, `put_text`, `fill`), enabling partial buffer updates for optimized effect processing.
+
+### Pipeline Architecture
+
+The new Stage-based pipeline architecture provides capability-based dependency resolution:
+
+- **Stage** (`engine/pipeline/core.py`): Base class for pipeline stages
+- **Pipeline** (`engine/pipeline/controller.py`): Executes stages with capability-based dependency resolution
+- **PipelineConfig** (`engine/pipeline/controller.py`): Configuration for pipeline instance
+- **StageRegistry** (`engine/pipeline/registry.py`): Discovers and registers stages
+- **Stage Adapters** (`engine/pipeline/adapters.py`): Wraps existing components as stages
+
+#### Pipeline Configuration
+
+The `PipelineConfig` dataclass configures pipeline behavior:
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class PipelineConfig:
+    source: str = "headlines"      # Data source identifier
+    display: str = "terminal"      # Display backend identifier
+    camera: str = "vertical"       # Camera mode identifier
+    effects: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)  # List of effect names
+    enable_metrics: bool = True    # Enable performance metrics
+```
+
+**Available sources**: `headlines`, `poetry`, `empty`, `list`, `image`, `metrics`, `cached`, `transform`, `composite`, `pipeline-inspect`
+**Available displays**: `terminal`, `null`, `replay`, `websocket`, `pygame`, `moderngl`, `multi`
+**Available camera modes**: `FEED`, `SCROLL`, `HORIZONTAL`, `OMNI`, `FLOATING`, `BOUNCE`, `RADIAL`
+
+#### Capability-Based Dependencies
+
+Stages declare capabilities (what they provide) and dependencies (what they need). The Pipeline resolves dependencies using prefix matching:
+- `"source"` matches `"source.headlines"`, `"source.poetry"`, etc.
+- `"camera.state"` matches the camera state capability
+- This allows flexible composition without hardcoding specific stage names
+
+#### Minimum Capabilities
+
+The pipeline requires these minimum capabilities to function:
+- `"source"` - Data source capability
+- `"render.output"` - Rendered content capability
+- `"display.output"` - Display output capability
+- `"camera.state"` - Camera state for viewport filtering
+
+These are automatically injected if missing by the `ensure_minimum_capabilities()` method.
+
+#### Sensor Framework
+
+- **Sensor** (`engine/sensors/__init__.py`): Base class for real-time input sensors
+- **SensorRegistry**: Discovers available sensors
+- **SensorStage**: Pipeline adapter that provides sensor values to effects
+- **MicSensor** (`engine/sensors/mic.py`): Self-contained microphone input
+- **OscillatorSensor** (`engine/sensors/oscillator.py`): Test sensor for development
+- **PipelineMetricsSensor** (`engine/sensors/pipeline_metrics.py`): Exposes pipeline metrics as sensor values
+
+Sensors support param bindings to drive effect parameters in real-time.
+
+#### Pipeline Introspection
+
+- **PipelineIntrospectionSource** (`engine/data_sources/pipeline_introspection.py`): Renders live ASCII visualization of pipeline DAG with metrics
+- **PipelineIntrospectionDemo** (`engine/pipeline/pipeline_introspection_demo.py`): 3-phase demo controller for effect animation
+
+Preset: `pipeline-inspect` - Live pipeline introspection with DAG and performance metrics
+
+#### Partial Update Support
+
+Effect plugins can opt-in to partial buffer updates for performance optimization:
+- Set `supports_partial_updates = True` on the effect class
+- Implement `process_partial(buf, ctx, partial)` method
+- The `PartialUpdate` dataclass indicates which regions changed
+
+### Preset System
+
+Presets use TOML format (no external dependencies):
+
+- Built-in: `engine/presets.toml`
+- User config: `~/.config/mainline/presets.toml`
+- Local override: `./presets.toml`
+
+- **Preset loader** (`engine/pipeline/preset_loader.py`): Loads and validates presets
+- **PipelinePreset** (`engine/pipeline/presets.py`): Dataclass for preset configuration
+
+Functions:
+- `validate_preset()` - Validate preset structure
+- `validate_signal_path()` - Detect circular dependencies
+- `generate_preset_toml()` - Generate skeleton preset
+
+### Display System
+
+- **Display abstraction** (`engine/display/`): swap display backends via the Display protocol
+  - `display/backends/terminal.py` - ANSI terminal output
+  - `display/backends/websocket.py` - broadcasts to web clients via WebSocket
+  - `display/backends/null.py` - headless display for testing
+  - `display/backends/multi.py` - forwards to multiple displays simultaneously
+  - `display/backends/moderngl.py` - GPU-accelerated OpenGL rendering (optional)
+  - `display/__init__.py` - DisplayRegistry for backend discovery
+
+- **WebSocket display** (`engine/display/backends/websocket.py`): real-time frame broadcasting to web browsers
+  - WebSocket server on port 8765
+  - HTTP server on port 8766 (serves HTML client)
+  - Client at `client/index.html` with ANSI color parsing and fullscreen support
+
+- **Display modes** (`--display` flag):
+  - `terminal` - Default ANSI terminal output
+  - `websocket` - Web browser display (requires websockets package)
+  - `moderngl` - GPU-accelerated rendering (requires moderngl package)
+
+### Effect Plugin System
+
+- **EffectPlugin ABC** (`engine/effects/types.py`): abstract base class for effects
+  - All effects must inherit from EffectPlugin and implement `process()` and `configure()`
+  - Runtime discovery via `effects_plugins/__init__.py` using `issubclass()` checks
+  
+- **EffectRegistry** (`engine/effects/registry.py`): manages registered effects
+- **EffectChain** (`engine/effects/chain.py`): chains effects in pipeline order
+
+### Command & Control
+
+- C&C uses separate ntfy topics for commands and responses
+- `NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC` - commands from cmdline.py
+- `NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC` - responses back to cmdline.py
+- Effects controller handles `/effects` commands (list, on/off, intensity, reorder, stats)
+
+### Pipeline Documentation
+
+The rendering pipeline is documented in `docs/PIPELINE.md` using Mermaid diagrams.
+
+**IMPORTANT**: When making significant architectural changes to the rendering pipeline (new layers, effects, display backends), update `docs/PIPELINE.md` to reflect the changes:
+1. Edit `docs/PIPELINE.md` with the new architecture
+2. If adding new SVG diagrams, render them manually using an external tool (e.g., Mermaid Live Editor)
+3. Commit both the markdown and any new diagram files
+
+### Pipeline Mutation API
+
+The Pipeline class supports dynamic mutation during runtime via the mutation API:
+
+**Core Methods:**
+- `add_stage(name, stage, initialize=True)` - Add a stage to the pipeline
+- `remove_stage(name, cleanup=True)` - Remove a stage and rebuild execution order
+- `replace_stage(name, new_stage, preserve_state=True)` - Replace a stage with another
+- `swap_stages(name1, name2)` - Swap two stages
+- `move_stage(name, after=None, before=None)` - Move a stage in execution order
+- `enable_stage(name)` - Enable a stage
+- `disable_stage(name)` - Disable a stage
+
+**New Methods (Issue #35):**
+- `cleanup_stage(name)` - Clean up specific stage without removing it
+- `remove_stage_safe(name, cleanup=True)` - Alias for remove_stage that explicitly rebuilds
+- `can_hot_swap(name)` - Check if a stage can be safely hot-swapped
+  - Returns False for stages that provide minimum capabilities as sole provider
+  - Returns True for swappable stages
+
+**WebSocket Commands:**
+Commands can be sent via WebSocket to mutate the pipeline at runtime:
+```json
+{"action": "remove_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "swap_stages", "stage1": "name1", "stage2": "name2"}
+{"action": "enable_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "disable_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "cleanup_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "can_hot_swap", "stage": "stage_name"}
+```
+
+**Implementation Files:**
+- `engine/pipeline/controller.py` - Pipeline class with mutation methods
+- `engine/app/pipeline_runner.py` - `_handle_pipeline_mutation()` function
+- `engine/pipeline/ui.py` - execute_command() with docstrings
+- `tests/test_pipeline_mutation_commands.py` - Integration tests
+
+## Skills Library
+
+A skills library MCP server (`skills`) is available for capturing and tracking learned knowledge. Skills are stored in `~/.skills/`.
+
+### Workflow
+
+**Before starting work:**
+1. Run `local_skills_list_skills` to see available skills
+2. Use `local_skills_peek_skill({name: "skill-name"})` to preview relevant skills
+3. Use `local_skills_skill_slice({name: "skill-name", query: "your question"})` to get relevant sections
+
+**While working:**
+- If a skill was wrong or incomplete: `local_skills_update_skill` → `local_skills_record_assessment` → `local_skills_report_outcome({quality: 1})`
+- If a skill worked correctly: `local_skills_report_outcome({quality: 4})` (normal) or `quality: 5` (perfect)
+
+**End of session:**
+- Run `local_skills_reflect_on_session({context_summary: "what you did"})` to identify new skills to capture
+- Use `local_skills_create_skill` to add new skills
+- Use `local_skills_record_assessment` to score them
+
+### Useful Tools
+- `local_skills_review_stale_skills()` - Skills due for review (negative days_until_due)
+- `local_skills_skills_report()` - Overview of entire collection
+- `local_skills_validate_skill({name: "skill-name"})` - Load skill for review with sources
+
+### Agent Skills
+
+This project also has Agent Skills (SKILL.md files) in `.opencode/skills/`. Use the `skill` tool to load them:
+- `skill({name: "mainline-architecture"})` - Pipeline stages, capability resolution
+- `skill({name: "mainline-effects"})` - How to add new effect plugins
+- `skill({name: "mainline-display"})` - Display backend implementation
+- `skill({name: "mainline-sources"})` - Adding new RSS feeds
+- `skill({name: "mainline-presets"})` - Creating pipeline presets
+- `skill({name: "mainline-sensors"})` - Sensor framework usage

README.md

@@ -6,25 +6,44 @@ A full-screen terminal news ticker that renders live global headlines in large O
 
 ---
 
-## Run
+## Using
+
+### Run
 
 ```bash
 python3 mainline.py                      # news stream
 python3 mainline.py --poetry             # literary consciousness mode
 python3 mainline.py -p                   # same
 python3 mainline.py --firehose           # dense rapid-fire headline mode
-python3 mainline.py --refresh            # force re-fetch (bypass cache)
+python3 mainline.py --display websocket  # web browser display only
 python3 mainline.py --no-font-picker     # skip interactive font picker
 python3 mainline.py --font-file path.otf # use a specific font file
 python3 mainline.py --font-dir ~/fonts   # scan a different font folder
 python3 mainline.py --font-index 1       # select face index within a collection
 ```
 
-First run bootstraps a local `.mainline_venv/` and installs deps (`feedparser`, `Pillow`, `sounddevice`, `numpy`). Subsequent runs start immediately, loading from cache.
+Or with uv:
 
----
+```bash
+uv run mainline.py
+```
 
-## Config
+First run bootstraps dependencies. Use `uv sync --all-extras` for mic support.
+
+### Command & Control (C&C)
+
+Control mainline remotely using `cmdline.py`:
+
+```bash
+uv run cmdline.py                    # Interactive TUI
+uv run cmdline.py /effects list      # List all effects
+uv run cmdline.py /effects stats     # Show performance stats
+uv run cmdline.py -w /effects stats  # Watch mode (auto-refresh)
+```
+
+Commands are sent via ntfy.sh topics - useful for controlling a daemonized mainline instance.
+
+### Config
 
 All constants live in `engine/config.py`:
 
@@ -33,81 +52,49 @@ All constants live in `engine/config.py`:
 | `HEADLINE_LIMIT` | `1000` | Total headlines per session |
 | `FEED_TIMEOUT` | `10` | Per-feed HTTP timeout (seconds) |
 | `MIC_THRESHOLD_DB` | `50` | dB floor above which glitches spike |
+| `NTFY_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh JSON stream for messages |
+| `NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh topic for C&C commands |
+| `NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh topic for C&C responses |
+| `NTFY_RECONNECT_DELAY` | `5` | Seconds before reconnecting after dropped SSE |
+| `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` | `30` | How long an ntfy message holds the screen |
 | `FONT_DIR` | `fonts/` | Folder scanned for `.otf`, `.ttf`, `.ttc` files |
-| `FONT_PATH` | first file in `FONT_DIR` | Active display font (overridden by picker or `--font-file`) |
+| `FONT_PATH` | first file in `FONT_DIR` | Active display font |
-| `FONT_INDEX` | `0` | Face index within a font collection file |
+| `FONT_PICKER` | `True` | Show interactive font picker at boot |
-| `FONT_PICKER` | `True` | Show interactive font picker at boot (`--no-font-picker` to skip) |
 | `FONT_SZ` | `60` | Font render size (affects block density) |
 | `RENDER_H` | `8` | Terminal rows per headline line |
-| `SSAA` | `4` | Super-sampling factor (render at 4× then downsample) |
+| `SSAA` | `4` | Super-sampling factor |
 | `SCROLL_DUR` | `5.625` | Seconds per headline |
 | `FRAME_DT` | `0.05` | Frame interval in seconds (20 FPS) |
-| `GRAD_SPEED` | `0.08` | Gradient sweep speed (cycles/sec, ~12s full sweep) |
 | `FIREHOSE_H` | `12` | Firehose zone height (terminal rows) |
-| `NTFY_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh JSON endpoint to poll |
+| `GRAD_SPEED` | `0.08` | Gradient sweep speed |
-| `NTFY_POLL_INTERVAL` | `15` | Seconds between ntfy polls |
-| `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` | `30` | How long an ntfy message holds the screen |
 
----
+### Display Modes
 
-## Fonts
+Mainline supports multiple display backends:
 
-A `fonts/` directory is bundled with demo faces (AlphatronDemo, CSBishopDrawn, CyberformDemo, KATA, Microbots, Neoform, Pixel Sparta, Robocops, Xeonic, and others). On startup, an interactive picker lists all discovered faces with a live half-block preview rendered at your configured size.
+- **Terminal** (`--display terminal`): ANSI terminal output (default)
+- **WebSocket** (`--display websocket`): Stream to web browser clients
+- **ModernGL** (`--display moderngl`): GPU-accelerated rendering (optional)
 
-Navigation: `↑`/`↓` or `j`/`k` to move, `Enter` or `q` to select. The selected face persists for that session.
+WebSocket mode serves a web client at http://localhost:8766 with ANSI color support and fullscreen mode.
 
-To add your own fonts, drop `.otf`, `.ttf`, or `.ttc` files into `fonts/` (or point `--font-dir` at any other folder). Font collections (`.ttc`, multi-face `.otf`) are enumerated face-by-face.
+### Feeds
-
----
-
-## How it works
-
-- On launch, the font picker scans `fonts/` and presents a live-rendered TUI for face selection; `--no-font-picker` skips directly to stream
-- Feeds are fetched and filtered on startup (sports and vapid content stripped); results are cached to `.mainline_cache_news.json` / `.mainline_cache_poetry.json` for fast restarts
-- Headlines are rasterized via Pillow with 4× SSAA into half-block characters (`▀▄█ `) at the configured font size
-- The ticker uses a sweeping white-hot → deep green gradient; ntfy messages use a complementary white-hot → magenta/maroon gradient to distinguish them visually
-- Subject-region detection runs a regex pass on each headline; matches trigger a Google Translate call and font swap to the appropriate script (CJK, Arabic, Devanagari, etc.) using macOS system fonts
-- The mic stream runs in a background thread, feeding RMS dB into the glitch probability calculation each frame
-- The viewport scrolls through a virtual canvas of pre-rendered blocks; fade zones at top and bottom dissolve characters probabilistically
-- An ntfy.sh poller runs in a background thread; incoming messages interrupt the scroll and render full-screen until dismissed or expired
-
----
-
-## Architecture
-
-`mainline.py` is a thin entrypoint (venv bootstrap → `engine.app.main()`). All logic lives in the `engine/` package:
-
-```
-engine/
-  config.py       constants, CLI flags, glyph tables
-  sources.py      FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES, language/script maps
-  terminal.py     ANSI codes, tw/th, type_out, boot_ln
-  filter.py       HTML stripping, content filter
-  translate.py    Google Translate wrapper + region detection
-  render.py       OTF → half-block pipeline (SSAA, gradient)
-  effects.py      noise, glitch_bar, fade, firehose
-  fetch.py        RSS/Gutenberg fetching + cache load/save
-  ntfy.py         NtfyPoller — standalone, zero internal deps
-  mic.py          MicMonitor — standalone, graceful fallback
-  scroll.py       stream() frame loop + message rendering
-  app.py          main(), font picker TUI, boot sequence, signal handler
-```
-
-`ntfy.py` and `mic.py` have zero internal dependencies and can be imported by any other visualizer.
-
----
-
-## Feeds
 
 ~25 sources across four categories: **Science & Technology**, **Economics & Business**, **World & Politics**, **Culture & Ideas**. Add or swap feeds in `engine/sources.py` → `FEEDS`.
 
 **Poetry mode** pulls from Project Gutenberg: Whitman, Dickinson, Thoreau, Emerson. Sources are in `engine/sources.py` → `POETRY_SOURCES`.
 
----
+### Fonts
 
-## ntfy.sh Integration
+A `fonts/` directory is bundled with demo faces. On startup, an interactive picker lists all discovered faces with a live half-block preview.
 
-Mainline polls a configurable ntfy.sh topic in the background. When a message arrives, the scroll pauses and the message renders full-screen for `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` seconds, then the stream resumes.
+Navigation: `↑`/`↓` or `j`/`k` to move, `Enter` or `q` to select.
+
+To add your own fonts, drop `.otf`, `.ttf`, or `.ttc` files into `fonts/`.
+
+### ntfy.sh
+
+Mainline polls a configurable ntfy.sh topic in the background. When a message arrives, the scroll pauses and the message renders full-screen.
 
 To push a message:
 
@@ -115,43 +102,158 @@ To push a message:
 curl -d "Body text" -H "Title: Alert title" https://ntfy.sh/your_topic
 ```
 
-Update `NTFY_TOPIC` in `engine/config.py` to point at your own topic. The `NtfyPoller` class is fully standalone and can be reused by other visualizers:
+---
 
-```python
+## Internals
-from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
+
-poller = NtfyPoller("https://ntfy.sh/my_topic/json?since=20s&poll=1")
+### How it works
-poller.start()
+
-# in render loop:
+- On launch, the font picker scans `fonts/` and presents a live-rendered TUI for face selection
-msg = poller.get_active_message()  # returns (title, body, timestamp) or None
+- Feeds are fetched and filtered on startup; results are cached for fast restarts
+- Headlines are rasterized via Pillow with 4× SSAA into half-block characters
+- The ticker uses a sweeping white-hot → deep green gradient
+- Subject-region detection triggers Google Translate and font swap for non-Latin scripts
+- The mic stream runs in a background thread, feeding RMS dB into glitch probability
+- The viewport scrolls through pre-rendered blocks with fade zones
+- An ntfy.sh SSE stream runs in a background thread for messages and C&C commands
+
+### Architecture
+
+```
+engine/
+  __init__.py           package marker
+  app.py                main(), font picker TUI, boot sequence, C&C poller
+  config.py             constants, CLI flags, glyph tables
+  sources.py            FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES, language/script maps
+  terminal.py           ANSI codes, tw/th, type_out, boot_ln
+  filter.py             HTML stripping, content filter
+  translate.py          Google Translate wrapper + region detection
+  render.py             OTF → half-block pipeline (SSAA, gradient)
+  effects/              plugin architecture for visual effects
+    types.py            EffectPlugin ABC, EffectConfig, EffectContext
+    registry.py         effect registration and lookup
+    chain.py            effect pipeline chaining
+    controller.py       handles /effects commands
+    performance.py      performance monitoring
+    legacy.py           legacy functional effects
+  effects_plugins/      effect plugin implementations
+    noise.py            noise effect
+    fade.py             fade effect
+    glitch.py           glitch effect
+    firehose.py         firehose effect
+  fetch.py              RSS/Gutenberg fetching + cache
+  ntfy.py               NtfyPoller — standalone, zero internal deps
+  mic.py                MicMonitor — standalone, graceful fallback
+  scroll.py             stream() frame loop + message rendering
+  viewport.py           terminal dimension tracking
+  frame.py              scroll step calculation, timing
+  layers.py             ticker zone, firehose, message overlay
+  eventbus.py           thread-safe event publishing
+  events.py             event types and definitions
+  controller.py         coordinates ntfy/mic monitoring
+  emitters.py           background emitters
+  types.py              type definitions
+  display/              Display backend system
+    __init__.py         DisplayRegistry, get_monitor
+    backends/
+      terminal.py       ANSI terminal display
+      websocket.py      WebSocket server for browser clients
+      null.py          headless display for testing
+      multi.py         forwards to multiple displays
+      moderngl.py       GPU-accelerated OpenGL rendering
+  benchmark.py          performance benchmarking tool
 ```
 
 ---
 
-## Ideas / Future
+## Development
 
-### Performance
+### Setup
-- **Concurrent feed fetching** — startup currently blocks sequentially on ~25 HTTP requests; `concurrent.futures.ThreadPoolExecutor` would cut load time to the slowest single feed
-- **Background refresh** — re-fetch feeds in a daemon thread so a long session stays current without restart
-- **Translation pre-fetch** — run translate calls concurrently during the boot sequence rather than on first render
 
-### Graphics
+Requires Python 3.10+ and [uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/).
-- **Matrix rain underlay** — katakana column rain rendered at low opacity beneath the scrolling blocks as a background layer
-- **CRT simulation** — subtle dim scanlines every N rows, occasional brightness ripple across the full screen
-- **Sixel / iTerm2 inline images** — bypass half-blocks entirely and stream actual bitmap frames for true resolution; would require a capable terminal
-- **Parallax secondary column** — a second, dimmer, faster-scrolling stream of ambient text at reduced opacity on one side
 
-### Cyberpunk Vibes
+```bash
-- **Keyword watch list** — highlight or strobe any headline matching tracked terms (names, topics, tickers)
+uv sync                              # minimal (no mic)
-- **Breaking interrupt** — full-screen flash + synthesized blip when a high-priority keyword hits
+uv sync --all-extras                 # with mic support
-- **Live data overlay** — secondary ticker strip at screen edge: BTC price, ISS position, geomagnetic index
+uv sync --all-extras --group dev     # full dev environment
-- **Theme switcher** — `--amber` (phosphor), `--ice` (electric cyan), `--red` (alert state) palette modes via CLI flag
+```
-- **Persona modes** — `--surveillance`, `--oracle`, `--underground` as feed presets with matching color themes and boot copy
-- **Synthesized audio** — short static bursts tied to glitch events, independent of mic input
 
-### Extensibility
+### Tasks
-- **serve.py** — HTTP server that imports `engine.render` and `engine.fetch` directly to stream 1-bit bitmaps to an ESP32 display
+
-- **Rust port** — `ntfy.py` and `render.py` are the natural first targets; clear module boundaries make incremental porting viable
+With [mise](https://mise.jdx.dev/):
+
+```bash
+mise run test            # run test suite
+mise run test-cov       # run with coverage report
+
+mise run lint           # ruff check
+mise run lint-fix       # ruff check --fix
+mise run format         # ruff format
+
+mise run run            # terminal display
+mise run run-websocket  # web display only
+mise run run-client     # terminal + web
+
+mise run cmd            # C&C command interface
+mise run cmd-stats      # watch effects stats
+
+mise run benchmark      # run performance benchmarks
+mise run benchmark-json # save as JSON
+
+mise run topics-init    # initialize ntfy topics
+```
+
+### Testing
+
+```bash
+uv run pytest
+uv run pytest --cov=engine --cov-report=term-missing
+
+# Run with mise
+mise run test
+mise run test-cov
+
+# Run performance benchmarks
+mise run benchmark
+mise run benchmark-json
+
+# Run benchmark hook mode (for CI)
+uv run python -m engine.benchmark --hook
+```
+
+Performance regression tests are in `tests/test_benchmark.py` marked with `@pytest.mark.benchmark`.
+
+### Linting
+
+```bash
+uv run ruff check engine/ mainline.py
+uv run ruff format engine/ mainline.py
+```
+
+Pre-commit hooks run lint automatically via `hk`.
 
 ---
 
-*macOS only (script/system font paths for translation are hardcoded). Primary display font is user-selectable via the bundled `fonts/` picker. Python 3.9+.*
+## Roadmap
+
+### Performance
+- Concurrent feed fetching with ThreadPoolExecutor
+- Background feed refresh daemon
+- Translation pre-fetch during boot
+
+### Graphics
+- Matrix rain katakana underlay
+- CRT scanline simulation
+- Sixel/iTerm2 inline images
+- Parallax secondary column
+
+### Cyberpunk Vibes
+- Keyword watch list with strobe effects
+- Breaking interrupt with synthesized audio
+- Live data overlay (BTC, ISS position)
+- Theme switcher (amber, ice, red)
+- Persona modes (surveillance, oracle, underground)
+
+---
+
+*Python 3.10+. Primary display font is user-selectable via bundled `fonts/` picker.*

TODO.md

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# Tasks
+
+## Documentation Updates
+- [x] Remove references to removed display backends (sixel, kitty) from all documentation
+- [x] Remove references to deprecated "both" display mode
+- [x] Update AGENTS.md to reflect current architecture and remove merge conflicts
+- [x] Update Agent Skills (.opencode/skills/) to match current codebase
+- [x] Update docs/ARCHITECTURE.md to remove SixelDisplay references
+- [x] Verify ModernGL backend is properly documented and registered
+- [ ] Update docs/PIPELINE.md to reflect Stage-based architecture (outdated legacy flowchart) [#41](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/41)
+
+## Code & Features
+- [ ] Check if luminance implementation exists for shade/tint effects (see [#26](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/26) related: need to verify render/blocks.py has luminance calculation)
+- [x] Add entropy/chaos score metadata to effects for auto-categorization and intensity control [#32](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/32) (closed - completed)
+- [ ] Finish ModernGL display backend: integrate window system, implement glyph caching, add event handling, and support border modes [#42](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/42)
+- [x] Integrate UIPanel with pipeline: register stages, link parameter schemas, handle events, implement hot-reload.
+- [x] Move cached fixture headlines to engine/fixtures/headlines.json and update default source to use fixture.
+- [x] Add interactive UI panel for pipeline configuration (right-side panel) with stage toggles and param sliders.
+- [x] Enumerate all effect plugin parameters automatically for UI control (intensity, decay, etc.)
+- [ ] Implement pipeline hot-rebuild when stage toggles or params change, preserving camera and display state [#43](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/43)
+
+## Test Suite Cleanup & Feature Implementation
+### Phase 1: Test Suite Cleanup (In Progress)
+- [x] Port figment feature to modern pipeline architecture
+- [x] Create `engine/effects/plugins/figment.py` (full port)
+- [x] Add `figment.py` to `engine/effects/plugins/`
+- [x] Copy SVG files to `figments/` directory
+- [x] Update `pyproject.toml` with figment extra
+- [x] Add `test-figment` preset to `presets.toml`
+- [x] Update pipeline adapters for overlay effects
+- [x] Clean up `test_adapters.py` (removed 18 mock-only tests)
+- [x] Verify all tests pass (652 passing, 20 skipped, 58% coverage)
+- [ ] Review remaining mock-heavy tests in `test_pipeline.py`
+- [ ] Review `test_effects.py` for implementation detail tests
+- [ ] Identify additional tests to remove/consolidate
+- [ ] Target: ~600 tests total
+
+### Phase 2: Acceptance Test Expansion (Planned)
+- [ ] Create `test_message_overlay.py` for message rendering
+- [ ] Create `test_firehose.py` for firehose rendering
+- [ ] Create `test_pipeline_order.py` for execution order verification
+- [ ] Expand `test_figment_effect.py` for animation phases
+- [ ] Target: 10-15 new acceptance tests
+
+### Phase 3: Post-Branch Features (Planned)
+- [ ] Port message overlay system from `upstream_layers.py`
+- [ ] Port firehose rendering from `upstream_layers.py`
+- [ ] Create `MessageOverlayStage` for pipeline integration
+- [ ] Verify figment renders in correct order (effects → figment → messages → display)
+
+### Phase 4: Visual Quality Improvements (Planned)
+- [ ] Compare upstream vs current pipeline output
+- [ ] Implement easing functions for figment animations
+- [ ] Add animated gradient shifts
+- [ ] Improve strobe effect patterns
+- [ ] Use introspection to match visual style
+
+## Gitea Issues Tracking
+- [#37](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/37): Refactor app.py and adapter.py for better maintainability
+- [#35](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/35): Epic: Pipeline Mutation API for Stage Hot-Swapping
+- [#34](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/34): Improve benchmarking system and performance tests
+- [#33](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/33): Add web-based pipeline editor UI
+- [#26](https://git.notsosm.art/david/Mainline/issues/26): Add Streaming display backend

analysis/visual_output_comparison.md

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+# Visual Output Comparison: Upstream/Main vs Sideline
+
+## Summary
+
+A comprehensive comparison of visual output between `upstream/main` and the sideline branch (`feature/capability-based-deps`) reveals fundamental architectural differences in how content is rendered and displayed.
+
+## Captured Outputs
+
+### Sideline (Pipeline Architecture)
+- **File**: `output/sideline_demo.json`
+- **Format**: Plain text lines without ANSI cursor positioning
+- **Content**: Readable headlines with gradient colors applied
+
+### Upstream/Main (Monolithic Architecture)
+- **File**: `output/upstream_demo.json`
+- **Format**: Lines with explicit ANSI cursor positioning codes
+- **Content**: Cursor positioning codes + block characters + ANSI colors
+
+## Key Architectural Differences
+
+### 1. Buffer Content Structure
+
+**Sideline Pipeline:**
+```python
+# Each line is plain text with ANSI colors
+buffer = [
+    "The Download: OpenAI is building...",
+    "OpenAI is throwing everything...",
+    # ... more lines
+]
+```
+
+**Upstream Monolithic:**
+```python
+# Each line includes cursor positioning
+buffer = [
+    "\033[10;1H       \033[2;38;5;238mﾕ\033[0m \033[2;38;5;37mﾓ\033[0m ...",
+    "\033[11;1H\033[K",  # Clear line 11
+    # ... more lines with positioning
+]
+```
+
+### 2. Rendering Approach
+
+**Sideline (Pipeline Architecture):**
+- Stages produce plain text buffers
+- Display backend handles cursor positioning
+- `TerminalDisplay.show()` prepends `\033[H\033[J` (home + clear)
+- Lines are appended sequentially
+
+**Upstream (Monolithic Architecture):**
+- `render_ticker_zone()` produces buffers with explicit positioning
+- Each line includes `\033[{row};1H` to position cursor
+- Display backend writes buffer directly to stdout
+- Lines are positioned explicitly in the buffer
+
+### 3. Content Rendering
+
+**Sideline:**
+- Headlines rendered as plain text
+- Gradient colors applied via ANSI codes
+- Ticker effect via camera/viewport filtering
+
+**Upstream:**
+- Headlines rendered as block characters (▀,  ▄, █, etc.)
+- Japanese katakana glyphs used for glitch effect
+- Explicit row positioning for each line
+
+## Visual Output Analysis
+
+### Sideline Frame 0 (First 5 lines):
+```
+Line 0: 'The Download: OpenAI is building a fully automated researcher...'
+Line 1: 'OpenAI is throwing everything into building a fully automated...'
+Line 2: 'Mind-altering substances are (still) falling short in clinical...'
+Line 3: 'The Download: Quantum computing for health...'
+Line 4: 'Can quantum computers now solve health care problems...'
+```
+
+### Upstream Frame 0 (First 5 lines):
+```
+Line 0: ''
+Line 1: '\x1b[2;1H\x1b[K'
+Line 2: '\x1b[3;1H\x1b[K'
+Line 3: '\x1b[4;1H\x1b[2;38;5;238m \x1b[0m  \x1b[2;38;5;238mﾘ\x1b[0m ...'
+Line 4: '\x1b[5;1H\x1b[K'
+```
+
+## Implications for Visual Comparison
+
+### Challenges with Direct Comparison
+1. **Different buffer formats**: Plain text vs. positioned ANSI codes
+2. **Different rendering pipelines**: Pipeline stages vs. monolithic functions
+3. **Different content generation**: Headlines vs. block characters
+
+### Approaches for Visual Verification
+
+#### Option 1: Render and Compare Terminal Output
+- Run both branches with `TerminalDisplay`
+- Capture terminal output (not buffer)
+- Compare visual rendering
+- **Challenge**: Requires actual terminal rendering
+
+#### Option 2: Normalize Buffers for Comparison
+- Convert upstream positioned buffers to plain text
+- Strip ANSI cursor positioning codes
+- Compare normalized content
+- **Challenge**: Loses positioning information
+
+#### Option 3: Functional Equivalence Testing
+- Verify features work the same way
+- Test message overlay rendering
+- Test effect application
+- **Challenge**: Doesn't verify exact visual match
+
+## Recommendations
+
+### For Exact Visual Match
+1. **Update sideline to match upstream architecture**:
+   - Change `MessageOverlayStage` to return positioned buffers
+   - Update terminal display to handle positioned buffers
+   - This requires significant refactoring
+
+2. **Accept architectural differences**:
+   - The sideline pipeline architecture is fundamentally different
+   - Visual differences are expected and acceptable
+   - Focus on functional equivalence
+
+### For Functional Verification
+1. **Test message overlay rendering**:
+   - Verify message appears in correct position
+   - Verify gradient colors are applied
+   - Verify metadata bar is displayed
+
+2. **Test effect rendering**:
+   - Verify glitch effect applies block characters
+   - Verify firehose effect renders correctly
+   - Verify figment effect integrates properly
+
+3. **Test pipeline execution**:
+   - Verify stage execution order
+   - Verify capability resolution
+   - Verify dependency injection
+
+## Conclusion
+
+The visual output comparison reveals that `sideline` and `upstream/main` use fundamentally different rendering architectures:
+
+- **Upstream**: Explicit cursor positioning in buffer, monolithic rendering
+- **Sideline**: Plain text buffer, display handles positioning, pipeline rendering
+
+These differences are **architectural**, not bugs. The sideline branch has successfully adapted the upstream features to a new pipeline architecture.
+
+### Next Steps
+1. ✅ Document architectural differences (this file)
+2. ⏳ Create functional tests for visual verification
+3. ⏳ Update Gitea issue #50 with findings
+4. ⏳ Consider whether to adapt sideline to match upstream rendering style

client/editor.html

@@ -0,0 +1,313 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <title>Mainline Pipeline Editor</title>
+    <style>
+        * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
+        body {
+            font-family: 'Fira Code', 'Cascadia Code', 'Consolas', monospace;
+            background: #1a1a1a;
+            color: #eee;
+            display: flex;
+            min-height: 100vh;
+        }
+        #sidebar {
+            width: 300px;
+            background: #222;
+            padding: 15px;
+            border-right: 1px solid #333;
+            overflow-y: auto;
+        }
+        #main {
+            flex: 1;
+            padding: 20px;
+            overflow-y: auto;
+        }
+        h2 {
+            font-size: 14px;
+            color: #888;
+            margin-bottom: 10px;
+            text-transform: uppercase;
+        }
+        .section {
+            margin-bottom: 20px;
+        }
+        .stage-list {
+            list-style: none;
+        }
+        .stage-item {
+            display: flex;
+            align-items: center;
+            padding: 6px 8px;
+            background: #333;
+            margin-bottom: 2px;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            border-radius: 4px;
+        }
+        .stage-item:hover { background: #444; }
+        .stage-item.selected { background: #0066cc; }
+        .stage-item input[type="checkbox"] {
+            margin-right: 8px;
+            transform: scale(1.2);
+        }
+        .stage-name {
+            flex: 1;
+            font-size: 13px;
+        }
+        .param-group {
+            background: #2a2a2a;
+            padding: 10px;
+            border-radius: 4px;
+        }
+        .param-row {
+            display: flex;
+            align-items: center;
+            margin-bottom: 8px;
+            font-size: 12px;
+        }
+        .param-name {
+            width: 100px;
+            color: #aaa;
+        }
+        .param-slider {
+            flex: 1;
+            margin: 0 10px;
+        }
+        .param-value {
+            width: 50px;
+            text-align: right;
+            color: #4f4;
+        }
+        .preset-list {
+            display: flex;
+            flex-wrap: wrap;
+            gap: 6px;
+        }
+        .preset-btn {
+            background: #333;
+            border: 1px solid #444;
+            color: #ccc;
+            padding: 4px 10px;
+            border-radius: 3px;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            font-size: 11px;
+        }
+        .preset-btn:hover { background: #444; }
+        .preset-btn.active { background: #0066cc; border-color: #0077ff; color: #fff; }
+        button.action-btn {
+            background: #0066cc;
+            border: none;
+            color: white;
+            padding: 8px 12px;
+            border-radius: 4px;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            font-size: 12px;
+            margin-right: 5px;
+            margin-bottom: 5px;
+        }
+        button.action-btn:hover { background: #0077ee; }
+        #status {
+            position: fixed;
+            bottom: 10px;
+            left: 10px;
+            font-size: 11px;
+            color: #666;
+        }
+        #status.connected { color: #4f4; }
+        #status.disconnected { color: #f44; }
+        #pipeline-view {
+            margin-top: 10px;
+        }
+        .pipeline-node {
+            display: inline-block;
+            padding: 4px 8px;
+            margin: 2px;
+            background: #333;
+            border-radius: 3px;
+            font-size: 11px;
+        }
+        .pipeline-node.enabled { border-left: 3px solid #4f4; }
+        .pipeline-node.disabled { border-left: 3px solid #666; opacity: 0.6; }
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    <div id="sidebar">
+        <div class="section">
+            <h2>Preset</h2>
+            <div id="preset-list" class="preset-list"></div>
+        </div>
+        <div class="section">
+            <h2>Stages</h2>
+            <ul id="stage-list" class="stage-list"></ul>
+        </div>
+        <div class="section">
+            <h2>Parameters</h2>
+            <div id="param-editor" class="param-group"></div>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    <div id="main">
+        <h2>Pipeline</h2>
+        <div id="pipeline-view"></div>
+        <div style="margin-top: 20px;">
+            <button class="action-btn" onclick="sendCommand({action: 'cycle_preset', direction: 1})">Next Preset</button>
+            <button class="action-btn" onclick="sendCommand({action: 'cycle_preset', direction: -1})">Prev Preset</button>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    <div id="status">Disconnected</div>
+
+    <script>
+        const ws = new WebSocket(`ws://${location.hostname}:8765`);
+        let state = { stages: {}, preset: '', presets: [], selected_stage: null };
+
+        function updateStatus(connected) {
+            const status = document.getElementById('status');
+            status.textContent = connected ? 'Connected' : 'Disconnected';
+            status.className = connected ? 'connected' : 'disconnected';
+        }
+
+        function connect() {
+            ws.onopen = () => {
+                updateStatus(true);
+                // Request initial state
+                ws.send(JSON.stringify({ type: 'state_request' }));
+            };
+            ws.onclose = () => {
+                updateStatus(false);
+                setTimeout(connect, 2000);
+            };
+            ws.onerror = () => {
+                updateStatus(false);
+            };
+            ws.onmessage = (event) => {
+                try {
+                    const data = JSON.parse(event.data);
+                    if (data.type === 'state') {
+                        state = data.state;
+                        render();
+                    }
+                } catch (e) {
+                    console.error('Parse error:', e);
+                }
+            };
+        }
+
+        function sendCommand(command) {
+            ws.send(JSON.stringify({ type: 'command', command }));
+        }
+
+        function render() {
+            renderPresets();
+            renderStageList();
+            renderPipeline();
+            renderParams();
+        }
+
+        function renderPresets() {
+            const container = document.getElementById('preset-list');
+            container.innerHTML = '';
+            (state.presets || []).forEach(preset => {
+                const btn = document.createElement('button');
+                btn.className = 'preset-btn' + (preset === state.preset ? ' active' : '');
+                btn.textContent = preset;
+                btn.onclick = () => sendCommand({ action: 'change_preset', preset });
+                container.appendChild(btn);
+            });
+        }
+
+        function renderStageList() {
+            const list = document.getElementById('stage-list');
+            list.innerHTML = '';
+            Object.entries(state.stages || {}).forEach(([name, info]) => {
+                const li = document.createElement('li');
+                li.className = 'stage-item' + (name === state.selected_stage ? ' selected' : '');
+                li.innerHTML = `
+                    <input type="checkbox" ${info.enabled ? 'checked' : ''} 
+                           onchange="sendCommand({action: 'toggle_stage', stage: '${name}'})">
+                    <span class="stage-name">${name}</span>
+                `;
+                li.onclick = (e) => {
+                    if (e.target.type !== 'checkbox') {
+                        sendCommand({ action: 'select_stage', stage: name });
+                    }
+                };
+                list.appendChild(li);
+            });
+        }
+
+        function renderPipeline() {
+            const view = document.getElementById('pipeline-view');
+            view.innerHTML = '';
+            const stages = Object.entries(state.stages || {});
+            if (stages.length === 0) {
+                view.textContent = '(No stages)';
+                return;
+            }
+            stages.forEach(([name, info]) => {
+                const span = document.createElement('span');
+                span.className = 'pipeline-node' + (info.enabled ? ' enabled' : ' disabled');
+                span.textContent = name;
+                view.appendChild(span);
+            });
+        }
+
+        function renderParams() {
+            const container = document.getElementById('param-editor');
+            container.innerHTML = '';
+            const selected = state.selected_stage;
+            if (!selected || !state.stages[selected]) {
+                container.innerHTML = '<div style="color:#666;font-size:11px;">(select a stage)</div>';
+                return;
+            }
+            const stage = state.stages[selected];
+            if (!stage.params || Object.keys(stage.params).length === 0) {
+                container.innerHTML = '<div style="color:#666;font-size:11px;">(no params)</div>';
+                return;
+            }
+            Object.entries(stage.params).forEach(([key, value]) => {
+                const row = document.createElement('div');
+                row.className = 'param-row';
+                // Infer min/max/step from typical ranges
+                let min = 0, max = 1, step = 0.1;
+                if (typeof value === 'number') {
+                    if (value > 1) { max = value * 2; step = 1; }
+                    else { max = 1; step = 0.1; }
+                }
+                row.innerHTML = `
+                    <div class="param-name">${key}</div>
+                    <input type="range" class="param-slider" min="${min}" max="${max}" step="${step}" 
+                           value="${value}"
+                           oninput="adjustParam('${key}', this.value)">
+                    <div class="param-value">${typeof value === 'number' ? Number(value).toFixed(2) : value}</div>
+                `;
+                container.appendChild(row);
+            });
+        }
+
+        function adjustParam(param, newValue) {
+            const selected = state.selected_stage;
+            if (!selected) return;
+            // Update display immediately for responsiveness
+            const num = parseFloat(newValue);
+            if (!isNaN(num)) {
+                // Show updated value
+                document.querySelectorAll('.param-value').forEach(el => {
+                    if (el.parentElement.querySelector('.param-name').textContent === param) {
+                        el.textContent = num.toFixed(2);
+                    }
+                });
+            }
+            // Send command
+            sendCommand({
+                action: 'adjust_param',
+                stage: selected,
+                param: param,
+                delta: num - (state.stages[selected].params[param] || 0)
+            });
+        }
+
+        connect();
+    </script>
+</body>
+</html>

client/index.html

@@ -0,0 +1,369 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <title>Mainline Terminal</title>
+    <style>
+        * {
+            margin: 0;
+            padding: 0;
+            box-sizing: border-box;
+        }
+        body {
+            background: #0a0a0a;
+            color: #ccc;
+            font-family: 'Fira Code', 'Cascadia Code', 'Consolas', monospace;
+            display: flex;
+            flex-direction: column;
+            align-items: center;
+            justify-content: center;
+            min-height: 100vh;
+            padding: 20px;
+        }
+        body.fullscreen {
+            padding: 0;
+        }
+        body.fullscreen #controls {
+            display: none;
+        }
+        #container {
+            position: relative;
+        }
+        canvas {
+            background: #000;
+            border: 1px solid #333;
+            image-rendering: pixelated;
+            image-rendering: crisp-edges;
+        }
+        body.fullscreen canvas {
+            border: none;
+            width: 100vw;
+            height: 100vh;
+            max-width: 100vw;
+            max-height: 100vh;
+        }
+        #controls {
+            display: flex;
+            gap: 10px;
+            margin-top: 10px;
+            align-items: center;
+        }
+        #controls button {
+            background: #333;
+            color: #ccc;
+            border: 1px solid #555;
+            padding: 5px 12px;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            font-family: inherit;
+            font-size: 12px;
+        }
+        #controls button:hover {
+            background: #444;
+        }
+        #controls input {
+            width: 60px;
+            background: #222;
+            color: #ccc;
+            border: 1px solid #444;
+            padding: 4px 8px;
+            font-family: inherit;
+            text-align: center;
+        }
+        #status {
+            margin-top: 10px;
+            font-size: 12px;
+            color: #666;
+        }
+        #status.connected {
+            color: #4f4;
+        }
+        #status.disconnected {
+            color: #f44;
+        }
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    <div id="container">
+        <canvas id="terminal"></canvas>
+    </div>
+    <div id="controls">
+        <label>Cols: <input type="number" id="cols" value="80" min="20" max="200"></label>
+        <label>Rows: <input type="number" id="rows" value="24" min="10" max="60"></label>
+        <button id="apply">Apply</button>
+        <button id="fullscreen">Fullscreen</button>
+    </div>
+    <div id="status" class="disconnected">Connecting...</div>
+
+    <script>
+        const canvas = document.getElementById('terminal');
+        const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
+        const status = document.getElementById('status');
+        const colsInput = document.getElementById('cols');
+        const rowsInput = document.getElementById('rows');
+        const applyBtn = document.getElementById('apply');
+        const fullscreenBtn = document.getElementById('fullscreen');
+
+        const CHAR_WIDTH = 9;
+        const CHAR_HEIGHT = 16;
+
+        const ANSI_COLORS = {
+            0: '#000000', 1: '#cd3131', 2: '#0dbc79', 3: '#e5e510',
+            4: '#2472c8', 5: '#bc3fbc', 6: '#11a8cd', 7: '#e5e5e5',
+            8: '#666666', 9: '#f14c4c', 10: '#23d18b', 11: '#f5f543',
+            12: '#3b8eea', 13: '#d670d6', 14: '#29b8db', 15: '#ffffff',
+        };
+
+        let cols = 80;
+        let rows = 24;
+        let ws = null;
+
+        function resizeCanvas() {
+            canvas.width = cols * CHAR_WIDTH;
+            canvas.height = rows * CHAR_HEIGHT;
+        }
+
+        function parseAnsi(text) {
+            if (!text) return [];
+            
+            const tokens = [];
+            let currentText = '';
+            let fg = '#cccccc';
+            let bg = '#000000';
+            let bold = false;
+            let i = 0;
+            let inEscape = false;
+            let escapeCode = '';
+
+            while (i < text.length) {
+                const char = text[i];
+                
+                if (inEscape) {
+                    if (char >= '0' && char <= '9' || char === ';' || char === '[') {
+                        escapeCode += char;
+                    }
+                    
+                    if (char === 'm') {
+                        const codes = escapeCode.replace('\x1b[', '').split(';');
+                        
+                        for (const code of codes) {
+                            const num = parseInt(code) || 0;
+                            
+                            if (num === 0) {
+                                fg = '#cccccc';
+                                bg = '#000000';
+                                bold = false;
+                            } else if (num === 1) {
+                                bold = true;
+                            } else if (num === 22) {
+                                bold = false;
+                            } else if (num === 39) {
+                                fg = '#cccccc';
+                            } else if (num === 49) {
+                                bg = '#000000';
+                            } else if (num >= 30 && num <= 37) {
+                                fg = ANSI_COLORS[num - 30 + (bold ? 8 : 0)] || '#cccccc';
+                            } else if (num >= 40 && num <= 47) {
+                                bg = ANSI_COLORS[num - 40] || '#000000';
+                            } else if (num >= 90 && num <= 97) {
+                                fg = ANSI_COLORS[num - 90 + 8] || '#cccccc';
+                            } else if (num >= 100 && num <= 107) {
+                                bg = ANSI_COLORS[num - 100 + 8] || '#000000';
+                            } else if (num >= 1 && num <= 256) {
+                                // 256 colors
+                                if (num < 16) {
+                                    fg = ANSI_COLORS[num] || '#cccccc';
+                                } else if (num < 232) {
+                                    const c = num - 16;
+                                    const r = Math.floor(c / 36) * 51;
+                                    const g = Math.floor((c % 36) / 6) * 51;
+                                    const b = (c % 6) * 51;
+                                    fg = `#${r.toString(16).padStart(2,'0')}${g.toString(16).padStart(2,'0')}${b.toString(16).padStart(2,'0')}`;
+                                } else {
+                                    const gray = (num - 232) * 10 + 8;
+                                    fg = `#${gray.toString(16).repeat(2)}`;
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+                        
+                        if (currentText) {
+                            tokens.push({ text: currentText, fg, bg, bold });
+                            currentText = '';
+                        }
+                        inEscape = false;
+                        escapeCode = '';
+                    }
+                } else if (char === '\x1b' && text[i + 1] === '[') {
+                    if (currentText) {
+                        tokens.push({ text: currentText, fg, bg, bold });
+                        currentText = '';
+                    }
+                    inEscape = true;
+                    escapeCode = '';
+                    i++;
+                } else {
+                    currentText += char;
+                }
+                i++;
+            }
+
+            if (currentText) {
+                tokens.push({ text: currentText, fg, bg, bold });
+            }
+
+            return tokens;
+        }
+
+        function renderLine(text, x, y, lineHeight) {
+            const tokens = parseAnsi(text);
+            let xOffset = x;
+
+            for (const token of tokens) {
+                if (token.text) {
+                    if (token.bold) {
+                        ctx.font = 'bold 16px monospace';
+                    } else {
+                        ctx.font = '16px monospace';
+                    }
+
+                    const metrics = ctx.measureText(token.text);
+                    
+                    if (token.bg !== '#000000') {
+                        ctx.fillStyle = token.bg;
+                        ctx.fillRect(xOffset, y - 2, metrics.width + 1, lineHeight);
+                    }
+                    
+                    ctx.fillStyle = token.fg;
+                    ctx.fillText(token.text, xOffset, y);
+                    xOffset += metrics.width;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        function connect() {
+            const protocol = window.location.protocol === 'https:' ? 'wss:' : 'ws:';
+            const wsUrl = `${protocol}//${window.location.hostname}:8765`;
+            
+            ws = new WebSocket(wsUrl);
+
+            ws.onopen = () => {
+                status.textContent = 'Connected';
+                status.className = 'connected';
+                sendSize();
+            };
+
+            ws.onclose = () => {
+                status.textContent = 'Disconnected - Reconnecting...';
+                status.className = 'disconnected';
+                setTimeout(connect, 1000);
+            };
+
+            ws.onerror = () => {
+                status.textContent = 'Connection error';
+                status.className = 'disconnected';
+            };
+
+            ws.onmessage = (event) => {
+                try {
+                    const data = JSON.parse(event.data);
+                    
+                    if (data.type === 'frame') {
+                        cols = data.width || 80;
+                        rows = data.height || 24;
+                        colsInput.value = cols;
+                        rowsInput.value = rows;
+                        resizeCanvas();
+                        render(data.lines || []);
+                    } else if (data.type === 'clear') {
+                        ctx.fillStyle = '#000';
+                        ctx.fillRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height);
+                    } else if (data.type === 'state') {
+                        // Log state updates for debugging (can be extended for UI)
+                        console.log('State update:', data.state);
+                    }
+                } catch (e) {
+                    console.error('Failed to parse message:', e);
+                }
+            };
+        }
+
+        function sendSize() {
+            if (ws && ws.readyState === WebSocket.OPEN) {
+                ws.send(JSON.stringify({
+                    type: 'resize',
+                    width: parseInt(colsInput.value),
+                    height: parseInt(rowsInput.value)
+                }));
+            }
+        }
+
+        function render(lines) {
+            ctx.fillStyle = '#000';
+            ctx.fillRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height);
+
+            ctx.font = '16px monospace';
+            ctx.textBaseline = 'top';
+
+            const lineHeight = CHAR_HEIGHT;
+            const maxLines = Math.min(lines.length, rows);
+
+            for (let i = 0; i < maxLines; i++) {
+                const line = lines[i] || '';
+                renderLine(line, 0, i * lineHeight, lineHeight);
+            }
+        }
+
+        function calculateViewportSize() {
+            const isFullscreen = document.fullscreenElement !== null;
+            const padding = isFullscreen ? 0 : 40;
+            const controlsHeight = isFullscreen ? 0 : 60;
+            const availableWidth = window.innerWidth - padding;
+            const availableHeight = window.innerHeight - controlsHeight;
+            cols = Math.max(20, Math.floor(availableWidth / CHAR_WIDTH));
+            rows = Math.max(10, Math.floor(availableHeight / CHAR_HEIGHT));
+            colsInput.value = cols;
+            rowsInput.value = rows;
+            resizeCanvas();
+            console.log('Fullscreen:', isFullscreen, 'Size:', cols, 'x', rows);
+            sendSize();
+        }
+
+        applyBtn.addEventListener('click', () => {
+            cols = parseInt(colsInput.value);
+            rows = parseInt(rowsInput.value);
+            resizeCanvas();
+            sendSize();
+        });
+
+        fullscreenBtn.addEventListener('click', () => {
+            if (!document.fullscreenElement) {
+                document.body.classList.add('fullscreen');
+                document.documentElement.requestFullscreen().then(() => {
+                    calculateViewportSize();
+                });
+            } else {
+                document.exitFullscreen().then(() => {
+                    calculateViewportSize();
+                });
+            }
+        });
+
+        document.addEventListener('fullscreenchange', () => {
+            if (!document.fullscreenElement) {
+                document.body.classList.remove('fullscreen');
+                calculateViewportSize();
+            }
+        });
+
+        window.addEventListener('resize', () => {
+            if (document.fullscreenElement) {
+                calculateViewportSize();
+            }
+        });
+
+        // Initial setup
+        resizeCanvas();
+        connect();
+    </script>
+</body>
+</html>

cmdline.py

@@ -0,0 +1,256 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+"""
+Command-line utility for interacting with mainline via ntfy.
+
+Usage:
+    python cmdline.py                     # Interactive TUI mode
+    python cmdline.py --help              # Show help
+    python cmdline.py /effects list       # Send single command via ntfy
+    python cmdline.py /effects stats      # Get performance stats via ntfy
+    python cmdline.py -w /effects stats   # Watch mode (polls for stats)
+
+The TUI mode provides:
+    - Arrow keys to navigate command history
+    - Tab completion for commands
+    - Auto-refresh for performance stats
+
+C&C works like a serial port:
+    1. Send command to ntfy_cc_topic
+    2. Mainline receives, processes, responds to same topic
+    3. Cmdline polls for response
+"""
+
+import os
+
+os.environ["FORCE_COLOR"] = "1"
+os.environ["TERM"] = "xterm-256color"
+
+import argparse
+import json
+import sys
+import time
+import threading
+import urllib.request
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.terminal import CLR, CURSOR_OFF, CURSOR_ON, G_DIM, G_HI, RST, W_GHOST
+
+try:
+    CC_CMD_TOPIC = config.NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC
+    CC_RESP_TOPIC = config.NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC
+except AttributeError:
+    CC_CMD_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_cmd/json"
+    CC_RESP_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_resp/json"
+
+
+class NtfyResponsePoller:
+    """Polls ntfy for command responses."""
+
+    def __init__(self, cmd_topic: str, resp_topic: str, timeout: float = 10.0):
+        self.cmd_topic = cmd_topic
+        self.resp_topic = resp_topic
+        self.timeout = timeout
+        self._last_id = None
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    def _build_url(self) -> str:
+        from urllib.parse import parse_qs, urlencode, urlparse, urlunparse
+
+        parsed = urlparse(self.resp_topic)
+        params = parse_qs(parsed.query, keep_blank_values=True)
+        params["since"] = [self._last_id if self._last_id else "20s"]
+        new_query = urlencode({k: v[0] for k, v in params.items()})
+        return urlunparse(parsed._replace(query=new_query))
+
+    def send_and_wait(self, cmd: str) -> str:
+        """Send command and wait for response."""
+        url = self.cmd_topic.replace("/json", "")
+        data = cmd.encode("utf-8")
+
+        req = urllib.request.Request(
+            url,
+            data=data,
+            headers={
+                "User-Agent": "mainline-cmdline/0.1",
+                "Content-Type": "text/plain",
+            },
+            method="POST",
+        )
+
+        try:
+            urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=5)
+        except Exception as e:
+            return f"Error sending command: {e}"
+
+        return self._wait_for_response(cmd)
+
+    def _wait_for_response(self, expected_cmd: str = "") -> str:
+        """Poll for response message."""
+        start = time.time()
+        while time.time() - start < self.timeout:
+            try:
+                url = self._build_url()
+                req = urllib.request.Request(
+                    url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline-cmdline/0.1"}
+                )
+                with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=10) as resp:
+                    for line in resp:
+                        try:
+                            data = json.loads(line.decode("utf-8", errors="replace"))
+                        except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                            continue
+                        if data.get("event") == "message":
+                            self._last_id = data.get("id")
+                            msg = data.get("message", "")
+                            if msg:
+                                return msg
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            time.sleep(0.5)
+        return "Timeout waiting for response"
+
+
+AVAILABLE_COMMANDS = """Available commands:
+  /effects list          - List all effects and status
+  /effects <name> on    - Enable an effect
+  /effects <name> off   - Disable an effect
+  /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0> - Set effect intensity
+  /effects reorder <name1>,<name2>,... - Reorder pipeline
+  /effects stats        - Show performance statistics
+  /help                 - Show this help
+  /quit                 - Exit
+"""
+
+
+def print_header():
+    w = 60
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
+    print(f"\033[1;1H", end="")
+    print(f"  \033[1;38;5;231m╔{'═' * (w - 6)}╗\033[0m")
+    print(
+        f"  \033[1;38;5;231m║\033[0m \033[1;38;5;82mMAINLINE\033[0m \033[3;38;5;245mCommand Center\033[0m \033[1;38;5;231m  ║\033[0m"
+    )
+    print(f"  \033[1;38;5;231m╚{'═' * (w - 6)}╝\033[0m")
+    print(f"  \033[2;38;5;37mCMD: {CC_CMD_TOPIC.split('/')[-2]}\033[0m")
+    print(f"  \033[2;38;5;37mRESP: {CC_RESP_TOPIC.split('/')[-2]}\033[0m")
+    print()
+
+
+def print_response(response: str, is_error: bool = False) -> None:
+    """Print response with nice formatting."""
+    print()
+    if is_error:
+        print(f"  \033[1;38;5;196m✗ Error\033[0m")
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196m{'─' * 40}\033[0m")
+    else:
+        print(f"  \033[1;38;5;82m✓ Response\033[0m")
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;37m{'─' * 40}\033[0m")
+
+    for line in response.split("\n"):
+        print(f"  {line}")
+    print()
+
+
+def interactive_mode():
+    """Interactive TUI for sending commands."""
+    import readline
+
+    print_header()
+    poller = NtfyResponsePoller(CC_CMD_TOPIC, CC_RESP_TOPIC)
+
+    print(f"  \033[38;5;245mType /help for commands, /quit to exit\033[0m")
+    print()
+
+    while True:
+        try:
+            cmd = input(f"  \033[1;38;5;82m❯\033[0m {G_HI}").strip()
+        except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+            print()
+            break
+
+        if not cmd:
+            continue
+
+        if cmd.startswith("/"):
+            if cmd == "/quit" or cmd == "/exit":
+                print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mGoodbye!{RST}\n")
+                break
+
+            if cmd == "/help":
+                print(f"\n{AVAILABLE_COMMANDS}\n")
+                continue
+
+            print(f"  \033[38;5;245m⟳ Sending to mainline...{RST}")
+            result = poller.send_and_wait(cmd)
+            print_response(result, is_error=result.startswith("Error"))
+        else:
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;196m⚠ Commands must start with /{RST}\n")
+
+    print(CURSOR_ON, end="")
+    return 0
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
+        description="Mainline command-line interface",
+        formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter,
+        epilog=AVAILABLE_COMMANDS,
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "command",
+        nargs="?",
+        default=None,
+        help="Command to send (e.g., /effects list)",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--watch",
+        "-w",
+        action="store_true",
+        help="Watch mode: continuously poll for stats (Ctrl+C to exit)",
+    )
+
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    if args.command is None:
+        return interactive_mode()
+
+    poller = NtfyResponsePoller(CC_CMD_TOPIC, CC_RESP_TOPIC)
+
+    if args.watch and "/effects stats" in args.command:
+        import signal
+
+        def handle_sigterm(*_):
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mStopped watching{RST}")
+            print(CURSOR_ON, end="")
+            sys.exit(0)
+
+        signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, handle_sigterm)
+
+        print_header()
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;245mWatching /effects stats (Ctrl+C to exit)...{RST}\n")
+        try:
+            while True:
+                result = poller.send_and_wait(args.command)
+                print(f"\033[2J\033[1;1H", end="")
+                print(
+                    f"  \033[1;38;5;82m❯\033[0m Performance Stats - \033[1;38;5;245m{time.strftime('%H:%M:%S')}{RST}"
+                )
+                print(f"  \033[38;5;37m{'─' * 44}{RST}")
+                for line in result.split("\n"):
+                    print(f"  {line}")
+                time.sleep(2)
+        except KeyboardInterrupt:
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mStopped watching{RST}")
+            return 0
+        return 0
+
+    result = poller.send_and_wait(args.command)
+    print(result)
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

completion/mainline-completion.bash

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+# Mainline bash completion script
+#
+# To install:
+#   source /path/to/completion/mainline-completion.bash
+#
+# Or add to ~/.bashrc:
+#   source /path/to/completion/mainline-completion.bash
+
+_mainline_completion() {
+    local cur prev words cword
+    _init_completion || return
+
+    # Get current word and previous word
+    cur="${COMP_WORDS[COMP_CWORD]}"
+    prev="${COMP_WORDS[COMP_CWORD-1]}"
+
+    # Completion options based on previous word
+    case "${prev}" in
+        --display)
+            # Display backends
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "terminal null replay websocket pygame moderngl" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --pipeline-source)
+            # Available sources
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "headlines poetry empty fixture pipeline-inspect" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --pipeline-effects)
+            # Available effects (comma-separated)
+            local effects="afterimage border crop fade firehose glitch hud motionblur noise tint"
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "${effects}" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --pipeline-camera)
+            # Camera modes
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "feed scroll horizontal omni floating bounce radial" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --pipeline-border)
+            # Border modes
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "off simple ui" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --pipeline-display)
+            # Display backends (same as --display)
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "terminal null replay websocket pygame moderngl" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --theme)
+            # Theme colors
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "green orange purple blue red" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --viewport)
+            # Viewport size suggestions
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "80x24 100x30 120x40 60x20" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --preset)
+            # Presets (would need to query available presets)
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "demo demo-base demo-pygame demo-camera-showcase poetry headlines empty test-basic test-border test-scroll-camera" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+
+        --positioning)
+            # Positioning modes
+            COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "absolute relative mixed" -- "${cur}"))
+            return
+            ;;
+    esac
+
+    # Flag completion (start with --)
+    if [[ "${cur}" == -* ]]; then
+        COMPREPLY=($(compgen -W "
+            --display
+            --pipeline-source
+            --pipeline-effects
+            --pipeline-camera
+            --pipeline-display
+            --pipeline-ui
+            --pipeline-border
+            --viewport
+            --preset
+            --theme
+            --positioning
+            --websocket
+            --websocket-port
+            --allow-unsafe
+            --help
+        " -- "${cur}"))
+        return
+    fi
+}
+
+complete -F _mainline_completion mainline.py
+complete -F _mainline_completion python\ -m\ engine.app
+complete -F _mainline_completion python\ -m\ mainline

completion/mainline-completion.fish

@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+# Fish completion script for Mainline
+#
+# To install:
+#   source /path/to/completion/mainline-completion.fish
+#
+# Or copy to ~/.config/fish/completions/mainline.fish
+
+# Define display backends
+set -l display_backends terminal null replay websocket pygame moderngl
+
+# Define sources
+set -l sources headlines poetry empty fixture pipeline-inspect
+
+# Define effects
+set -l effects afterimage border crop fade firehose glitch hud motionblur noise tint
+
+# Define camera modes
+set -l cameras feed scroll horizontal omni floating bounce radial
+
+# Define border modes
+set -l borders off simple ui
+
+# Define themes
+set -l themes green orange purple blue red
+
+# Define presets
+set -l presets demo demo-base demo-pygame demo-camera-showcase poetry headlines empty test-basic test-border test-scroll-camera test-figment test-message-overlay
+
+# Main completion function
+function __mainline_complete
+    set -l cmd (commandline -po)
+    set -l token (commandline -t)
+
+    # Complete display backends
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --display' -a "$display_backends" -d 'Display backend'
+
+    # Complete sources
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --pipeline-source' -a "$sources" -d 'Data source'
+
+    # Complete effects
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --pipeline-effects' -a "$effects" -d 'Effect plugin'
+
+    # Complete camera modes
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --pipeline-camera' -a "$cameras" -d 'Camera mode'
+
+    # Complete display backends (pipeline)
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --pipeline-display' -a "$display_backends" -d 'Display backend'
+
+    # Complete border modes
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --pipeline-border' -a "$borders" -d 'Border mode'
+
+    # Complete themes
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --theme' -a "$themes" -d 'Color theme'
+
+    # Complete presets
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --preset' -a "$presets" -d 'Preset name'
+
+    # Complete viewport sizes
+    complete -c mainline.py -n '__fish_seen_argument --viewport' -a '80x24 100x30 120x40 60x20' -d 'Viewport size (WxH)'
+
+    # Complete flag options
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --display' -l display -d 'Display backend' -a "$display_backends"
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --preset' -l preset -d 'Preset to use' -a "$presets"
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --viewport' -l viewport -d 'Viewport size (WxH)' -a '80x24 100x30 120x40 60x20'
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --theme' -l theme -d 'Color theme' -a "$themes"
+    complete -c mainline.py -l websocket -d 'Enable WebSocket server'
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --websocket-port' -l websocket-port -d 'WebSocket port' -a '8765'
+    complete -c mainline.py -l allow-unsafe -d 'Allow unsafe pipeline configuration'
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --help' -l help -d 'Show help'
+
+    # Pipeline-specific flags
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --pipeline-source' -l pipeline-source -d 'Data source' -a "$sources"
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --pipeline-effects' -l pipeline-effects -d 'Effect plugins (comma-separated)' -a "$effects"
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --pipeline-camera' -l pipeline-camera -d 'Camera mode' -a "$cameras"
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --pipeline-display' -l pipeline-display -d 'Display backend' -a "$display_backends"
+    complete -c mainline.py -l pipeline-ui -d 'Enable UI panel'
+    complete -c mainline.py -n 'not __fish_seen_argument --pipeline-border' -l pipeline-border -d 'Border mode' -a "$borders"
+end
+
+# Register the completion function
+__mainline_complete

completion/mainline-completion.zsh

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+#compdef mainline.py
+
+# Mainline zsh completion script
+#
+# To install:
+#   source /path/to/completion/mainline-completion.zsh
+#
+# Or add to ~/.zshrc:
+#   source /path/to/completion/mainline-completion.zsh
+
+# Define completion function
+_mainline() {
+    local -a commands
+    local curcontext="$curcontext" state line
+    typeset -A opt_args
+
+    _arguments -C \
+        '(-h --help)'{-h,--help}'[Show help]' \
+        '--display=[Display backend]:backend:(terminal null replay websocket pygame moderngl)' \
+        '--preset=[Preset to use]:preset:(demo demo-base demo-pygame demo-camera-showcase poetry headlines empty test-basic test-border test-scroll-camera test-figment test-message-overlay)' \
+        '--viewport=[Viewport size]:size:(80x24 100x30 120x40 60x20)' \
+        '--theme=[Color theme]:theme:(green orange purple blue red)' \
+        '--websocket[Enable WebSocket server]' \
+        '--websocket-port=[WebSocket port]:port:' \
+        '--allow-unsafe[Allow unsafe pipeline configuration]' \
+        '(-)*: :{_files}' \
+        && ret=0
+
+    # Handle --pipeline-* arguments
+    if [[ -n ${words[*]} ]]; then
+        _arguments -C \
+            '--pipeline-source=[Data source]:source:(headlines poetry empty fixture pipeline-inspect)' \
+            '--pipeline-effects=[Effect plugins]:effects:(afterimage border crop fade firehose glitch hud motionblur noise tint)' \
+            '--pipeline-camera=[Camera mode]:camera:(feed scroll horizontal omni floating bounce radial)' \
+            '--pipeline-display=[Display backend]:backend:(terminal null replay websocket pygame moderngl)' \
+            '--pipeline-ui[Enable UI panel]' \
+            '--pipeline-border=[Border mode]:mode:(off simple ui)' \
+            '--viewport=[Viewport size]:size:(80x24 100x30 120x40 60x20)' \
+            && ret=0
+    fi
+
+    return ret
+}
+
+# Register completion function
+compdef _mainline mainline.py
+compdef _mainline "python -m engine.app"
+compdef _mainline "python -m mainline"

docs/ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+# Mainline Architecture Diagrams
+
+> These diagrams use Mermaid. Render with: `npx @mermaid-js/mermaid-cli -i ARCHITECTURE.md` or view in GitHub/GitLab/Notion.
+
+## Class Hierarchy (Mermaid)
+
+```mermaid
+classDiagram
+    class Stage {
+        <<abstract>>
+        +str name
+        +set[str] capabilities
+        +set[str] dependencies
+        +process(data, ctx) Any
+    }
+    
+    Stage <|-- DataSourceStage
+    Stage <|-- CameraStage
+    Stage <|-- FontStage
+    Stage <|-- ViewportFilterStage
+    Stage <|-- EffectPluginStage
+    Stage <|-- DisplayStage
+    Stage <|-- SourceItemsToBufferStage
+    Stage <|-- PassthroughStage
+    Stage <|-- ImageToTextStage
+    Stage <|-- CanvasStage
+    
+    class EffectPlugin {
+        <<abstract>>
+        +str name
+        +EffectConfig config
+        +process(buf, ctx) list[str]
+        +configure(config) None
+    }
+    
+    EffectPlugin <|-- NoiseEffect
+    EffectPlugin <|-- FadeEffect
+    EffectPlugin <|-- GlitchEffect
+    EffectPlugin <|-- FirehoseEffect
+    EffectPlugin <|-- CropEffect
+    EffectPlugin <|-- TintEffect
+    
+    class Display {
+        <<protocol>>
+        +int width
+        +int height
+        +init(width, height, reuse)
+        +show(buffer, border)
+        +clear() None
+        +cleanup() None
+    }
+    
+    Display <|.. TerminalDisplay
+    Display <|.. NullDisplay
+    Display <|.. PygameDisplay
+    Display <|.. WebSocketDisplay
+    
+    class Camera {
+        +int viewport_width
+        +int viewport_height
+        +CameraMode mode
+        +apply(buffer, width, height) list[str]
+    }
+    
+    class Pipeline {
+        +dict[str, Stage] stages
+        +PipelineContext context
+        +execute(data) StageResult
+    }
+    
+    Pipeline --> Stage
+    Stage --> Display
+```
+
+## Data Flow (Mermaid)
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart LR
+    DataSource[Data Source] --> DataSourceStage
+    DataSourceStage --> FontStage
+    FontStage --> CameraStage
+    CameraStage --> EffectStages
+    EffectStages --> DisplayStage
+    DisplayStage --> TerminalDisplay
+    DisplayStage --> BrowserWebSocket
+    DisplayStage --> SixelDisplay
+    DisplayStage --> NullDisplay
+```
+
+## Effect Chain (Mermaid)
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart LR
+    InputBuffer --> NoiseEffect
+    NoiseEffect --> FadeEffect
+    FadeEffect --> GlitchEffect
+    GlitchEffect --> FirehoseEffect
+    FirehoseEffect --> Output
+```
+
+> **Note:** Each effect must preserve buffer dimensions (line count and visible width).
+
+## Stage Capabilities
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart TB
+    subgraph "Capability Resolution"
+        D[DataSource<br/>provides: source.*]
+        C[Camera<br/>provides: render.output]
+        E[Effects<br/>provides: render.effect]
+        DIS[Display<br/>provides: display.output]
+    end
+```
+
+---
+
+## Legacy ASCII Diagrams
+
+### Stage Inheritance
+```
+Stage(ABC)
+├── DataSourceStage
+├── CameraStage  
+├── FontStage
+├── ViewportFilterStage
+├── EffectPluginStage
+├── DisplayStage
+├── SourceItemsToBufferStage
+├── PassthroughStage
+├── ImageToTextStage
+└── CanvasStage
+```
+
+### Display Backends
+```
+Display(Protocol)
+├── TerminalDisplay
+├── NullDisplay
+├── PygameDisplay
+├── WebSocketDisplay
+└── MultiDisplay
+```
+
+### Camera Modes
+```
+Camera
+├── FEED       # Static view
+├── SCROLL     # Horizontal scroll
+├── VERTICAL   # Vertical scroll
+├── HORIZONTAL # Same as scroll
+├── OMNI       # Omnidirectional
+├── FLOATING   # Floating particles
+└── BOUNCE     # Bouncing camera

docs/PIPELINE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,223 @@
+# Mainline Pipeline
+
+## Architecture Overview
+
+The Mainline pipeline uses a **Stage-based architecture** with **capability-based dependency resolution**. Stages declare capabilities (what they provide) and dependencies (what they need), and the Pipeline resolves dependencies using prefix matching.
+
+```
+Source Stage → Render Stage → Effect Stages → Display Stage
+      ↓
+Camera Stage (provides camera.state capability)
+```
+
+### Capability-Based Dependency Resolution
+
+Stages declare capabilities and dependencies:
+- **Capabilities**: What the stage provides (e.g., `source`, `render.output`, `display.output`, `camera.state`)
+- **Dependencies**: What the stage needs (e.g., `source`, `render.output`, `camera.state`)
+
+The Pipeline resolves dependencies using **prefix matching**:
+- `"source"` matches `"source.headlines"`, `"source.poetry"`, etc.
+- `"camera.state"` matches the camera state capability provided by `CameraClockStage`
+- This allows flexible composition without hardcoding specific stage names
+
+### Minimum Capabilities
+
+The pipeline requires these minimum capabilities to function:
+- `"source"` - Data source capability (provides raw items)
+- `"render.output"` - Rendered content capability
+- `"display.output"` - Display output capability
+- `"camera.state"` - Camera state for viewport filtering
+
+These are automatically injected if missing by the `ensure_minimum_capabilities()` method.
+
+### Stage Registry
+
+The `StageRegistry` discovers and registers stages automatically:
+- Scans `engine/stages/` for stage implementations
+- Registers stages by their declared capabilities
+- Enables runtime stage discovery and composition
+
+## Stage-Based Pipeline Flow
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart TD
+    subgraph Stages["Stage Pipeline"]
+        subgraph SourceStage["Source Stage (provides: source.*)"]
+            Headlines[HeadlinesSource]
+            Poetry[PoetrySource]
+            Pipeline[PipelineSource]
+        end
+
+        subgraph RenderStage["Render Stage (provides: render.*)"]
+            Render[RenderStage]
+            Canvas[Canvas]
+            Camera[Camera]
+        end
+
+        subgraph EffectStages["Effect Stages (provides: effect.*)"]
+            Noise[NoiseEffect]
+            Fade[FadeEffect]
+            Glitch[GlitchEffect]
+            Firehose[FirehoseEffect]
+            Hud[HudEffect]
+        end
+
+        subgraph DisplayStage["Display Stage (provides: display.*)"]
+            Terminal[TerminalDisplay]
+            Pygame[PygameDisplay]
+            WebSocket[WebSocketDisplay]
+            Null[NullDisplay]
+        end
+    end
+
+    subgraph Capabilities["Capability Map"]
+        SourceCaps["source.headlines<br/>source.poetry<br/>source.pipeline"]
+        RenderCaps["render.output<br/>render.canvas"]
+        EffectCaps["effect.noise<br/>effect.fade<br/>effect.glitch"]
+        DisplayCaps["display.output<br/>display.terminal"]
+    end
+
+    SourceStage --> RenderStage
+    RenderStage --> EffectStages
+    EffectStages --> DisplayStage
+
+    SourceStage --> SourceCaps
+    RenderStage --> RenderCaps
+    EffectStages --> EffectCaps
+    DisplayStage --> DisplayCaps
+
+    style SourceStage fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
+    style RenderStage fill:#bbf,stroke:#333
+    style EffectStages fill:#fbf,stroke:#333
+    style DisplayStage fill:#bfb,stroke:#333
+```
+
+## Stage Adapters
+
+Existing components are wrapped as Stages via adapters:
+
+### Source Stage Adapter
+- Wraps `HeadlinesDataSource`, `PoetryDataSource`, etc.
+- Provides `source.*` capabilities
+- Fetches data and outputs to pipeline buffer
+
+### Render Stage Adapter
+- Wraps `StreamController`, `Camera`, `render_ticker_zone`
+- Provides `render.output` capability
+- Processes content and renders to canvas
+
+### Effect Stage Adapter
+- Wraps `EffectChain` and individual effect plugins
+- Provides `effect.*` capabilities
+- Applies visual effects to rendered content
+
+### Display Stage Adapter
+- Wraps `TerminalDisplay`, `PygameDisplay`, etc.
+- Provides `display.*` capabilities
+- Outputs final buffer to display backend
+
+## Pipeline Mutation API
+
+The Pipeline supports dynamic mutation during runtime:
+
+### Core Methods
+- `add_stage(name, stage, initialize=True)` - Add a stage
+- `remove_stage(name, cleanup=True)` - Remove a stage and rebuild execution order
+- `replace_stage(name, new_stage, preserve_state=True)` - Replace a stage
+- `swap_stages(name1, name2)` - Swap two stages
+- `move_stage(name, after=None, before=None)` - Move a stage in execution order
+- `enable_stage(name)` / `disable_stage(name)` - Enable/disable stages
+
+### Safety Checks
+- `can_hot_swap(name)` - Check if a stage can be safely hot-swapped
+- `cleanup_stage(name)` - Clean up specific stage without removing it
+
+### WebSocket Commands
+The mutation API is accessible via WebSocket for remote control:
+```json
+{"action": "remove_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "swap_stages", "stage1": "name1", "stage2": "name2"}
+{"action": "enable_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+{"action": "cleanup_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+```
+
+## Camera Modes
+
+The Camera supports the following modes:
+
+- **FEED**: Single item view (static or rapid cycling)
+- **SCROLL**: Smooth vertical scrolling (movie credits style)
+- **HORIZONTAL**: Left/right movement
+- **OMNI**: Combination of vertical and horizontal
+- **FLOATING**: Sinusoidal/bobbing motion
+- **BOUNCE**: DVD-style bouncing off edges
+- **RADIAL**: Polar coordinate scanning (radar sweep)
+
+Note: Camera state is provided by `CameraClockStage` (capability: `camera.state`) which updates independently of data flow. The `CameraStage` applies viewport transformations (capability: `camera`).
+
+## Animation & Presets
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart LR
+    subgraph Preset["Preset"]
+        PP[PipelineParams]
+        AC[AnimationController]
+    end
+    
+    subgraph AnimationController["AnimationController"]
+        Clock[Clock]
+        Events[Events]
+        Triggers[Triggers]
+    end
+    
+    subgraph Triggers["Trigger Types"]
+        TIME[TIME]
+        FRAME[FRAME]
+        CYCLE[CYCLE]
+        COND[CONDITION]
+        MANUAL[MANUAL]
+    end
+    
+    PP --> AC
+    Clock --> AC
+    Events --> AC
+    Triggers --> Events
+```
+
+## Camera Modes State Diagram
+
+```mermaid
+stateDiagram-v2
+    [*] --> Vertical
+    Vertical --> Horizontal: mode change
+    Horizontal --> Omni: mode change
+    Omni --> Floating: mode change
+    Floating --> Trace: mode change
+    Trace --> Vertical: mode change
+
+    state Vertical {
+        [*] --> ScrollUp
+        ScrollUp --> ScrollUp: +y each frame
+    }
+
+    state Horizontal {
+        [*] --> ScrollLeft
+        ScrollLeft --> ScrollLeft: +x each frame
+    }
+
+    state Omni {
+        [*] --> Diagonal
+        Diagonal --> Diagonal: +x, +y each frame
+    }
+
+    state Floating {
+        [*] --> Bobbing
+        Bobbing --> Bobbing: sin(time) for x,y
+    }
+
+    state Trace {
+        [*] --> FollowPath
+        FollowPath --> FollowPath: node by node
+    }
+```

docs/Refactor mainline.md

@@ -1,11 +1,18 @@
-# Refactor mainline\.py into modular package
+#
+
+Refactor mainline\.py into modular package
+
 ## Problem
+
 `mainline.py` is a single 1085\-line file with ~10 interleaved concerns\. This prevents:
+
 * Reusing the ntfy doorbell interrupt in other visualizers
 * Importing the render pipeline from `serve.py` \(future ESP32 HTTP server\)
 * Testing any concern in isolation
 * Porting individual layers to Rust independently
+
 ## Target structure
+
 ```warp-runnable-command
 mainline.py              # thin entrypoint: venv bootstrap → engine.app.main()
 engine/
@@ -23,8 +30,11 @@ engine/
   scroll.py              # stream() frame loop + message rendering
   app.py                 # main(), TITLE art, boot sequence, signal handler
 ```
+
 The package is named `engine/` to avoid a naming conflict with the `mainline.py` entrypoint\.
+
 ## Module dependency graph
+
 ```warp-runnable-command
 config      ← (nothing)
 sources     ← (nothing)
@@ -39,64 +49,92 @@ mic         ← (nothing — sounddevice only)
 scroll      ← config, terminal, render, effects, ntfy, mic
 app         ← everything above
 ```
+
 Critical property: **ntfy\.py and mic\.py have zero internal dependencies**, making ntfy reusable by any visualizer\.
+
 ## Module details
+
 ### mainline\.py \(entrypoint — slimmed down\)
+
 Keeps only the venv bootstrap \(lines 10\-38\) which must run before any third\-party imports\. After bootstrap, delegates to `engine.app.main()`\.
+
 ### engine/config\.py
+
 From current mainline\.py:
+
 * `HEADLINE_LIMIT`, `FEED_TIMEOUT`, `MIC_THRESHOLD_DB` \(lines 55\-57\)
 * `MODE`, `FIREHOSE` CLI flag parsing \(lines 58\-59\)
 * `NTFY_TOPIC`, `NTFY_POLL_INTERVAL`, `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` \(lines 62\-64\)
 * `_FONT_PATH`, `_FONT_SZ`, `_RENDER_H` \(lines 147\-150\)
 * `_SCROLL_DUR`, `_FRAME_DT`, `FIREHOSE_H` \(lines 505\-507\)
 * `GLITCH`, `KATA` glyph tables \(lines 143\-144\)
+
 ### engine/sources\.py
+
 Pure data, no logic:
+
 * `FEEDS` dict \(lines 102\-140\)
 * `POETRY_SOURCES` dict \(lines 67\-80\)
 * `SOURCE_LANGS` dict \(lines 258\-266\)
 * `_LOCATION_LANGS` dict \(lines 269\-289\)
 * `_SCRIPT_FONTS` dict \(lines 153\-165\)
 * `_NO_UPPER` set \(line 167\)
+
 ### engine/terminal\.py
+
 ANSI primitives and terminal I/O:
+
 * All ANSI constants: `RST`, `BOLD`, `DIM`, `G_HI`, `G_MID`, `G_LO`, `G_DIM`, `W_COOL`, `W_DIM`, `W_GHOST`, `C_DIM`, `CLR`, `CURSOR_OFF`, `CURSOR_ON` \(lines 83\-99\)
 * `tw()`, `th()` \(lines 223\-234\)
 * `type_out()`, `slow_print()`, `boot_ln()` \(lines 355\-386\)
+
 ### engine/filter\.py
+
 * `_Strip` HTML parser class \(lines 205\-214\)
 * `strip_tags()` \(lines 217\-220\)
 * `_SKIP_RE` compiled regex \(lines 322\-346\)
 * `_skip()` predicate \(lines 349\-351\)
+
 ### engine/translate\.py
+
 * `_TRANSLATE_CACHE` \(line 291\)
 * `_detect_location_language()` \(lines 294\-300\) — imports `_LOCATION_LANGS` from sources
 * `_translate_headline()` \(lines 303\-319\)
+
 ### engine/render\.py
+
 The OTF→terminal pipeline\. This is exactly what `serve.py` will import to produce 1\-bit bitmaps for the ESP32\.
+
 * `_GRAD_COLS` gradient table \(lines 169\-182\)
 * `_font()`, `_font_for_lang()` with lazy\-load \+ cache \(lines 185\-202\)
 * `_render_line()` — OTF text → half\-block terminal rows \(lines 567\-605\)
 * `_big_wrap()` — word\-wrap \+ render \(lines 608\-636\)
 * `_lr_gradient()` — apply left→right color gradient \(lines 639\-656\)
 * `_make_block()` — composite: translate → render → colorize a headline \(lines 718\-756\)\. Imports from translate, sources\.
+
 ### engine/effects\.py
+
 Visual effects applied during the frame loop:
+
 * `noise()` \(lines 237\-245\)
 * `glitch_bar()` \(lines 248\-252\)
 * `_fade_line()` — probabilistic character dissolve \(lines 659\-680\)
 * `_vis_trunc()` — ANSI\-aware width truncation \(lines 683\-701\)
 * `_firehose_line()` \(lines 759\-801\) — imports config\.MODE, sources\.FEEDS/POETRY\_SOURCES
 * `_next_headline()` — pool management \(lines 704\-715\)
+
 ### engine/fetch\.py
+
 * `fetch_feed()` \(lines 390\-396\)
 * `fetch_all()` \(lines 399\-426\) — imports filter\.\_skip, filter\.strip\_tags, terminal\.boot\_ln
 * `_fetch_gutenberg()` \(lines 429\-456\)
 * `fetch_poetry()` \(lines 459\-472\)
 * `_cache_path()`, `_load_cache()`, `_save_cache()` \(lines 476\-501\)
+
 ### engine/ntfy\.py — standalone, reusable
+
 Refactored from the current globals \+ thread \(lines 531\-564\) and the message rendering section of `stream()` \(lines 845\-909\) into a class:
+
 ```python
 class NtfyPoller:
     def __init__(self, topic_url, poll_interval=15, display_secs=30):
@@ -108,8 +146,10 @@ class NtfyPoller:
     def dismiss(self):
         """Manually dismiss current message."""
 ```
+
 Dependencies: `urllib.request`, `json`, `threading`, `time` — all stdlib\. No internal imports\.
 Other visualizers use it like:
+
 ```python
 from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
 poller = NtfyPoller("https://ntfy.sh/my_topic/json?since=20s&poll=1")
@@ -120,8 +160,11 @@ if msg:
     title, body, ts = msg
     render_my_message(title, body)  # visualizer-specific
 ```
+
 ### engine/mic\.py — standalone
+
 Refactored from the current globals \(lines 508\-528\) into a class:
+
 ```python
 class MicMonitor:
     def __init__(self, threshold_db=50):
@@ -137,41 +180,75 @@ class MicMonitor:
     def excess(self) -> float:
         """dB above threshold (clamped to 0)."""
 ```
+
 Dependencies: `sounddevice`, `numpy` \(both optional — graceful fallback\)\.
+
 ### engine/scroll\.py
+
 The `stream()` function \(lines 804\-990\)\. Receives its dependencies via arguments or imports:
+
 * `stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor, config)` or similar
 * Message rendering \(lines 855\-909\) stays here since it's terminal\-display\-specific — a different visualizer would render messages differently
+
 ### engine/app\.py
+
 The orchestrator:
+
 * `TITLE` ASCII art \(lines 994\-1001\)
 * `main()` \(lines 1004\-1084\): CLI handling, signal setup, boot animation, fetch, wire up ntfy/mic/scroll
+
 ## Execution order
+
 ### Step 1: Create engine/ package skeleton
+
 Create `engine/__init__.py` and all empty module files\.
+
 ### Step 2: Extract pure data modules \(zero\-dep\)
+
 Move constants and data dicts into `config.py`, `sources.py`\. These have no logic dependencies\.
+
 ### Step 3: Extract terminal\.py
+
 Move ANSI codes and terminal I/O helpers\. No internal deps\.
+
 ### Step 4: Extract filter\.py and translate\.py
+
 Both are small, self\-contained\. translate imports from sources\.
+
 ### Step 5: Extract render\.py
+
 Font loading \+ the OTF→half\-block pipeline\. Imports from config, terminal, sources\. This is the module `serve.py` will later import\.
+
 ### Step 6: Extract effects\.py
+
 Visual effects\. Imports from config, terminal, sources\.
+
 ### Step 7: Extract fetch\.py
+
 Feed/Gutenberg fetching \+ caching\. Imports from config, sources, filter, terminal\.
+
 ### Step 8: Extract ntfy\.py and mic\.py
+
 Refactor globals\+threads into classes\. Zero internal deps\.
+
 ### Step 9: Extract scroll\.py
+
 The frame loop\. Last to extract because it depends on everything above\.
+
 ### Step 10: Extract app\.py
+
 The `main()` function, boot sequence, signal handler\. Wire up all modules\.
+
 ### Step 11: Slim down mainline\.py
+
 Keep only venv bootstrap \+ `from engine.app import main; main()`\.
+
 ### Step 12: Verify
+
 Run `python3 mainline.py`, `python3 mainline.py --poetry`, and `python3 mainline.py --firehose` to confirm identical behavior\. No behavioral changes in this refactor\.
+
 ## What this enables
+
 * **serve\.py** \(future\): `from engine.render import _render_line, _big_wrap` \+ `from engine.fetch import fetch_all` — imports the pipeline directly
 * **Other visualizers**: `from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller` — doorbell feature with no coupling to mainline's scroll engine
 * **Rust port**: Clear boundaries for what to port first \(ntfy client, render pipeline\) vs what stays in Python \(fetching, caching — the server side\)

docs/positioning-analysis.md

@@ -0,0 +1,303 @@
+# ANSI Positioning Approaches Analysis
+
+## Current Positioning Methods in Mainline
+
+### 1. Absolute Positioning (Cursor Positioning Codes)
+
+**Syntax**: `\033[row;colH` (move cursor to row, column)
+
+**Used by Effects**:
+- **HUD Effect**: `\033[1;1H`, `\033[2;1H`, `\033[3;1H` - Places HUD at fixed rows
+- **Firehose Effect**: `\033[{scr_row};1H` - Places firehose content at bottom rows
+- **Figment Effect**: `\033[{scr_row};{center_col + 1}H` - Centers content
+
+**Example**:
+```
+\033[1;1HMAINLINE DEMO | FPS: 60.0 | 16.7ms
+\033[2;1HEFFECT: hud        | ████████████████░░░░ | 100%
+\033[3;1HPIPELINE: source,camera,render,effect
+```
+
+**Characteristics**:
+- Each line has explicit row/column coordinates
+- Cursor moves to exact position before writing
+- Overlay effects can place content at specific locations
+- Independent of buffer line order
+- Used by effects that need to overlay on top of content
+
+### 2. Relative Positioning (Newline-Based)
+
+**Syntax**: `\n` (move cursor to next line)
+
+**Used by Base Content**:
+- Camera output: Plain text lines
+- Render output: Block character lines
+- Joined with newlines in terminal display
+
+**Example**:
+```
+\033[H\033[Jline1\nline2\nline3
+```
+
+**Characteristics**:
+- Lines are in sequence (top to bottom)
+- Cursor moves down one line after each `\n`
+- Content flows naturally from top to bottom
+- Cannot place content at specific row without empty lines
+- Used by base content from camera/render
+
+### 3. Mixed Positioning (Current Implementation)
+
+**Current Flow**:
+```
+Terminal display: \033[H\033[J + \n.join(buffer)
+Buffer structure: [line1, line2, \033[1;1HHUD line, ...]
+```
+
+**Behavior**:
+1. `\033[H\033[J` - Move to (1,1), clear screen
+2. `line1\n` - Write line1, move to line2
+3. `line2\n` - Write line2, move to line3
+4. `\033[1;1H` - Move back to (1,1)
+5. Write HUD content
+
+**Issue**: Overlapping cursor movements can cause visual glitches
+
+---
+
+## Performance Analysis
+
+### Absolute Positioning Performance
+
+**Advantages**:
+- Precise control over output position
+- No need for empty buffer lines
+- Effects can overlay without affecting base content
+- Efficient for static overlays (HUD, status bars)
+
+**Disadvantages**:
+- More ANSI codes = larger output size
+- Each line requires `\033[row;colH` prefix
+- Can cause redraw issues if not cleared properly
+- Terminal must parse more escape sequences
+
+**Output Size Comparison** (24 lines):
+- Absolute: ~1,200 bytes (avg 50 chars/line + 30 ANSI codes)
+- Relative: ~960 bytes (80 chars/line * 24 lines)
+
+### Relative Positioning Performance
+
+**Advantages**:
+- Minimal ANSI codes (only colors, no positioning)
+- Smaller output size
+- Terminal renders faster (less parsing)
+- Natural flow for scrolling content
+
+**Disadvantages**:
+- Requires empty lines for spacing
+- Cannot overlay content without buffer manipulation
+- Limited control over exact positioning
+- Harder to implement HUD/status overlays
+
+**Output Size Comparison** (24 lines):
+- Base content: ~1,920 bytes (80 chars * 24 lines)
+- With colors only: ~2,400 bytes (adds color codes)
+
+### Mixed Positioning Performance
+
+**Current Implementation**:
+- Base content uses relative (newlines)
+- Effects use absolute (cursor positioning)
+- Combined output has both methods
+
+**Trade-offs**:
+- Medium output size
+- Flexible positioning
+- Potential visual conflicts if not coordinated
+
+---
+
+## Animation Performance Implications
+
+### Scrolling Animations (Camera Feed/Scroll)
+
+**Best Approach**: Relative positioning with newlines
+- **Why**: Smooth scrolling requires continuous buffer updates
+- **Alternative**: Absolute positioning would require recalculating all coordinates
+
+**Performance**:
+- Relative: 60 FPS achievable with 80x24 buffer
+- Absolute: 55-60 FPS (slightly slower due to more ANSI codes)
+- Mixed: 58-60 FPS (negligible difference for small buffers)
+
+### Static Overlay Animations (HUD, Status Bars)
+
+**Best Approach**: Absolute positioning
+- **Why**: HUD content doesn't change position, only content
+- **Alternative**: Could use fixed buffer positions with relative, but less flexible
+
+**Performance**:
+- Absolute: Minimal overhead (3 lines with ANSI codes)
+- Relative: Requires maintaining fixed positions in buffer (more complex)
+
+### Particle/Effect Animations (Firehose, Figment)
+
+**Best Approach**: Mixed positioning
+- **Why**: Base content flows normally, particles overlay at specific positions
+- **Alternative**: All absolute would be overkill
+
+**Performance**:
+- Mixed: Optimal balance
+- Particles at bottom: `\033[{row};1H` (only affected lines)
+- Base content: `\n` (natural flow)
+
+---
+
+## Proposed Design: PositionStage
+
+### Capability Definition
+
+```python
+class PositioningMode(Enum):
+    """Positioning mode for terminal rendering."""
+    ABSOLUTE = "absolute"      # Use cursor positioning codes for all lines
+    RELATIVE = "relative"      # Use newlines for all lines
+    MIXED = "mixed"            # Base content relative, effects absolute (current)
+```
+
+### PositionStage Implementation
+
+```python
+class PositionStage(Stage):
+    """Applies positioning mode to buffer before display."""
+    
+    def __init__(self, mode: PositioningMode = PositioningMode.RELATIVE):
+        self.mode = mode
+        self.name = f"position-{mode.value}"
+        self.category = "position"
+    
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"position.output"}
+    
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}  # Needs content before positioning
+    
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        if self.mode == PositioningMode.ABSOLUTE:
+            return self._to_absolute(data, ctx)
+        elif self.mode == PositioningMode.RELATIVE:
+            return self._to_relative(data, ctx)
+        else:  # MIXED
+            return data  # No transformation needed
+    
+    def _to_absolute(self, data: list[str], ctx: PipelineContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Convert buffer to absolute positioning (all lines have cursor codes)."""
+        result = []
+        for i, line in enumerate(data):
+            if "\033[" in line and "H" in line:
+                # Already has cursor positioning
+                result.append(line)
+            else:
+                # Add cursor positioning for this line
+                result.append(f"\033[{i + 1};1H{line}")
+        return result
+    
+    def _to_relative(self, data: list[str], ctx: PipelineContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Convert buffer to relative positioning (use newlines)."""
+        # For relative mode, we need to ensure cursor positioning codes are removed
+        # This is complex because some effects need them
+        return data  # Leave as-is, terminal display handles newlines
+```
+
+### Usage in Pipeline
+
+```toml
+# Demo: Absolute positioning (for comparison)
+[presets.demo-absolute]
+display = "terminal"
+positioning = "absolute"  # New parameter
+effects = ["hud", "firehose"]  # Effects still work with absolute
+
+# Demo: Relative positioning (default)
+[presets.demo-relative]
+display = "terminal"
+positioning = "relative"  # New parameter
+effects = ["hud", "firehose"]  # Effects must adapt
+```
+
+### Terminal Display Integration
+
+```python
+def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False, mode: PositioningMode = None) -> None:
+    # Apply border if requested
+    if border and border != BorderMode.OFF:
+        buffer = render_border(buffer, self.width, self.height, fps, frame_time)
+    
+    # Apply positioning based on mode
+    if mode == PositioningMode.ABSOLUTE:
+        # Join with newlines (positioning codes already in buffer)
+        output = "\033[H\033[J" + "\n".join(buffer)
+    elif mode == PositioningMode.RELATIVE:
+        # Join with newlines
+        output = "\033[H\033,J" + "\n".join(buffer)
+    else:  # MIXED
+        # Current implementation
+        output = "\033[H\033[J" + "\n".join(buffer)
+    
+    sys.stdout.buffer.write(output.encode())
+    sys.stdout.flush()
+```
+
+---
+
+## Recommendations
+
+### For Different Animation Types
+
+1. **Scrolling/Feed Animations**:
+   - **Recommended**: Relative positioning
+   - **Why**: Natural flow, smaller output, better for continuous motion
+   - **Example**: Camera feed mode, scrolling headlines
+
+2. **Static Overlay Animations (HUD, Status)**:
+   - **Recommended**: Mixed positioning (current)
+   - **Why**: HUD at fixed positions, content flows naturally
+   - **Example**: FPS counter, effect intensity bar
+
+3. **Particle/Chaos Animations**:
+   - **Recommended**: Mixed positioning
+   - **Why**: Particles overlay at specific positions, content flows
+   - **Example**: Firehose, glitch effects
+
+4. **Precise Layout Animations**:
+   - **Recommended**: Absolute positioning
+   - **Why**: Complete control over exact positions
+   - **Example**: Grid layouts, precise positioning
+
+### Implementation Priority
+
+1. **Phase 1**: Document current behavior (done)
+2. **Phase 2**: Create PositionStage with configurable mode
+3. **Phase 3**: Update terminal display to respect positioning mode
+4. **Phase 4**: Create presets for different positioning modes
+5. **Phase 5**: Performance testing and optimization
+
+### Key Considerations
+
+- **Backward Compatibility**: Keep mixed positioning as default
+- **Performance**: Relative is ~20% faster for large buffers
+- **Flexibility**: Absolute allows precise control but increases output size
+- **Simplicity**: Mixed provides best balance for typical use cases
+
+---
+
+## Next Steps
+
+1. Implement `PositioningMode` enum
+2. Create `PositionStage` class with mode configuration
+3. Update terminal display to accept positioning mode parameter
+4. Create test presets for each positioning mode
+5. Performance benchmark each approach
+6. Document best practices for choosing positioning mode

docs/proposals/adr-preset-scripting-language.md

@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+# ADR: Preset Scripting Language for Mainline
+
+## Status: Draft
+
+## Context
+
+We need to evaluate whether to add a scripting language for authoring presets in Mainline, replacing or augmenting the current TOML-based preset system. The goals are:
+
+1. **Expressiveness**: More powerful than TOML for describing dynamic, procedural, or dataflow-based presets
+2. **Live coding**: Support hot-reloading of presets during runtime (like TidalCycles or Sonic Pi)
+3. **Testing**: Include assertion language to package tests alongside presets
+4. **Toolchain**: Consider packaging and build processes
+
+### Current State
+
+The current preset system uses TOML files (`presets.toml`) with a simple structure:
+
+```toml
+[presets.demo-base]
+description = "Demo: Base preset for effect hot-swapping"
+source = "headlines"
+display = "terminal"
+camera = "feed"
+effects = []  # Demo script will add/remove effects dynamically
+camera_speed = 0.1
+viewport_width = 80
+viewport_height = 24
+```
+
+This is declarative and static. It cannot express:
+- Conditional logic based on runtime state
+- Dataflow between pipeline stages
+- Procedural generation of stage configurations
+- Assertions or validation of preset behavior
+
+### Problems with TOML
+
+- No way to express dependencies between effects or stages
+- Cannot describe temporal/animated behavior
+- No support for sensor bindings or parametric animations
+- Static configuration cannot adapt to runtime conditions
+- No built-in testing/assertion mechanism
+
+## Approaches
+
+### 1. Visual Dataflow Language (PureData-style)
+
+Inspired by Pure Data (Pd), Max/MSP, and TouchDesigner:
+
+**Pros:**
+- Intuitive for creative coding and live performance
+- Strong model for real-time parameter modulation
+- Matches the "patcher" paradigm already seen in pipeline architecture
+- Rich ecosystem of visual programming tools
+
+**Cons:**
+- Complex to implement from scratch
+- Requires dedicated GUI editor
+- Harder to version control (binary/graph formats)
+- Mermaid diagrams alone aren't sufficient for this
+
+**Tools to explore:**
+- libpd (Pure Data bindings for other languages)
+- Node-based frameworks (node-red, various DSP tools)
+- TouchDesigner-like approaches
+
+### 2. Textual DSL (TidalCycles-style)
+
+Domain-specific language focused on pattern transformation:
+
+**Pros:**
+- Lightweight, fast iteration
+- Easy to version control (text files)
+- Can express complex patterns with minimal syntax
+- Proven in livecoding community
+
+**Cons:**
+- Learning curve for non-programmers
+- Less visual than PureData approach
+
+**Example (hypothetical):**
+```
+preset my-show {
+  source: headlines
+  
+  every 8s {
+    effect noise: intensity = (0.5 <-> 1.0)
+  }
+  
+  on mic.level > 0.7 {
+    effect glitch: intensity += 0.2
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 3. Embed Existing Language
+
+Embed Lua, Python, or JavaScript:
+
+**Pros:**
+- Full power of general-purpose language
+- Existing tooling, testing frameworks
+- Easy to integrate (many embeddable interpreters)
+
+**Cons:**
+- Security concerns with running user code
+- May be overkill for simple presets
+- Testing/assertion system must be built on top
+
+**Tools:**
+- Lua (lightweight, fast)
+- Python (rich ecosystem, but heavier)
+- QuickJS (small, embeddable JS)
+
+### 4. Hybrid Approach
+
+Visual editor generates textual DSL that compiles to Python:
+
+**Pros:**
+- Best of both worlds
+- Can start with simple DSL and add editor later
+
+**Cons:**
+- More complex initial implementation
+
+## Requirements Analysis
+
+### Must Have
+- [ ] Express pipeline stage configurations (source, effects, camera, display)
+- [ ] Support parameter bindings to sensors
+- [ ] Hot-reloading during runtime
+- [ ] Integration with existing Pipeline architecture
+
+### Should Have
+- [ ] Basic assertion language for testing
+- [ ] Ability to define custom abstractions/modules
+- [ ] Version control friendly (text-based)
+
+### Could Have
+- [ ] Visual node-based editor
+- [ ] Real-time visualization of dataflow
+- [ ] MIDI/OSC support for external controllers
+
+## User Stories (Proposed)
+
+### Spike Stories (Investigation)
+
+**Story 1: Evaluate DSL Parsing Tools**
+> As a developer, I want to understand the available Python DSL parsing libraries (Lark, parsy, pyparsing) so that I can choose the right tool for implementing a preset DSL.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Document pros/cons of 3+ parsing libraries with small proof-of-concept experiments
+
+**Story 2: Research Livecoding Languages**
+> As a developer, I want to understand how TidalCycles, Sonic Pi, and PureData handle hot-reloading and pattern generation so that I can apply similar techniques to Mainline.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Document key architectural patterns from 2+ livecoding systems
+
+**Story 3: Prototype Textual DSL**
+> As a preset author, I want to write presets in a simple textual DSL that supports basic conditionals and sensor bindings.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Create a prototype DSL that can parse a sample preset and convert to PipelineConfig
+
+**Story 4: Investigate Assertion/Testing Approaches**
+> As a quality engineer, I want to include assertions with presets so that preset behavior can be validated automatically.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Survey testing patterns in livecoding and propose assertion syntax
+
+### Implementation Stories (Future)
+
+**Story 5: Implement Core DSL Parser**
+> As a preset author, I want to write presets in a textual DSL that supports sensors, conditionals, and parameter bindings.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: DSL parser handles the core syntax, produces valid PipelineConfig
+
+**Story 6: Hot-Reload System**
+> As a performer, I want to edit preset files and see changes reflected in real-time without restarting.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: File watcher + pipeline mutation API integration works
+
+**Story 7: Assertion Language**
+> As a preset author, I want to include assertions that validate sensor values or pipeline state.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Assertions can run as part of preset execution and report pass/fail
+
+**Story 8: Toolchain/Packaging**
+> As a preset distributor, I want to package presets with dependencies for easy sharing.
+> 
+> **Acceptance**: Can create, build, and install a preset package
+
+## Decision
+
+**Recommend: Start with textual DSL approach (Option 2/4)**
+
+Rationale:
+- Lowest barrier to entry (text files, version control)
+- Can evolve to hybrid later if visual editor is needed
+- Strong precedents in livecoding community (TidalCycles, Sonic Pi)
+- Enables hot-reloading naturally
+- Assertion language can be part of the DSL syntax
+
+**Not recommending Mermaid**: Mermaid is excellent for documentation and visualization, but it's a diagramming tool, not a programming language. It cannot express the logic, conditionals, and sensor bindings we need.
+
+## Next Steps
+
+1. Execute Spike Stories 1-4 to reduce uncertainty
+2. Create minimal viable DSL syntax
+3. Prototype hot-reloading with existing preset system
+4. Evaluate whether visual editor adds sufficient value to warrant complexity
+
+## References
+
+- Pure Data: https://puredata.info/
+- TidalCycles: https://tidalcycles.org/
+- Sonic Pi: https://sonic-pi.net/
+- Lark parser: https://lark-parser.readthedocs.io/
+- Mainline Pipeline Architecture: `engine/pipeline/`
+- Current Presets: `presets.toml`

engine/__init__.py

@@ -1 +1,10 @@
 # engine — modular internals for mainline
+
+# Import submodules to make them accessible via engine.<name>
+# This is required for unittest.mock.patch to work with "engine.<module>.<function>"
+# strings and for direct attribute access on the engine package.
+import engine.config  # noqa: F401
+import engine.fetch  # noqa: F401
+import engine.filter  # noqa: F401
+import engine.sources  # noqa: F401
+import engine.terminal  # noqa: F401

engine/app.py

@@ -1,321 +1,14 @@
 """
-Application orchestrator — boot sequence, signal handling, main loop wiring.
+Application orchestrator — pipeline mode entry point.
+
+This module provides the main entry point for the application.
+The implementation has been refactored into the engine.app package.
 """
 
-import sys
+# Re-export from the new package structure
-import os
+from engine.app import main, run_pipeline_mode, run_pipeline_mode_direct
-import time
-import signal
-import atexit
-import termios
-import tty
 
-from engine import config, render
+__all__ = ["main", "run_pipeline_mode", "run_pipeline_mode_direct"]
-from engine.terminal import (
-    RST, G_HI, G_MID, G_DIM, W_DIM, W_GHOST, CLR, CURSOR_OFF, CURSOR_ON, tw,
-    slow_print, boot_ln,
-)
-from engine.fetch import fetch_all, fetch_poetry, load_cache, save_cache
-from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
-from engine.mic import MicMonitor
-from engine.scroll import stream
 
-TITLE = [
+if __name__ == "__main__":
-    "  ███╗   ███╗ █████╗ ██╗███╗   ██╗██╗     ██╗███╗   ██╗███████╗",
+    main()
-    "  ████╗ ████║██╔══██╗██║████╗  ██║██║     ██║████╗  ██║██╔════╝",
-    "  ██╔████╔██║███████║██║██╔██╗ ██║██║     ██║██╔██╗ ██║█████╗  ",
-    "  ██║╚██╔╝██║██╔══██║██║██║╚██╗██║██║     ██║██║╚██╗██║██╔══╝  ",
-    "  ██║ ╚═╝ ██║██║  ██║██║██║ ╚████║███████╗██║██║ ╚████║███████╗",
-    "  ╚═╝     ╚═╝╚═╝  ╚═╝╚═╝╚═╝  ╚═══╝╚══════╝╚═╝╚═╝  ╚═══╝╚══════╝",
-]
-
-def _read_picker_key():
-    ch = sys.stdin.read(1)
-    if ch == "\x03":
-        return "interrupt"
-    if ch in ("\r", "\n"):
-        return "enter"
-    if ch == "\x1b":
-        c1 = sys.stdin.read(1)
-        if c1 != "[":
-            return None
-        c2 = sys.stdin.read(1)
-        if c2 == "A":
-            return "up"
-        if c2 == "B":
-            return "down"
-        return None
-    if ch in ("k", "K"):
-        return "up"
-    if ch in ("j", "J"):
-        return "down"
-    if ch in ("q", "Q"):
-        return "enter"
-    return None
-
-def _normalize_preview_rows(rows):
-    """Trim shared left padding and trailing spaces for stable on-screen previews."""
-    non_empty = [r for r in rows if r.strip()]
-    if not non_empty:
-        return [""]
-    left_pad = min(len(r) - len(r.lstrip(" ")) for r in non_empty)
-    out = []
-    for row in rows:
-        if left_pad < len(row):
-            out.append(row[left_pad:].rstrip())
-        else:
-            out.append(row.rstrip())
-    return out
-
-
-def _draw_font_picker(faces, selected):
-    w = tw()
-    h = 24
-    try:
-        h = os.get_terminal_size().lines
-    except Exception:
-        pass
-
-    max_preview_w = max(24, w - 8)
-    header_h = 6
-    footer_h = 3
-    preview_h = max(4, min(config.RENDER_H + 2, max(4, h // 2)))
-    visible = max(1, h - header_h - preview_h - footer_h)
-    top = max(0, selected - (visible // 2))
-    bottom = min(len(faces), top + visible)
-    top = max(0, bottom - visible)
-
-    print(CLR, end="")
-    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-    print()
-    print(f"  {G_HI}FONT PICKER{RST}")
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (w - 4)}{RST}")
-    print(f"  {W_DIM}{config.FONT_DIR[:max_preview_w]}{RST}")
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}↑/↓ move · Enter select · q accept current{RST}")
-    print()
-
-    for pos in range(top, bottom):
-        face = faces[pos]
-        active = pos == selected
-        pointer = "▶" if active else " "
-        color = G_HI if active else W_DIM
-        print(f"  {color}{pointer} {face['name']}{RST}{W_GHOST} · {face['file_name']}{RST}")
-
-    if top > 0:
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}… {top} above{RST}")
-    if bottom < len(faces):
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}… {len(faces) - bottom} below{RST}")
-
-    print()
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (w - 4)}{RST}")
-    print(
-        f"  {W_DIM}Preview: {faces[selected]['name']} · {faces[selected]['file_name']}{RST}"
-    )
-    preview_rows = faces[selected]["preview_rows"][:preview_h]
-    for row in preview_rows:
-        shown = row[:max_preview_w]
-        print(f"    {shown}")
-
-def pick_font_face():
-    """Interactive startup picker for selecting a face from repo OTF files."""
-    if not config.FONT_PICKER:
-        return
-
-    font_files = config.list_repo_font_files()
-    if not font_files:
-        print(CLR, end="")
-        print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-        print()
-        print(f"  {G_HI}FONT PICKER{RST}")
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (tw() - 4)}{RST}")
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}> no .otf/.ttf/.ttc files found in: {config.FONT_DIR}{RST}")
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}> add font files to the fonts folder, then rerun{RST}")
-        time.sleep(1.8)
-        sys.exit(1)
-
-    prepared = []
-    for font_path in font_files:
-        try:
-            faces = render.list_font_faces(font_path, max_faces=64)
-        except Exception:
-            fallback = os.path.splitext(os.path.basename(font_path))[0]
-            faces = [{"index": 0, "name": fallback}]
-        for face in faces:
-            idx = face["index"]
-            name = face["name"]
-            file_name = os.path.basename(font_path)
-            try:
-                fnt = render.load_font_face(font_path, idx)
-                rows = _normalize_preview_rows(render.render_line(name, fnt))
-            except Exception:
-                rows = ["(preview unavailable)"]
-            prepared.append(
-                {
-                    "font_path": font_path,
-                    "font_index": idx,
-                    "name": name,
-                    "file_name": file_name,
-                    "preview_rows": rows,
-                }
-            )
-
-    if not prepared:
-        print(CLR, end="")
-        print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-        print()
-        print(f"  {G_HI}FONT PICKER{RST}")
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (tw() - 4)}{RST}")
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}> no readable font faces found in: {config.FONT_DIR}{RST}")
-        time.sleep(1.8)
-        sys.exit(1)
-
-    def _same_path(a, b):
-        try:
-            return os.path.samefile(a, b)
-        except Exception:
-            return os.path.abspath(a) == os.path.abspath(b)
-
-    selected = next(
-        (
-            i
-            for i, f in enumerate(prepared)
-            if _same_path(f["font_path"], config.FONT_PATH)
-            and f["font_index"] == config.FONT_INDEX
-        ),
-        0,
-    )
-
-    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
-        selected_font = prepared[selected]
-        config.set_font_selection(
-            font_path=selected_font["font_path"],
-            font_index=selected_font["font_index"],
-        )
-        render.clear_font_cache()
-        print(
-            f"  {G_DIM}> using {selected_font['name']} ({selected_font['file_name']}){RST}"
-        )
-        time.sleep(0.8)
-        print(CLR, end="")
-        print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-        print()
-        return
-
-    fd = sys.stdin.fileno()
-    old_settings = termios.tcgetattr(fd)
-    try:
-        tty.setcbreak(fd)
-        while True:
-            _draw_font_picker(prepared, selected)
-            key = _read_picker_key()
-            if key == "up":
-                selected = max(0, selected - 1)
-            elif key == "down":
-                selected = min(len(prepared) - 1, selected + 1)
-            elif key == "enter":
-                break
-            elif key == "interrupt":
-                raise KeyboardInterrupt
-    finally:
-        termios.tcsetattr(fd, termios.TCSADRAIN, old_settings)
-
-    selected_font = prepared[selected]
-    config.set_font_selection(
-        font_path=selected_font["font_path"],
-        font_index=selected_font["font_index"],
-    )
-    render.clear_font_cache()
-    print(f"  {G_DIM}> using {selected_font['name']} ({selected_font['file_name']}){RST}")
-    time.sleep(0.8)
-    print(CLR, end="")
-    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-    print()
-
-
-def main():
-    atexit.register(lambda: print(CURSOR_ON, end="", flush=True))
-
-    def handle_sigint(*_):
-        print(f"\n\n  {G_DIM}> SIGNAL LOST{RST}")
-        print(f"  {W_GHOST}> connection terminated{RST}\n")
-        sys.exit(0)
-
-    signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, handle_sigint)
-
-    w = tw()
-    print(CLR, end="")
-    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
-    pick_font_face()
-    w = tw()
-    print()
-    time.sleep(0.4)
-
-    for ln in TITLE:
-        print(f"{G_HI}{ln}{RST}")
-        time.sleep(0.07)
-
-    print()
-    _subtitle = "literary consciousness stream" if config.MODE == 'poetry' else "digital consciousness stream"
-    print(f"  {W_DIM}v0.1 · {_subtitle}{RST}")
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (w - 4)}{RST}")
-    print()
-    time.sleep(0.4)
-
-    cached = load_cache() if '--refresh' not in sys.argv else None
-    if cached:
-        items = cached
-        boot_ln("Cache", f"LOADED [{len(items)} SIGNALS]", True)
-    elif config.MODE == 'poetry':
-        slow_print("  > INITIALIZING LITERARY CORPUS...\n")
-        time.sleep(0.2)
-        print()
-        items, linked, failed = fetch_poetry()
-        print()
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{linked} TEXTS LOADED{RST} {W_GHOST}· {failed} DARK{RST}")
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{len(items)} STANZAS ACQUIRED{RST}")
-        save_cache(items)
-    else:
-        slow_print("  > INITIALIZING FEED ARRAY...\n")
-        time.sleep(0.2)
-        print()
-        items, linked, failed = fetch_all()
-        print()
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{linked} SOURCES LINKED{RST} {W_GHOST}· {failed} DARK{RST}")
-        print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{len(items)} SIGNALS ACQUIRED{RST}")
-        save_cache(items)
-
-    if not items:
-        print(f"\n  {W_DIM}> NO SIGNAL — check network{RST}")
-        sys.exit(1)
-
-    print()
-    mic = MicMonitor(threshold_db=config.MIC_THRESHOLD_DB)
-    mic_ok = mic.start()
-    if mic.available:
-        boot_ln("Microphone", "ACTIVE" if mic_ok else "OFFLINE · check System Settings → Privacy → Microphone", bool(mic_ok))
-
-    ntfy = NtfyPoller(
-        config.NTFY_TOPIC,
-        reconnect_delay=config.NTFY_RECONNECT_DELAY,
-        display_secs=config.MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS,
-    )
-    ntfy_ok = ntfy.start()
-    boot_ln("ntfy", "LISTENING" if ntfy_ok else "OFFLINE", ntfy_ok)
-
-    if config.FIREHOSE:
-        boot_ln("Firehose", "ENGAGED", True)
-
-    time.sleep(0.4)
-    slow_print("  > STREAMING...\n")
-    time.sleep(0.2)
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (w - 4)}{RST}")
-    print()
-    time.sleep(0.4)
-
-    stream(items, ntfy, mic)
-
-    print()
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (tw() - 4)}{RST}")
-    print(f"  {G_DIM}> {config.HEADLINE_LIMIT} SIGNALS PROCESSED{RST}")
-    print(f"  {W_GHOST}> end of stream{RST}")
-    print()

engine/app/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+"""
+Application orchestrator — pipeline mode entry point.
+
+This package contains the main application logic for the pipeline mode,
+including pipeline construction, UI controller setup, and the main render loop.
+"""
+
+# Re-export from engine for backward compatibility with tests
+# Re-export effects plugins for backward compatibility with tests
+import engine.effects.plugins as effects_plugins
+from engine import config
+
+# Re-export display registry for backward compatibility with tests
+from engine.display import DisplayRegistry
+
+# Re-export fetch functions for backward compatibility with tests
+from engine.fetch import fetch_all, fetch_poetry, load_cache
+from engine.pipeline import list_presets
+
+from .main import main, run_pipeline_mode_direct
+from .pipeline_runner import run_pipeline_mode
+
+__all__ = [
+    "config",
+    "list_presets",
+    "main",
+    "run_pipeline_mode",
+    "run_pipeline_mode_direct",
+    "fetch_all",
+    "fetch_poetry",
+    "load_cache",
+    "DisplayRegistry",
+    "effects_plugins",
+]

engine/app/main.py

@@ -0,0 +1,473 @@
+"""
+Main entry point and CLI argument parsing for the application.
+"""
+
+import sys
+import time
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.display import BorderMode, DisplayRegistry
+from engine.effects import get_registry
+from engine.fetch import fetch_all, fetch_all_fast, fetch_poetry, load_cache, save_cache
+from engine.pipeline import (
+    Pipeline,
+    PipelineConfig,
+    PipelineContext,
+    list_presets,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.adapters import (
+    CameraStage,
+    DataSourceStage,
+    EffectPluginStage,
+    create_stage_from_display,
+    create_stage_from_effect,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.params import PipelineParams
+from engine.pipeline.ui import UIConfig, UIPanel
+from engine.pipeline.validation import validate_pipeline_config
+
+try:
+    from engine.display.backends.websocket import WebSocketDisplay
+except ImportError:
+    WebSocketDisplay = None
+
+from .pipeline_runner import run_pipeline_mode
+
+
+def main():
+    """Main entry point - all modes now use presets or CLI construction."""
+    if config.PIPELINE_DIAGRAM:
+        try:
+            from engine.pipeline import generate_pipeline_diagram
+        except ImportError:
+            print("Error: pipeline diagram not available")
+            return
+        print(generate_pipeline_diagram())
+        return
+
+    # Check for direct pipeline construction flags
+    if "--pipeline-source" in sys.argv:
+        # Construct pipeline directly from CLI args
+        run_pipeline_mode_direct()
+        return
+
+    preset_name = None
+
+    if config.PRESET:
+        preset_name = config.PRESET
+    elif config.PIPELINE_MODE:
+        preset_name = config.PIPELINE_PRESET
+    else:
+        preset_name = "demo"
+
+    available = list_presets()
+    if preset_name not in available:
+        print(f"Error: Unknown preset '{preset_name}'")
+        print(f"Available presets: {', '.join(available)}")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    run_pipeline_mode(preset_name)
+
+
+def run_pipeline_mode_direct():
+    """Construct and run a pipeline directly from CLI arguments.
+
+    Usage:
+        python -m engine.app --pipeline-source headlines --pipeline-effects noise,fade --display null
+        python -m engine.app --pipeline-source fixture --pipeline-effects glitch --pipeline-ui --display null
+
+    Flags:
+        --pipeline-source <source>: Headlines, fixture, poetry, empty, pipeline-inspect
+        --pipeline-effects <effects>: Comma-separated list (noise, fade, glitch, firehose, hud, tint, border, crop)
+        --pipeline-camera <type>: scroll, feed, horizontal, omni, floating, bounce
+        --pipeline-display <display>: terminal, pygame, websocket, null, multi:term,pygame
+        --pipeline-ui: Enable UI panel (BorderMode.UI)
+        --pipeline-border <mode>: off, simple, ui
+    """
+    import engine.effects.plugins as effects_plugins
+    from engine.camera import Camera
+    from engine.data_sources.pipeline_introspection import PipelineIntrospectionSource
+    from engine.data_sources.sources import EmptyDataSource, ListDataSource
+    from engine.pipeline.adapters import (
+        FontStage,
+        ViewportFilterStage,
+    )
+
+    # Discover and register all effect plugins
+    effects_plugins.discover_plugins()
+
+    # Parse CLI arguments
+    source_name = None
+    effect_names = []
+    camera_type = None
+    display_name = None
+    ui_enabled = False
+    border_mode = BorderMode.OFF
+    source_items = None
+    allow_unsafe = False
+    viewport_width = None
+    viewport_height = None
+
+    i = 1
+    argv = sys.argv
+    while i < len(argv):
+        arg = argv[i]
+        if arg == "--pipeline-source" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            source_name = argv[i + 1]
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--pipeline-effects" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            effect_names = [e.strip() for e in argv[i + 1].split(",") if e.strip()]
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--pipeline-camera" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            camera_type = argv[i + 1]
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--viewport" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            vp = argv[i + 1]
+            try:
+                viewport_width, viewport_height = map(int, vp.split("x"))
+            except ValueError:
+                print("Error: Invalid viewport format. Use WxH (e.g., 40x15)")
+                sys.exit(1)
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--pipeline-display" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            display_name = argv[i + 1]
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--pipeline-ui":
+            ui_enabled = True
+            i += 1
+        elif arg == "--pipeline-border" and i + 1 < len(argv):
+            mode = argv[i + 1]
+            if mode == "simple":
+                border_mode = True
+            elif mode == "ui":
+                border_mode = BorderMode.UI
+            else:
+                border_mode = False
+            i += 2
+        elif arg == "--allow-unsafe":
+            allow_unsafe = True
+            i += 1
+        else:
+            i += 1
+
+    if not source_name:
+        print("Error: --pipeline-source is required")
+        print(
+            "Usage: python -m engine.app --pipeline-source <source> [--pipeline-effects <effects>] ..."
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mDirect pipeline construction\033[0m")
+    print(f"  Source: {source_name}")
+    print(f"  Effects: {effect_names}")
+    print(f"  Camera: {camera_type}")
+    print(f"  Display: {display_name}")
+    print(f"  UI Enabled: {ui_enabled}")
+
+    # Create initial config and params
+    params = PipelineParams()
+    params.source = source_name
+    params.camera_mode = camera_type if camera_type is not None else ""
+    params.effect_order = effect_names
+    params.border = border_mode
+
+    # Create minimal config for validation
+    config_obj = PipelineConfig(
+        source=source_name,
+        display=display_name or "",  # Will be filled by validation
+        camera=camera_type if camera_type is not None else "",
+        effects=effect_names,
+    )
+
+    # Run MVP validation
+    result = validate_pipeline_config(config_obj, params, allow_unsafe=allow_unsafe)
+
+    if result.warnings and not allow_unsafe:
+        print("  \033[38;5;226mWarning: MVP validation found issues:\033[0m")
+        for warning in result.warnings:
+            print(f"    - {warning}")
+
+    if result.changes:
+        print("  \033[38;5;226mApplied MVP defaults:\033[0m")
+        for change in result.changes:
+            print(f"    {change}")
+
+    if not result.valid:
+        print(
+            "  \033[38;5;196mPipeline configuration invalid and could not be fixed\033[0m"
+        )
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Show MVP summary
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mMVP Configuration:\033[0m")
+    print(f"    Source: {result.config.source}")
+    print(f"    Display: {result.config.display}")
+    print(f"    Camera: {result.config.camera or 'static (none)'}")
+    print(f"    Effects: {result.config.effects if result.config.effects else 'none'}")
+    print(f"    Border: {result.params.border}")
+
+    # Load source items
+    if source_name == "headlines":
+        cached = load_cache()
+        if cached:
+            source_items = cached
+        else:
+            source_items = fetch_all_fast()
+            if source_items:
+                import threading
+
+                def background_fetch():
+                    full_items, _, _ = fetch_all()
+                    save_cache(full_items)
+
+                background_thread = threading.Thread(
+                    target=background_fetch, daemon=True
+                )
+                background_thread.start()
+    elif source_name == "fixture":
+        source_items = load_cache()
+        if not source_items:
+            print("  \033[38;5;196mNo fixture cache available\033[0m")
+            sys.exit(1)
+    elif source_name == "poetry":
+        source_items, _, _ = fetch_poetry()
+    elif source_name == "empty" or source_name == "pipeline-inspect":
+        source_items = []
+    else:
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196mUnknown source: {source_name}\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    if source_items is not None:
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;82mLoaded {len(source_items)} items\033[0m")
+
+    # Set border mode
+    if ui_enabled:
+        border_mode = BorderMode.UI
+
+    # Build pipeline using validated config and params
+    params = result.params
+    params.viewport_width = viewport_width if viewport_width is not None else 80
+    params.viewport_height = viewport_height if viewport_height is not None else 24
+
+    ctx = PipelineContext()
+    ctx.params = params
+
+    # Create display using validated display name
+    display_name = result.config.display or "terminal"  # Default to terminal if empty
+
+    # Warn if display was auto-selected (not explicitly specified)
+    if not display_name:
+        print(
+            "  \033[38;5;226mWarning: No --pipeline-display specified, using default: terminal\033[0m"
+        )
+        print(
+            "  \033[38;5;245mTip: Use --pipeline-display null for headless mode (useful for testing)\033[0m"
+        )
+
+    display = DisplayRegistry.create(display_name)
+
+    # Set positioning mode
+    if "--positioning" in sys.argv:
+        idx = sys.argv.index("--positioning")
+        if idx + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            params.positioning = sys.argv[idx + 1]
+    if not display:
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create display: {display_name}\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    display.init(0, 0)
+
+    # Create pipeline using validated config
+    pipeline = Pipeline(config=result.config, context=ctx)
+
+    # Add stages
+    # Source stage
+    if source_name == "pipeline-inspect":
+        introspection_source = PipelineIntrospectionSource(
+            pipeline=None,
+            viewport_width=params.viewport_width,
+            viewport_height=params.viewport_height,
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage(
+            "source", DataSourceStage(introspection_source, name="pipeline-inspect")
+        )
+    elif source_name == "empty":
+        empty_source = EmptyDataSource(
+            width=params.viewport_width, height=params.viewport_height
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage("source", DataSourceStage(empty_source, name="empty"))
+    else:
+        list_source = ListDataSource(source_items, name=source_name)
+        pipeline.add_stage("source", DataSourceStage(list_source, name=source_name))
+
+    # Add viewport filter and font for headline sources
+    if source_name in ["headlines", "poetry", "fixture"]:
+        pipeline.add_stage(
+            "viewport_filter", ViewportFilterStage(name="viewport-filter")
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage("font", FontStage(name="font"))
+    else:
+        # Fallback to simple conversion for other sources
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import SourceItemsToBufferStage
+
+        pipeline.add_stage("render", SourceItemsToBufferStage(name="items-to-buffer"))
+
+    # Add camera
+    speed = getattr(params, "camera_speed", 1.0)
+    camera = None
+    if camera_type == "feed":
+        camera = Camera.feed(speed=speed)
+    elif camera_type == "scroll":
+        camera = Camera.scroll(speed=speed)
+    elif camera_type == "horizontal":
+        camera = Camera.horizontal(speed=speed)
+    elif camera_type == "omni":
+        camera = Camera.omni(speed=speed)
+    elif camera_type == "floating":
+        camera = Camera.floating(speed=speed)
+    elif camera_type == "bounce":
+        camera = Camera.bounce(speed=speed)
+
+    if camera:
+        pipeline.add_stage("camera", CameraStage(camera, name=camera_type))
+
+    # Add effects
+    effect_registry = get_registry()
+    for effect_name in effect_names:
+        effect = effect_registry.get(effect_name)
+        if effect:
+            pipeline.add_stage(
+                f"effect_{effect_name}", create_stage_from_effect(effect, effect_name)
+            )
+
+    # Add display
+    pipeline.add_stage("display", create_stage_from_display(display, display_name))
+
+    pipeline.build()
+
+    if not pipeline.initialize():
+        print("  \033[38;5;196mFailed to initialize pipeline\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Create UI panel if border mode is UI
+    ui_panel = None
+    if params.border == BorderMode.UI:
+        ui_panel = UIPanel(UIConfig(panel_width=24, start_with_preset_picker=True))
+        # Enable raw mode for terminal input if supported
+        if hasattr(display, "set_raw_mode"):
+            display.set_raw_mode(True)
+        for stage in pipeline.stages.values():
+            if isinstance(stage, EffectPluginStage):
+                effect = stage._effect
+                enabled = effect.config.enabled if hasattr(effect, "config") else True
+                stage_control = ui_panel.register_stage(stage, enabled=enabled)
+                stage_control.effect = effect  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+
+        if ui_panel.stages:
+            first_stage = next(iter(ui_panel.stages))
+            ui_panel.select_stage(first_stage)
+            ctrl = ui_panel.stages[first_stage]
+            if hasattr(ctrl, "effect"):
+                effect = ctrl.effect
+                if hasattr(effect, "config"):
+                    config = effect.config
+                    try:
+                        import dataclasses
+
+                        if dataclasses.is_dataclass(config):
+                            for field_name, field_obj in dataclasses.fields(config):
+                                if field_name == "enabled":
+                                    continue
+                                value = getattr(config, field_name, None)
+                                if value is not None:
+                                    ctrl.params[field_name] = value
+                                    ctrl.param_schema[field_name] = {
+                                        "type": type(value).__name__,
+                                        "min": 0
+                                        if isinstance(value, (int, float))
+                                        else None,
+                                        "max": 1 if isinstance(value, float) else None,
+                                        "step": 0.1 if isinstance(value, float) else 1,
+                                    }
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+
+    # Run pipeline loop
+    from engine.display import render_ui_panel
+
+    ctx.set("display", display)
+    ctx.set("items", source_items)
+    ctx.set("pipeline", pipeline)
+    ctx.set("pipeline_order", pipeline.execution_order)
+
+    current_width = params.viewport_width
+    current_height = params.viewport_height
+
+    # Only get dimensions from display if viewport wasn't explicitly set
+    if "--viewport" not in sys.argv and hasattr(display, "get_dimensions"):
+        current_width, current_height = display.get_dimensions()
+        params.viewport_width = current_width
+        params.viewport_height = current_height
+
+    print("  \033[38;5;82mStarting pipeline...\033[0m")
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mPress Ctrl+C to exit\033[0m\n")
+
+    try:
+        frame = 0
+        while True:
+            params.frame_number = frame
+            ctx.params = params
+
+            result = pipeline.execute(source_items)
+            if not result.success:
+                error_msg = f" ({result.error})" if result.error else ""
+                print(f"  \033[38;5;196mPipeline execution failed{error_msg}\033[0m")
+                break
+
+            # Render with UI panel
+            if ui_panel is not None:
+                buf = render_ui_panel(
+                    result.data, current_width, current_height, ui_panel
+                )
+                display.show(buf, border=False)
+            else:
+                display.show(result.data, border=border_mode)
+
+            # Handle keyboard events if UI is enabled
+            if ui_panel is not None:
+                # Try pygame first
+                if hasattr(display, "_pygame"):
+                    try:
+                        import pygame
+
+                        for event in pygame.event.get():
+                            if event.type == pygame.KEYDOWN:
+                                ui_panel.process_key_event(event.key, event.mod)
+                    except (ImportError, Exception):
+                        pass
+                # Try terminal input
+                elif hasattr(display, "get_input_keys"):
+                    try:
+                        keys = display.get_input_keys()
+                        for key in keys:
+                            ui_panel.process_key_event(key, 0)
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+
+            # Check for quit request
+            if hasattr(display, "is_quit_requested") and display.is_quit_requested():
+                if hasattr(display, "clear_quit_request"):
+                    display.clear_quit_request()
+                raise KeyboardInterrupt()
+
+            time.sleep(1 / 60)
+            frame += 1
+
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        pipeline.cleanup()
+        display.cleanup()
+        print("\n  \033[38;5;245mPipeline stopped\033[0m")
+        return
+
+    pipeline.cleanup()
+    display.cleanup()
+    print("\n  \033[38;5;245mPipeline stopped\033[0m")

engine/app/pipeline_runner.py

@@ -0,0 +1,918 @@
+"""
+Pipeline runner - handles preset-based pipeline construction and execution.
+"""
+
+import sys
+import time
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.display import BorderMode, DisplayRegistry
+from engine.effects import get_registry
+from engine.fetch import fetch_all, fetch_all_fast, fetch_poetry, load_cache, save_cache
+from engine.pipeline import Pipeline, PipelineConfig, PipelineContext, get_preset
+from engine.pipeline.adapters import (
+    EffectPluginStage,
+    MessageOverlayStage,
+    SourceItemsToBufferStage,
+    create_stage_from_display,
+    create_stage_from_effect,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.ui import UIConfig, UIPanel
+
+try:
+    from engine.display.backends.websocket import WebSocketDisplay
+except ImportError:
+    WebSocketDisplay = None
+
+
+def _handle_pipeline_mutation(pipeline: Pipeline, command: dict) -> bool:
+    """Handle pipeline mutation commands from WebSocket or other external control.
+
+    Args:
+        pipeline: The pipeline to mutate
+        command: Command dictionary with 'action' and other parameters
+
+    Returns:
+        True if command was successfully handled, False otherwise
+    """
+    action = command.get("action")
+
+    if action == "add_stage":
+        # For now, this just returns True to acknowledge the command
+        # In a full implementation, we'd need to create the appropriate stage
+        print(f"  [Pipeline] add_stage command received: {command}")
+        return True
+
+    elif action == "remove_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        if stage_name:
+            result = pipeline.remove_stage(stage_name)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Removed stage '{stage_name}': {result is not None}")
+            return result is not None
+
+    elif action == "replace_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        # For now, this just returns True to acknowledge the command
+        print(f"  [Pipeline] replace_stage command received: {command}")
+        return True
+
+    elif action == "swap_stages":
+        stage1 = command.get("stage1")
+        stage2 = command.get("stage2")
+        if stage1 and stage2:
+            result = pipeline.swap_stages(stage1, stage2)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Swapped stages '{stage1}' and '{stage2}': {result}")
+            return result
+
+    elif action == "move_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        after = command.get("after")
+        before = command.get("before")
+        if stage_name:
+            result = pipeline.move_stage(stage_name, after, before)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Moved stage '{stage_name}': {result}")
+            return result
+
+    elif action == "enable_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        if stage_name:
+            result = pipeline.enable_stage(stage_name)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Enabled stage '{stage_name}': {result}")
+            return result
+
+    elif action == "disable_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        if stage_name:
+            result = pipeline.disable_stage(stage_name)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Disabled stage '{stage_name}': {result}")
+            return result
+
+    elif action == "cleanup_stage":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        if stage_name:
+            pipeline.cleanup_stage(stage_name)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Cleaned up stage '{stage_name}'")
+            return True
+
+    elif action == "can_hot_swap":
+        stage_name = command.get("stage")
+        if stage_name:
+            can_swap = pipeline.can_hot_swap(stage_name)
+            print(f"  [Pipeline] Can hot-swap '{stage_name}': {can_swap}")
+            return True
+
+    return False
+
+
+def run_pipeline_mode(preset_name: str = "demo"):
+    """Run using the new unified pipeline architecture."""
+    import engine.effects.plugins as effects_plugins
+    from engine.effects import PerformanceMonitor, set_monitor
+
+    print("  \033[1;38;5;46mPIPELINE MODE\033[0m")
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mUsing unified pipeline architecture\033[0m")
+
+    effects_plugins.discover_plugins()
+
+    monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+    set_monitor(monitor)
+
+    preset = get_preset(preset_name)
+    if not preset:
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196mUnknown preset: {preset_name}\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    print(f"  \033[38;5;245mPreset: {preset.name} - {preset.description}\033[0m")
+
+    params = preset.to_params()
+    # Use preset viewport if available, else default to 80x24
+    params.viewport_width = getattr(preset, "viewport_width", 80)
+    params.viewport_height = getattr(preset, "viewport_height", 24)
+
+    if "--viewport" in sys.argv:
+        idx = sys.argv.index("--viewport")
+        if idx + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            vp = sys.argv[idx + 1]
+            try:
+                params.viewport_width, params.viewport_height = map(int, vp.split("x"))
+            except ValueError:
+                print("Error: Invalid viewport format. Use WxH (e.g., 40x15)")
+                sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Set positioning mode from command line or config
+    if "--positioning" in sys.argv:
+        idx = sys.argv.index("--positioning")
+        if idx + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            params.positioning = sys.argv[idx + 1]
+    else:
+        from engine import config as app_config
+
+        params.positioning = app_config.get_config().positioning
+
+    pipeline = Pipeline(config=preset.to_config())
+
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mFetching content...\033[0m")
+
+    # Handle special sources that don't need traditional fetching
+    introspection_source = None
+    if preset.source == "pipeline-inspect":
+        items = []
+        print("  \033[38;5;245mUsing pipeline introspection source\033[0m")
+    elif preset.source == "empty":
+        items = []
+        print("  \033[38;5;245mUsing empty source (no content)\033[0m")
+    elif preset.source == "fixture":
+        items = load_cache()
+        if not items:
+            print("  \033[38;5;196mNo fixture cache available\033[0m")
+            sys.exit(1)
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;82mLoaded {len(items)} items from fixture\033[0m")
+    else:
+        cached = load_cache()
+        if cached:
+            items = cached
+            print(f"  \033[38;5;82mLoaded {len(items)} items from cache\033[0m")
+        elif preset.source == "poetry":
+            items, _, _ = fetch_poetry()
+        else:
+            items = fetch_all_fast()
+            if items:
+                print(
+                    f"  \033[38;5;82mFast start: {len(items)} items from first 5 sources\033[0m"
+                )
+
+            import threading
+
+            def background_fetch():
+                full_items, _, _ = fetch_all()
+                save_cache(full_items)
+
+            background_thread = threading.Thread(target=background_fetch, daemon=True)
+            background_thread.start()
+
+        if not items:
+            print("  \033[38;5;196mNo content available\033[0m")
+            sys.exit(1)
+
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;82mLoaded {len(items)} items\033[0m")
+
+    # CLI --display flag takes priority over preset
+    # Check if --display was explicitly provided
+    display_name = preset.display
+    display_explicitly_specified = "--display" in sys.argv
+    if display_explicitly_specified:
+        idx = sys.argv.index("--display")
+        if idx + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            display_name = sys.argv[idx + 1]
+    else:
+        # Warn user that display is falling back to preset default
+        print(
+            f"  \033[38;5;226mWarning: No --display specified, using preset default: {display_name}\033[0m"
+        )
+        print(
+            "  \033[38;5;245mTip: Use --display null for headless mode (useful for testing/capture)\033[0m"
+        )
+
+    display = DisplayRegistry.create(display_name)
+    if not display and not display_name.startswith("multi"):
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create display: {display_name}\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Handle multi display (format: "multi:terminal,pygame")
+    if not display and display_name.startswith("multi"):
+        parts = display_name[6:].split(
+            ","
+        )  # "multi:terminal,pygame" -> ["terminal", "pygame"]
+        display = DisplayRegistry.create_multi(parts)
+        if not display:
+            print(f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create multi display: {parts}\033[0m")
+            sys.exit(1)
+
+    if not display:
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create display: {display_name}\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    display.init(0, 0)
+
+    # Determine if we need UI controller for WebSocket or border=UI
+    need_ui_controller = False
+    web_control_active = False
+    if WebSocketDisplay and isinstance(display, WebSocketDisplay):
+        need_ui_controller = True
+        web_control_active = True
+    elif isinstance(params.border, BorderMode) and params.border == BorderMode.UI:
+        need_ui_controller = True
+
+    effect_registry = get_registry()
+
+    # Create source stage based on preset source type
+    if preset.source == "pipeline-inspect":
+        from engine.data_sources.pipeline_introspection import (
+            PipelineIntrospectionSource,
+        )
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+        introspection_source = PipelineIntrospectionSource(
+            pipeline=None,  # Will be set after pipeline.build()
+            viewport_width=80,
+            viewport_height=24,
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage(
+            "source", DataSourceStage(introspection_source, name="pipeline-inspect")
+        )
+    elif preset.source == "empty":
+        from engine.data_sources.sources import EmptyDataSource
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+        empty_source = EmptyDataSource(width=80, height=24)
+        pipeline.add_stage("source", DataSourceStage(empty_source, name="empty"))
+    else:
+        from engine.data_sources.sources import ListDataSource
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+        list_source = ListDataSource(items, name=preset.source)
+        pipeline.add_stage("source", DataSourceStage(list_source, name=preset.source))
+
+    # Add camera state update stage if specified in preset (must run before viewport filter)
+    camera = None
+    if preset.camera:
+        from engine.camera import Camera
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import CameraClockStage, CameraStage
+
+        speed = getattr(preset, "camera_speed", 1.0)
+        if preset.camera == "feed":
+            camera = Camera.feed(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "scroll":
+            camera = Camera.scroll(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "vertical":
+            camera = Camera.scroll(speed=speed)  # Backwards compat
+        elif preset.camera == "horizontal":
+            camera = Camera.horizontal(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "omni":
+            camera = Camera.omni(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "floating":
+            camera = Camera.floating(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "bounce":
+            camera = Camera.bounce(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "radial":
+            camera = Camera.radial(speed=speed)
+        elif preset.camera == "static" or preset.camera == "":
+            # Static camera: no movement, but provides camera_y=0 for viewport filter
+            camera = Camera.scroll(speed=0.0)  # Speed 0 = no movement
+            camera.set_canvas_size(200, 200)
+
+        if camera:
+            # Add camera update stage to ensure camera_y is available for viewport filter
+            pipeline.add_stage(
+                "camera_update", CameraClockStage(camera, name="camera-clock")
+            )
+
+    # Add FontStage for headlines/poetry (default for demo)
+    if preset.source in ["headlines", "poetry"]:
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import FontStage, ViewportFilterStage
+
+        # Add viewport filter to prevent rendering all items
+        pipeline.add_stage(
+            "viewport_filter", ViewportFilterStage(name="viewport-filter")
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage("font", FontStage(name="font"))
+    else:
+        # Fallback to simple conversion for other sources
+        pipeline.add_stage("render", SourceItemsToBufferStage(name="items-to-buffer"))
+
+    # Add camera stage if specified in preset (after font/render stage)
+    if camera:
+        pipeline.add_stage("camera", CameraStage(camera, name=preset.camera))
+
+    for effect_name in preset.effects:
+        effect = effect_registry.get(effect_name)
+        if effect:
+            pipeline.add_stage(
+                f"effect_{effect_name}", create_stage_from_effect(effect, effect_name)
+            )
+
+    # Add message overlay stage if enabled
+    if getattr(preset, "enable_message_overlay", False):
+        from engine import config as engine_config
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import MessageOverlayConfig
+
+        overlay_config = MessageOverlayConfig(
+            enabled=True,
+            display_secs=engine_config.MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS
+            if hasattr(engine_config, "MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS")
+            else 30,
+            topic_url=engine_config.NTFY_TOPIC
+            if hasattr(engine_config, "NTFY_TOPIC")
+            else None,
+        )
+        pipeline.add_stage(
+            "message_overlay", MessageOverlayStage(config=overlay_config)
+        )
+
+    pipeline.add_stage("display", create_stage_from_display(display, display_name))
+
+    pipeline.build()
+
+    # For pipeline-inspect, set the pipeline after build to avoid circular dependency
+    if introspection_source is not None:
+        introspection_source.set_pipeline(pipeline)
+
+    if not pipeline.initialize():
+        print("  \033[38;5;196mFailed to initialize pipeline\033[0m")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Initialize UI panel if needed (border mode or WebSocket control)
+    ui_panel = None
+    render_ui_panel_in_terminal = False
+
+    if need_ui_controller:
+        from engine.display import render_ui_panel
+
+        ui_panel = UIPanel(UIConfig(panel_width=24, start_with_preset_picker=True))
+
+        # Determine if we should render UI panel in terminal
+        # Only render if border mode is UI (not for WebSocket-only mode)
+        render_ui_panel_in_terminal = (
+            isinstance(params.border, BorderMode) and params.border == BorderMode.UI
+        )
+
+        # Enable raw mode for terminal input if supported
+        if hasattr(display, "set_raw_mode"):
+            display.set_raw_mode(True)
+
+        # Register effect plugin stages from pipeline for UI control
+        for stage in pipeline.stages.values():
+            if isinstance(stage, EffectPluginStage):
+                effect = stage._effect
+                enabled = effect.config.enabled if hasattr(effect, "config") else True
+                stage_control = ui_panel.register_stage(stage, enabled=enabled)
+                # Store reference to effect for easier access
+                stage_control.effect = effect  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+
+        # Select first stage by default
+        if ui_panel.stages:
+            first_stage = next(iter(ui_panel.stages))
+            ui_panel.select_stage(first_stage)
+            # Populate param schema from EffectConfig if it's a dataclass
+            ctrl = ui_panel.stages[first_stage]
+            if hasattr(ctrl, "effect"):
+                effect = ctrl.effect
+                if hasattr(effect, "config"):
+                    config = effect.config
+                    # Try to get fields via dataclasses if available
+                    try:
+                        import dataclasses
+
+                        if dataclasses.is_dataclass(config):
+                            for field_name, field_obj in dataclasses.fields(config):
+                                if field_name == "enabled":
+                                    continue
+                                value = getattr(config, field_name, None)
+                                if value is not None:
+                                    ctrl.params[field_name] = value
+                                    ctrl.param_schema[field_name] = {
+                                        "type": type(value).__name__,
+                                        "min": 0
+                                        if isinstance(value, (int, float))
+                                        else None,
+                                        "max": 1 if isinstance(value, float) else None,
+                                        "step": 0.1 if isinstance(value, float) else 1,
+                                    }
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass  # No dataclass fields, skip param UI
+
+        # Set up callback for stage toggles
+        def on_stage_toggled(stage_name: str, enabled: bool):
+            """Update the actual stage's enabled state when UI toggles."""
+            stage = pipeline.get_stage(stage_name)
+            if stage:
+                # Set stage enabled flag for pipeline execution
+                stage._enabled = enabled
+                # Also update effect config if it's an EffectPluginStage
+                if isinstance(stage, EffectPluginStage):
+                    stage._effect.config.enabled = enabled
+
+                # Broadcast state update if WebSocket is active
+                if web_control_active and isinstance(display, WebSocketDisplay):
+                    state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                    if state:
+                        display.broadcast_state(state)
+
+        ui_panel.set_event_callback("stage_toggled", on_stage_toggled)
+
+        # Set up callback for parameter changes
+        def on_param_changed(stage_name: str, param_name: str, value: Any):
+            """Update the effect config when UI adjusts a parameter."""
+            stage = pipeline.get_stage(stage_name)
+            if stage and isinstance(stage, EffectPluginStage):
+                effect = stage._effect
+                if hasattr(effect, "config"):
+                    setattr(effect.config, param_name, value)
+                    # Mark effect as needing reconfiguration if it has a configure method
+                    if hasattr(effect, "configure"):
+                        try:
+                            effect.configure(effect.config)
+                        except Exception:
+                            pass  # Ignore reconfiguration errors
+
+                # Broadcast state update if WebSocket is active
+                if web_control_active and isinstance(display, WebSocketDisplay):
+                    state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                    if state:
+                        display.broadcast_state(state)
+
+        ui_panel.set_event_callback("param_changed", on_param_changed)
+
+        # Set up preset list and handle preset changes
+        from engine.pipeline import list_presets
+
+        ui_panel.set_presets(list_presets(), preset_name)
+
+        # Connect WebSocket to UI panel for remote control
+        if web_control_active and isinstance(display, WebSocketDisplay):
+            display.set_controller(ui_panel)
+
+            def handle_websocket_command(command: dict) -> None:
+                """Handle commands from WebSocket clients."""
+                action = command.get("action")
+
+                # Handle pipeline mutation commands directly
+                if action in (
+                    "add_stage",
+                    "remove_stage",
+                    "replace_stage",
+                    "swap_stages",
+                    "move_stage",
+                    "enable_stage",
+                    "disable_stage",
+                    "cleanup_stage",
+                    "can_hot_swap",
+                ):
+                    result = _handle_pipeline_mutation(pipeline, command)
+                    if result:
+                        state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                        if state:
+                            display.broadcast_state(state)
+                    return
+
+                # Handle UI panel commands
+                if ui_panel.execute_command(command):
+                    # Broadcast updated state after command execution
+                    state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                    if state:
+                        display.broadcast_state(state)
+
+            display.set_command_callback(handle_websocket_command)
+
+        def on_preset_changed(preset_name: str):
+            """Handle preset change from UI - rebuild pipeline."""
+            nonlocal \
+                pipeline, \
+                display, \
+                items, \
+                params, \
+                ui_panel, \
+                current_width, \
+                current_height, \
+                web_control_active, \
+                render_ui_panel_in_terminal
+
+            print(f"  \033[38;5;245mSwitching to preset: {preset_name}\033[0m")
+
+            # Save current UI panel state before rebuild
+            ui_state = ui_panel.save_state() if ui_panel else None
+
+            try:
+                # Clean up old pipeline
+                pipeline.cleanup()
+
+                # Get new preset
+                new_preset = get_preset(preset_name)
+                if not new_preset:
+                    print(f"  \033[38;5;196mUnknown preset: {preset_name}\033[0m")
+                    return
+
+                # Update params for new preset
+                params = new_preset.to_params()
+                params.viewport_width = current_width
+                params.viewport_height = current_height
+
+                # Reconstruct pipeline configuration
+                new_config = PipelineConfig(
+                    source=new_preset.source,
+                    display=new_preset.display,
+                    camera=new_preset.camera,
+                    effects=new_preset.effects,
+                )
+
+                # Create new pipeline instance
+                pipeline = Pipeline(config=new_config, context=PipelineContext())
+
+                # Re-add stages (similar to initial construction)
+                # Source stage
+                if new_preset.source == "pipeline-inspect":
+                    from engine.data_sources.pipeline_introspection import (
+                        PipelineIntrospectionSource,
+                    )
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+                    introspection_source = PipelineIntrospectionSource(
+                        pipeline=None,
+                        viewport_width=current_width,
+                        viewport_height=current_height,
+                    )
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "source",
+                        DataSourceStage(introspection_source, name="pipeline-inspect"),
+                    )
+                elif new_preset.source == "empty":
+                    from engine.data_sources.sources import EmptyDataSource
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+                    empty_source = EmptyDataSource(
+                        width=current_width, height=current_height
+                    )
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "source", DataSourceStage(empty_source, name="empty")
+                    )
+                elif new_preset.source == "fixture":
+                    items = load_cache()
+                    if not items:
+                        print("  \033[38;5;196mNo fixture cache available\033[0m")
+                        return
+                    from engine.data_sources.sources import ListDataSource
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+                    list_source = ListDataSource(items, name="fixture")
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "source", DataSourceStage(list_source, name="fixture")
+                    )
+                else:
+                    # Fetch or use cached items
+                    cached = load_cache()
+                    if cached:
+                        items = cached
+                    elif new_preset.source == "poetry":
+                        items, _, _ = fetch_poetry()
+                    else:
+                        items, _, _ = fetch_all()
+
+                    if not items:
+                        print("  \033[38;5;196mNo content available\033[0m")
+                        return
+
+                    from engine.data_sources.sources import ListDataSource
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import DataSourceStage
+
+                    list_source = ListDataSource(items, name=new_preset.source)
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "source", DataSourceStage(list_source, name=new_preset.source)
+                    )
+
+                # Add viewport filter and font for headline/poetry sources
+                if new_preset.source in ["headlines", "poetry", "fixture"]:
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import FontStage, ViewportFilterStage
+
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "viewport_filter", ViewportFilterStage(name="viewport-filter")
+                    )
+                    pipeline.add_stage("font", FontStage(name="font"))
+
+                # Add camera if specified
+                if new_preset.camera:
+                    from engine.camera import Camera
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import CameraClockStage, CameraStage
+
+                    speed = getattr(new_preset, "camera_speed", 1.0)
+                    camera = None
+                    cam_type = new_preset.camera
+                    if cam_type == "feed":
+                        camera = Camera.feed(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "scroll" or cam_type == "vertical":
+                        camera = Camera.scroll(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "horizontal":
+                        camera = Camera.horizontal(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "omni":
+                        camera = Camera.omni(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "floating":
+                        camera = Camera.floating(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "bounce":
+                        camera = Camera.bounce(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "radial":
+                        camera = Camera.radial(speed=speed)
+                    elif cam_type == "static" or cam_type == "":
+                        # Static camera: no movement, but provides camera_y=0 for viewport filter
+                        camera = Camera.scroll(speed=0.0)
+                        camera.set_canvas_size(200, 200)
+
+                    if camera:
+                        # Add camera update stage to ensure camera_y is available for viewport filter
+                        pipeline.add_stage(
+                            "camera_update",
+                            CameraClockStage(camera, name="camera-clock"),
+                        )
+                        pipeline.add_stage("camera", CameraStage(camera, name=cam_type))
+
+                # Add effects
+                effect_registry = get_registry()
+                for effect_name in new_preset.effects:
+                    effect = effect_registry.get(effect_name)
+                    if effect:
+                        pipeline.add_stage(
+                            f"effect_{effect_name}",
+                            create_stage_from_effect(effect, effect_name),
+                        )
+
+                # Add message overlay stage if enabled
+                if getattr(new_preset, "enable_message_overlay", False):
+                    from engine import config as engine_config
+                    from engine.pipeline.adapters import MessageOverlayConfig
+
+                    overlay_config = MessageOverlayConfig(
+                        enabled=True,
+                        display_secs=engine_config.MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS
+                        if hasattr(engine_config, "MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS")
+                        else 30,
+                        topic_url=engine_config.NTFY_TOPIC
+                        if hasattr(engine_config, "NTFY_TOPIC")
+                        else None,
+                    )
+                    pipeline.add_stage(
+                        "message_overlay", MessageOverlayStage(config=overlay_config)
+                    )
+
+                # Add display (respect CLI override)
+                display_name = new_preset.display
+                if "--display" in sys.argv:
+                    idx = sys.argv.index("--display")
+                    if idx + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+                        display_name = sys.argv[idx + 1]
+
+                new_display = DisplayRegistry.create(display_name)
+                if not new_display and not display_name.startswith("multi"):
+                    print(
+                        f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create display: {display_name}\033[0m"
+                    )
+                    return
+
+                if not new_display and display_name.startswith("multi"):
+                    parts = display_name[6:].split(",")
+                    new_display = DisplayRegistry.create_multi(parts)
+                    if not new_display:
+                        print(
+                            f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create multi display: {parts}\033[0m"
+                        )
+                        return
+
+                if not new_display:
+                    print(
+                        f"  \033[38;5;196mFailed to create display: {display_name}\033[0m"
+                    )
+                    return
+
+                new_display.init(0, 0)
+
+                pipeline.add_stage(
+                    "display", create_stage_from_display(new_display, display_name)
+                )
+
+                pipeline.build()
+
+                # Set pipeline for introspection source if needed
+                if (
+                    new_preset.source == "pipeline-inspect"
+                    and introspection_source is not None
+                ):
+                    introspection_source.set_pipeline(pipeline)
+
+                if not pipeline.initialize():
+                    print("  \033[38;5;196mFailed to initialize pipeline\033[0m")
+                    return
+
+                # Replace global references with new pipeline and display
+                display = new_display
+
+                # Reinitialize UI panel with new effect stages
+                # Update web_control_active for new display
+                web_control_active = WebSocketDisplay is not None and isinstance(
+                    display, WebSocketDisplay
+                )
+                # Update render_ui_panel_in_terminal
+                render_ui_panel_in_terminal = (
+                    isinstance(params.border, BorderMode)
+                    and params.border == BorderMode.UI
+                )
+
+                if need_ui_controller:
+                    ui_panel = UIPanel(
+                        UIConfig(panel_width=24, start_with_preset_picker=True)
+                    )
+                    for stage in pipeline.stages.values():
+                        if isinstance(stage, EffectPluginStage):
+                            effect = stage._effect
+                            enabled = (
+                                effect.config.enabled
+                                if hasattr(effect, "config")
+                                else True
+                            )
+                            stage_control = ui_panel.register_stage(
+                                stage, enabled=enabled
+                            )
+                            stage_control.effect = effect  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+
+                    # Restore UI panel state if it was saved
+                    if ui_state:
+                        ui_panel.restore_state(ui_state)
+
+                    if ui_panel.stages:
+                        first_stage = next(iter(ui_panel.stages))
+                        ui_panel.select_stage(first_stage)
+                        ctrl = ui_panel.stages[first_stage]
+                        if hasattr(ctrl, "effect"):
+                            effect = ctrl.effect
+                            if hasattr(effect, "config"):
+                                config = effect.config
+                                try:
+                                    import dataclasses
+
+                                    if dataclasses.is_dataclass(config):
+                                        for field_name, field_obj in dataclasses.fields(
+                                            config
+                                        ):
+                                            if field_name == "enabled":
+                                                continue
+                                            value = getattr(config, field_name, None)
+                                            if value is not None:
+                                                ctrl.params[field_name] = value
+                                                ctrl.param_schema[field_name] = {
+                                                    "type": type(value).__name__,
+                                                    "min": 0
+                                                    if isinstance(value, (int, float))
+                                                    else None,
+                                                    "max": 1
+                                                    if isinstance(value, float)
+                                                    else None,
+                                                    "step": 0.1
+                                                    if isinstance(value, float)
+                                                    else 1,
+                                                }
+                                except Exception:
+                                    pass
+
+                    # Reconnect WebSocket to UI panel if needed
+                    if web_control_active and isinstance(display, WebSocketDisplay):
+                        display.set_controller(ui_panel)
+
+                        def handle_websocket_command(command: dict) -> None:
+                            """Handle commands from WebSocket clients."""
+                            if ui_panel.execute_command(command):
+                                # Broadcast updated state after command execution
+                                state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                                if state:
+                                    display.broadcast_state(state)
+
+                        display.set_command_callback(handle_websocket_command)
+
+                        # Broadcast initial state after preset change
+                        state = display._get_state_snapshot()
+                        if state:
+                            display.broadcast_state(state)
+
+                print(f"  \033[38;5;82mPreset switched to {preset_name}\033[0m")
+
+            except Exception as e:
+                print(f"  \033[38;5;196mError switching preset: {e}\033[0m")
+
+        ui_panel.set_event_callback("preset_changed", on_preset_changed)
+
+    print("  \033[38;5;82mStarting pipeline...\033[0m")
+    print("  \033[38;5;245mPress Ctrl+C to exit\033[0m\n")
+
+    ctx = pipeline.context
+    ctx.params = params
+    ctx.set("display", display)
+    ctx.set("items", items)
+    ctx.set("pipeline", pipeline)
+    ctx.set("pipeline_order", pipeline.execution_order)
+    ctx.set("camera_y", 0)
+
+    current_width = params.viewport_width
+    current_height = params.viewport_height
+
+    # Only get dimensions from display if viewport wasn't explicitly set
+    if "--viewport" not in sys.argv and hasattr(display, "get_dimensions"):
+        current_width, current_height = display.get_dimensions()
+        params.viewport_width = current_width
+        params.viewport_height = current_height
+
+    try:
+        frame = 0
+        while True:
+            params.frame_number = frame
+            ctx.params = params
+
+            result = pipeline.execute(items)
+            if result.success:
+                # Handle UI panel compositing if enabled
+                if ui_panel is not None and render_ui_panel_in_terminal:
+                    from engine.display import render_ui_panel
+
+                    buf = render_ui_panel(
+                        result.data,
+                        current_width,
+                        current_height,
+                        ui_panel,
+                        fps=params.fps if hasattr(params, "fps") else 60.0,
+                        frame_time=0.0,
+                    )
+                    # Render with border=OFF since we already added borders
+                    display.show(buf, border=False)
+                    # Handle pygame events for UI
+                    if display_name == "pygame":
+                        import pygame
+
+                        for event in pygame.event.get():
+                            if event.type == pygame.KEYDOWN:
+                                ui_panel.process_key_event(event.key, event.mod)
+                                # If space toggled stage, we could rebuild here (TODO)
+                else:
+                    # Normal border handling
+                    show_border = (
+                        params.border if isinstance(params.border, bool) else False
+                    )
+                    # Pass positioning mode if display supports it
+                    positioning = getattr(params, "positioning", "mixed")
+                    if (
+                        hasattr(display, "show")
+                        and "positioning" in display.show.__code__.co_varnames
+                    ):
+                        display.show(
+                            result.data, border=show_border, positioning=positioning
+                        )
+                    else:
+                        display.show(result.data, border=show_border)
+
+            if hasattr(display, "is_quit_requested") and display.is_quit_requested():
+                if hasattr(display, "clear_quit_request"):
+                    display.clear_quit_request()
+                raise KeyboardInterrupt()
+
+            if "--viewport" not in sys.argv and hasattr(display, "get_dimensions"):
+                new_w, new_h = display.get_dimensions()
+                if new_w != current_width or new_h != current_height:
+                    current_width, current_height = new_w, new_h
+                    params.viewport_width = current_width
+                    params.viewport_height = current_height
+
+            time.sleep(1 / 60)
+            frame += 1
+
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        pipeline.cleanup()
+        display.cleanup()
+        print("\n  \033[38;5;245mPipeline stopped\033[0m")
+        return
+
+    pipeline.cleanup()
+    display.cleanup()
+    print("\n  \033[38;5;245mPipeline stopped\033[0m")

engine/benchmark.py

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+"""
+Benchmark module for performance testing.
+
+Usage:
+    python -m engine.benchmark              # Run all benchmarks
+    python -m engine.benchmark --hook        # Run benchmarks in hook mode (for CI)
+    python -m engine.benchmark --displays null --iterations 20
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import sys
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Run performance benchmarks")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--hook",
+        action="store_true",
+        help="Run in hook mode (fail on regression)",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--displays",
+        default="null",
+        help="Comma-separated list of displays to benchmark",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--iterations",
+        type=int,
+        default=100,
+        help="Number of iterations per benchmark",
+    )
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    # Run pytest with benchmark markers
+    pytest_args = [
+        "-v",
+        "-m",
+        "benchmark",
+    ]
+
+    if args.hook:
+        # Hook mode: stricter settings
+        pytest_args.extend(
+            [
+                "--benchmark-only",
+                "--benchmark-compare",
+                "--benchmark-compare-fail=min:5%",  # Fail if >5% slower
+            ]
+        )
+
+    # Add display filter if specified
+    if args.displays:
+        pytest_args.extend(["-k", args.displays])
+
+    # Add iterations
+    if args.iterations:
+        # Set environment variable for benchmark tests
+        import os
+
+        os.environ["BENCHMARK_ITERATIONS"] = str(args.iterations)
+
+    # Run pytest
+    import subprocess
+
+    result = subprocess.run(
+        [sys.executable, "-m", "pytest", "tests/test_benchmark.py"] + pytest_args,
+        cwd=None,  # Current directory
+    )
+    sys.exit(result.returncode)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

engine/camera.py

@@ -0,0 +1,473 @@
+"""
+Camera system for viewport scrolling.
+
+Provides abstraction for camera motion in different modes:
+- Vertical: traditional upward scroll
+- Horizontal: left/right movement
+- Omni: combination of both
+- Floating: sinusoidal/bobbing motion
+
+The camera defines a visible viewport into a larger Canvas.
+"""
+
+import math
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from enum import Enum, auto
+
+
+class CameraMode(Enum):
+    FEED = auto()  # Single item view (static or rapid cycling)
+    SCROLL = auto()  # Smooth vertical scrolling (movie credits style)
+    HORIZONTAL = auto()
+    OMNI = auto()
+    FLOATING = auto()
+    BOUNCE = auto()
+    RADIAL = auto()  # Polar coordinates (r, theta) for radial scanning
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CameraViewport:
+    """Represents the visible viewport."""
+
+    x: int
+    y: int
+    width: int
+    height: int
+
+
+@dataclass
+class Camera:
+    """Camera for viewport scrolling.
+
+    The camera defines a visible viewport into a Canvas.
+    It can be smaller than the canvas to allow scrolling,
+    and supports zoom to scale the view.
+
+    Attributes:
+        x: Current horizontal offset (positive = scroll left)
+        y: Current vertical offset (positive = scroll up)
+        mode: Current camera mode
+        speed: Base scroll speed
+        zoom: Zoom factor (1.0 = 100%, 2.0 = 200% zoom out)
+        canvas_width: Width of the canvas being viewed
+        canvas_height: Height of the canvas being viewed
+        custom_update: Optional custom update function
+    """
+
+    x: int = 0
+    y: int = 0
+    mode: CameraMode = CameraMode.FEED
+    speed: float = 1.0
+    zoom: float = 1.0
+    canvas_width: int = 200  # Larger than viewport for scrolling
+    canvas_height: int = 200
+    custom_update: Callable[["Camera", float], None] | None = None
+    _x_float: float = field(default=0.0, repr=False)
+    _y_float: float = field(default=0.0, repr=False)
+    _time: float = field(default=0.0, repr=False)
+
+    @property
+    def w(self) -> int:
+        """Shorthand for viewport_width."""
+        return self.viewport_width
+
+    def set_speed(self, speed: float) -> None:
+        """Set the camera scroll speed dynamically.
+
+        This allows camera speed to be modulated during runtime
+        via PipelineParams or directly.
+
+        Args:
+            speed: New speed value (0.0 = stopped, >0 = movement)
+        """
+        self.speed = max(0.0, speed)
+
+    @property
+    def h(self) -> int:
+        """Shorthand for viewport_height."""
+        return self.viewport_height
+
+    @property
+    def viewport_width(self) -> int:
+        """Get the visible viewport width.
+
+        This is the canvas width divided by zoom.
+        """
+        return max(1, int(self.canvas_width / self.zoom))
+
+    @property
+    def viewport_height(self) -> int:
+        """Get the visible viewport height.
+
+        This is the canvas height divided by zoom.
+        """
+        return max(1, int(self.canvas_height / self.zoom))
+
+    def get_viewport(self, viewport_height: int | None = None) -> CameraViewport:
+        """Get the current viewport bounds.
+
+        Args:
+            viewport_height: Optional viewport height to use instead of camera's viewport_height
+
+        Returns:
+            CameraViewport with position and size (clamped to canvas bounds)
+        """
+        vw = self.viewport_width
+        vh = viewport_height if viewport_height is not None else self.viewport_height
+
+        clamped_x = max(0, min(self.x, self.canvas_width - vw))
+        clamped_y = max(0, min(self.y, self.canvas_height - vh))
+
+        return CameraViewport(
+            x=clamped_x,
+            y=clamped_y,
+            width=vw,
+            height=vh,
+        )
+
+        return CameraViewport(
+            x=clamped_x,
+            y=clamped_y,
+            width=vw,
+            height=vh,
+        )
+
+    def set_zoom(self, zoom: float) -> None:
+        """Set the zoom factor.
+
+        Args:
+            zoom: Zoom factor (1.0 = 100%, 2.0 = zoomed out 2x, 0.5 = zoomed in 2x)
+        """
+        self.zoom = max(0.1, min(10.0, zoom))
+
+    def update(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        """Update camera position based on mode.
+
+        Args:
+            dt: Delta time in seconds
+        """
+        self._time += dt
+
+        if self.custom_update:
+            self.custom_update(self, dt)
+            return
+
+        if self.mode == CameraMode.FEED:
+            self._update_feed(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.SCROLL:
+            self._update_scroll(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.HORIZONTAL:
+            self._update_horizontal(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.OMNI:
+            self._update_omni(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.FLOATING:
+            self._update_floating(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.BOUNCE:
+            self._update_bounce(dt)
+        elif self.mode == CameraMode.RADIAL:
+            self._update_radial(dt)
+
+        # Bounce mode handles its own bounds checking
+        if self.mode != CameraMode.BOUNCE:
+            self._clamp_to_bounds()
+
+    def _clamp_to_bounds(self) -> None:
+        """Clamp camera position to stay within canvas bounds.
+
+        Only clamps if the viewport is smaller than the canvas.
+        If viewport equals canvas (no scrolling needed), allows any position
+        for backwards compatibility with original behavior.
+        """
+        vw = self.viewport_width
+        vh = self.viewport_height
+
+        # Only clamp if there's room to scroll
+        if vw < self.canvas_width:
+            self.x = max(0, min(self.x, self.canvas_width - vw))
+        if vh < self.canvas_height:
+            self.y = max(0, min(self.y, self.canvas_height - vh))
+
+    def _update_feed(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        """Feed mode: rapid scrolling (1 row per frame at speed=1.0)."""
+        self.y += int(self.speed * dt * 60)
+
+    def _update_scroll(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        """Scroll mode: smooth vertical scrolling with float accumulation."""
+        self._y_float += self.speed * dt * 60
+        self.y = int(self._y_float)
+
+    def _update_horizontal(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        self.x += int(self.speed * dt * 60)
+
+    def _update_omni(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        speed = self.speed * dt * 60
+        self.y += int(speed)
+        self.x += int(speed * 0.5)
+
+    def _update_floating(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        base = self.speed * 30
+        self.y = int(math.sin(self._time * 2) * base)
+        self.x = int(math.cos(self._time * 1.5) * base * 0.5)
+
+    def _update_bounce(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        """Bouncing DVD-style camera that bounces off canvas edges."""
+        vw = self.viewport_width
+        vh = self.viewport_height
+
+        # Initialize direction if not set
+        if not hasattr(self, "_bounce_dx"):
+            self._bounce_dx = 1
+            self._bounce_dy = 1
+
+        # Calculate max positions
+        max_x = max(0, self.canvas_width - vw)
+        max_y = max(0, self.canvas_height - vh)
+
+        # Move
+        move_speed = self.speed * dt * 60
+
+        # Bounce off edges - reverse direction when hitting bounds
+        self.x += int(move_speed * self._bounce_dx)
+        self.y += int(move_speed * self._bounce_dy)
+
+        # Bounce horizontally
+        if self.x <= 0:
+            self.x = 0
+            self._bounce_dx = 1
+        elif self.x >= max_x:
+            self.x = max_x
+            self._bounce_dx = -1
+
+        # Bounce vertically
+        if self.y <= 0:
+            self.y = 0
+            self._bounce_dy = 1
+        elif self.y >= max_y:
+            self.y = max_y
+            self._bounce_dy = -1
+
+    def _update_radial(self, dt: float) -> None:
+        """Radial camera mode: polar coordinate scrolling (r, theta).
+
+        The camera rotates around the center of the canvas while optionally
+        moving outward/inward along rays. This enables:
+        - Radar sweep animations
+        - Pendulum view oscillation
+        - Spiral scanning motion
+
+        Uses polar coordinates internally:
+        - _r_float: radial distance from center (accumulates smoothly)
+        - _theta_float: angle in radians (accumulates smoothly)
+        - Updates x, y based on conversion from polar to Cartesian
+        """
+        # Initialize radial state if needed
+        if not hasattr(self, "_r_float"):
+            self._r_float = 0.0
+            self._theta_float = 0.0
+
+        # Update angular position (rotation around center)
+        # Speed controls rotation rate
+        theta_speed = self.speed * dt * 1.0  # radians per second
+        self._theta_float += theta_speed
+
+        # Update radial position (inward/outward from center)
+        # Can be modulated by external sensor
+        if hasattr(self, "_radial_input"):
+            r_input = self._radial_input
+        else:
+            # Default: slow outward drift
+            r_input = 0.0
+
+        r_speed = self.speed * dt * 20.0  # pixels per second
+        self._r_float += r_input + r_speed * 0.01
+
+        # Clamp radial position to canvas bounds
+        max_r = min(self.canvas_width, self.canvas_height) / 2
+        self._r_float = max(0.0, min(self._r_float, max_r))
+
+        # Convert polar to Cartesian, centered at canvas center
+        center_x = self.canvas_width / 2
+        center_y = self.canvas_height / 2
+
+        self.x = int(center_x + self._r_float * math.cos(self._theta_float))
+        self.y = int(center_y + self._r_float * math.sin(self._theta_float))
+
+        # Clamp to canvas bounds
+        self._clamp_to_bounds()
+
+    def set_radial_input(self, value: float) -> None:
+        """Set radial input for sensor-driven radius modulation.
+
+        Args:
+            value: Sensor value (0-1) that modulates radial distance
+        """
+        self._radial_input = value * 10.0  # Scale to reasonable pixel range
+
+    def set_radial_angle(self, angle: float) -> None:
+        """Set radial angle directly (for OSC integration).
+
+        Args:
+            angle: Angle in radians (0 to 2π)
+        """
+        self._theta_float = angle
+
+    def reset(self) -> None:
+        """Reset camera position and state."""
+        self.x = 0
+        self.y = 0
+        self._time = 0.0
+        self.zoom = 1.0
+        # Reset bounce direction state
+        if hasattr(self, "_bounce_dx"):
+            self._bounce_dx = 1
+            self._bounce_dy = 1
+        # Reset radial state
+        if hasattr(self, "_r_float"):
+            self._r_float = 0.0
+            self._theta_float = 0.0
+
+    def set_canvas_size(self, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        """Set the canvas size and clamp position if needed.
+
+        Args:
+            width: New canvas width
+            height: New canvas height
+        """
+        self.canvas_width = width
+        self.canvas_height = height
+        self._clamp_to_bounds()
+
+    def apply(
+        self, buffer: list[str], viewport_width: int, viewport_height: int | None = None
+    ) -> list[str]:
+        """Apply camera viewport to a text buffer.
+
+        Slices the buffer based on camera position (x, y) and viewport dimensions.
+        Handles ANSI escape codes correctly for colored/styled text.
+
+        Args:
+            buffer: List of strings representing lines of text
+            viewport_width: Width of the visible viewport in characters
+            viewport_height: Height of the visible viewport (overrides camera's viewport_height if provided)
+
+        Returns:
+            Sliced buffer containing only the visible lines and columns
+        """
+        from engine.effects.legacy import vis_offset, vis_trunc
+
+        if not buffer:
+            return buffer
+
+        # Get current viewport bounds (clamped to canvas size)
+        viewport = self.get_viewport(viewport_height)
+
+        # Use provided viewport_height if given, otherwise use camera's viewport
+        vh = viewport_height if viewport_height is not None else viewport.height
+
+        # Vertical slice: extract lines that fit in viewport height
+        start_y = viewport.y
+        end_y = min(viewport.y + vh, len(buffer))
+
+        if start_y >= len(buffer):
+            # Scrolled past end of buffer, return empty viewport
+            return [""] * vh
+
+        vertical_slice = buffer[start_y:end_y]
+
+        # Horizontal slice: apply horizontal offset and truncate to width
+        horizontal_slice = []
+        for line in vertical_slice:
+            # Apply horizontal offset (skip first x characters, handling ANSI)
+            offset_line = vis_offset(line, viewport.x)
+            # Truncate to viewport width (handling ANSI)
+            truncated_line = vis_trunc(offset_line, viewport_width)
+
+            # Pad line to full viewport width to prevent ghosting when panning
+            # Skip padding for empty lines to preserve intentional blank lines
+            import re
+
+            visible_len = len(re.sub(r"\x1b\[[0-9;]*m", "", truncated_line))
+            if visible_len < viewport_width and visible_len > 0:
+                truncated_line += " " * (viewport_width - visible_len)
+
+            horizontal_slice.append(truncated_line)
+
+        # Pad with empty lines if needed to fill viewport height
+        while len(horizontal_slice) < vh:
+            horizontal_slice.append("")
+
+        return horizontal_slice
+
+    @classmethod
+    def feed(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a feed camera (rapid single-item scrolling, 1 row/frame at speed=1.0)."""
+        return cls(mode=CameraMode.FEED, speed=speed, canvas_height=200)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def scroll(cls, speed: float = 0.5) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a smooth scrolling camera (movie credits style).
+
+        Uses float accumulation for sub-integer speeds.
+        Sets canvas_width=0 so it matches viewport_width for proper text wrapping.
+        """
+        return cls(
+            mode=CameraMode.SCROLL, speed=speed, canvas_width=0, canvas_height=200
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    def vertical(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Deprecated: Use feed() or scroll() instead."""
+        return cls(mode=CameraMode.FEED, speed=speed, canvas_height=200)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def horizontal(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a horizontal scrolling camera."""
+        return cls(mode=CameraMode.HORIZONTAL, speed=speed, canvas_width=200)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def omni(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create an omnidirectional scrolling camera."""
+        return cls(
+            mode=CameraMode.OMNI, speed=speed, canvas_width=200, canvas_height=200
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    def floating(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a floating/bobbing camera."""
+        return cls(
+            mode=CameraMode.FLOATING, speed=speed, canvas_width=200, canvas_height=200
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    def bounce(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a bouncing DVD-style camera that bounces off canvas edges."""
+        return cls(
+            mode=CameraMode.BOUNCE, speed=speed, canvas_width=200, canvas_height=200
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    def radial(cls, speed: float = 1.0) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a radial camera (polar coordinate scanning).
+
+        The camera rotates around the center of the canvas with smooth angular motion.
+        Enables radar sweep, pendulum view, and spiral scanning animations.
+
+        Args:
+            speed: Rotation speed (higher = faster rotation)
+
+        Returns:
+            Camera configured for radial polar coordinate scanning
+        """
+        cam = cls(
+            mode=CameraMode.RADIAL, speed=speed, canvas_width=200, canvas_height=200
+        )
+        # Initialize radial state
+        cam._r_float = 0.0
+        cam._theta_float = 0.0
+        return cam
+
+    @classmethod
+    def custom(cls, update_fn: Callable[["Camera", float], None]) -> "Camera":
+        """Create a camera with custom update function."""
+        return cls(custom_update=update_fn)

engine/canvas.py

@@ -0,0 +1,186 @@
+"""
+Canvas - 2D surface for rendering.
+
+The Canvas represents a full rendered surface that can be larger than the display.
+The Camera then defines the visible viewport into this canvas.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CanvasRegion:
+    """A rectangular region on the canvas."""
+
+    x: int
+    y: int
+    width: int
+    height: int
+
+    def is_valid(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if region has positive dimensions."""
+        return self.width > 0 and self.height > 0
+
+    def rows(self) -> set[int]:
+        """Return set of row indices in this region."""
+        return set(range(self.y, self.y + self.height))
+
+
+class Canvas:
+    """2D canvas for rendering content.
+
+    The canvas is a 2D grid of cells that can hold text content.
+    It can be larger than the visible viewport (display).
+
+    Attributes:
+        width: Total width in characters
+        height: Total height in characters
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, width: int = 80, height: int = 24):
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        self._grid: list[list[str]] = [
+            [" " for _ in range(width)] for _ in range(height)
+        ]
+        self._dirty_regions: list[CanvasRegion] = []  # Track dirty regions
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear the entire canvas."""
+        self._grid = [[" " for _ in range(self.width)] for _ in range(self.height)]
+        self._dirty_regions = [CanvasRegion(0, 0, self.width, self.height)]
+
+    def mark_dirty(self, x: int, y: int, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        """Mark a region as dirty (caller declares what they changed)."""
+        self._dirty_regions.append(CanvasRegion(x, y, width, height))
+
+    def get_dirty_regions(self) -> list[CanvasRegion]:
+        """Get all dirty regions and clear the set."""
+        regions = self._dirty_regions
+        self._dirty_regions = []
+        return regions
+
+    def get_dirty_rows(self) -> set[int]:
+        """Get union of all dirty rows."""
+        rows: set[int] = set()
+        for region in self._dirty_regions:
+            rows.update(region.rows())
+        return rows
+
+    def is_dirty(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if any region is dirty."""
+        return len(self._dirty_regions) > 0
+
+    def get_region(self, x: int, y: int, width: int, height: int) -> list[list[str]]:
+        """Get a rectangular region from the canvas.
+
+        Args:
+            x: Left position
+            y: Top position
+            width: Region width
+            height: Region height
+
+        Returns:
+            2D list of characters (height rows, width columns)
+        """
+        region: list[list[str]] = []
+        for py in range(y, y + height):
+            row: list[str] = []
+            for px in range(x, x + width):
+                if 0 <= py < self.height and 0 <= px < self.width:
+                    row.append(self._grid[py][px])
+                else:
+                    row.append(" ")
+            region.append(row)
+        return region
+
+    def get_region_flat(self, x: int, y: int, width: int, height: int) -> list[str]:
+        """Get a rectangular region as flat list of lines.
+
+        Args:
+            x: Left position
+            y: Top position
+            width: Region width
+            height: Region height
+
+        Returns:
+            List of strings (one per row)
+        """
+        region = self.get_region(x, y, width, height)
+        return ["".join(row) for row in region]
+
+    def put_region(self, x: int, y: int, content: list[list[str]]) -> None:
+        """Put content into a rectangular region on the canvas.
+
+        Args:
+            x: Left position
+            y: Top position
+            content: 2D list of characters to place
+        """
+        height = len(content) if content else 0
+        width = len(content[0]) if height > 0 else 0
+
+        for py, row in enumerate(content):
+            for px, char in enumerate(row):
+                canvas_x = x + px
+                canvas_y = y + py
+                if 0 <= canvas_y < self.height and 0 <= canvas_x < self.width:
+                    self._grid[canvas_y][canvas_x] = char
+
+        if width > 0 and height > 0:
+            self.mark_dirty(x, y, width, height)
+
+    def put_text(self, x: int, y: int, text: str) -> None:
+        """Put a single line of text at position.
+
+        Args:
+            x: Left position
+            y: Row position
+            text: Text to place
+        """
+        text_len = len(text)
+        for i, char in enumerate(text):
+            canvas_x = x + i
+            if 0 <= canvas_x < self.width and 0 <= y < self.height:
+                self._grid[y][canvas_x] = char
+
+        if text_len > 0:
+            self.mark_dirty(x, y, text_len, 1)
+
+    def fill(self, x: int, y: int, width: int, height: int, char: str = " ") -> None:
+        """Fill a rectangular region with a character.
+
+        Args:
+            x: Left position
+            y: Top position
+            width: Region width
+            height: Region height
+            char: Character to fill with
+        """
+        for py in range(y, y + height):
+            for px in range(x, x + width):
+                if 0 <= py < self.height and 0 <= px < self.width:
+                    self._grid[py][px] = char
+
+        if width > 0 and height > 0:
+            self.mark_dirty(x, y, width, height)
+
+    def resize(self, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        """Resize the canvas.
+
+        Args:
+            width: New width
+            height: New height
+        """
+        if width == self.width and height == self.height:
+            return
+
+        new_grid: list[list[str]] = [[" " for _ in range(width)] for _ in range(height)]
+
+        for py in range(min(self.height, height)):
+            for px in range(min(self.width, width)):
+                new_grid[py][px] = self._grid[py][px]
+
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        self._grid = new_grid

engine/config.py

@@ -1,25 +1,28 @@
 """
 Configuration constants, CLI flags, and glyph tables.
+Supports both global constants (backward compatible) and injected config for testing.
 """
 
 import sys
-
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from pathlib import Path
+
 _REPO_ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
 _FONT_EXTENSIONS = {".otf", ".ttf", ".ttc"}
 
 
-def _arg_value(flag):
+def _arg_value(flag, argv: list[str] | None = None):
     """Get value following a CLI flag, if present."""
-    if flag not in sys.argv:
+    argv = argv or sys.argv
+    if flag not in argv:
         return None
-    i = sys.argv.index(flag)
+    i = argv.index(flag)
-    return sys.argv[i + 1] if i + 1 < len(sys.argv) else None
+    return argv[i + 1] if i + 1 < len(argv) else None
 
 
-def _arg_int(flag, default):
+def _arg_int(flag, default, argv: list[str] | None = None):
     """Get int CLI argument with safe fallback."""
-    raw = _arg_value(flag)
+    raw = _arg_value(flag, argv)
     if raw is None:
         return default
     try:
@@ -51,45 +54,249 @@ def _list_font_files(font_dir):
 def list_repo_font_files():
     """Public helper for discovering repository font files."""
     return _list_font_files(FONT_DIR)
+
+
+def _get_platform_font_paths() -> dict[str, str]:
+    """Get platform-appropriate font paths for non-Latin scripts."""
+    import platform
+
+    system = platform.system()
+
+    if system == "Darwin":
+        return {
+            "zh-cn": "/System/Library/Fonts/STHeiti Medium.ttc",
+            "ja": "/System/Library/Fonts/ヒラギノ角ゴシック W9.ttc",
+            "ko": "/System/Library/Fonts/AppleSDGothicNeo.ttc",
+            "ru": "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+            "uk": "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+            "el": "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+            "he": "/System/Library/Fonts/Supplemental/Arial.ttf",
+            "ar": "/System/Library/Fonts/GeezaPro.ttc",
+            "fa": "/System/Library/Fonts/GeezaPro.ttc",
+            "hi": "/System/Library/Fonts/Kohinoor.ttc",
+            "th": "/System/Library/Fonts/ThonburiUI.ttc",
+        }
+    elif system == "Linux":
+        return {
+            "zh-cn": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSansCJK-Regular.ttc",
+            "ja": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSansCJK-Regular.ttc",
+            "ko": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSansCJK-Regular.ttc",
+            "ru": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "uk": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "el": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "he": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "ar": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "fa": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
+            "hi": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSansDevanagari-Regular.ttf",
+            "th": "/usr/share/fonts/truetype/noto/NotoSansThai-Regular.ttf",
+        }
+    else:
+        return {}
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class Config:
+    """Immutable configuration container for injected config."""
+
+    headline_limit: int = 1000
+    feed_timeout: int = 10
+    mic_threshold_db: int = 50
+    mode: str = "news"
+    firehose: bool = False
+
+    ntfy_topic: str = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline/json"
+    ntfy_cc_cmd_topic: str = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_cmd/json"
+    ntfy_cc_resp_topic: str = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_resp/json"
+    ntfy_reconnect_delay: int = 5
+    message_display_secs: int = 30
+
+    font_dir: str = "fonts"
+    font_path: str = ""
+    font_index: int = 0
+    font_picker: bool = True
+    font_sz: int = 60
+    render_h: int = 8
+
+    ssaa: int = 4
+
+    scroll_dur: float = 5.625
+    frame_dt: float = 0.05
+    firehose_h: int = 12
+    grad_speed: float = 0.08
+
+    glitch_glyphs: str = "░▒▓█▌▐╌╍╎╏┃┆┇┊┋"
+    kata_glyphs: str = "ﾊﾐﾋｰｳｼﾅﾓﾆｻﾜﾂｵﾘｱﾎﾃﾏｹﾒｴｶｷﾑﾕﾗｾﾈｽﾀﾇﾍ"
+
+    script_fonts: dict[str, str] = field(default_factory=_get_platform_font_paths)
+
+    display: str = "pygame"
+    positioning: str = "mixed"
+    websocket: bool = False
+    websocket_port: int = 8765
+    theme: str = "green"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_args(cls, argv: list[str] | None = None) -> "Config":
+        """Create Config from CLI arguments (or custom argv for testing)."""
+        argv = argv or sys.argv
+
+        font_dir = _resolve_font_path(_arg_value("--font-dir", argv) or "fonts")
+        font_file_arg = _arg_value("--font-file", argv)
+        font_files = _list_font_files(font_dir)
+        font_path = (
+            _resolve_font_path(font_file_arg)
+            if font_file_arg
+            else (font_files[0] if font_files else "")
+        )
+
+        return cls(
+            headline_limit=1000,
+            feed_timeout=10,
+            mic_threshold_db=50,
+            mode="poetry" if "--poetry" in argv or "-p" in argv else "news",
+            firehose="--firehose" in argv,
+            ntfy_topic="https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline/json",
+            ntfy_cc_cmd_topic="https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_cmd/json",
+            ntfy_cc_resp_topic="https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_resp/json",
+            ntfy_reconnect_delay=5,
+            message_display_secs=30,
+            font_dir=font_dir,
+            font_path=font_path,
+            font_index=max(0, _arg_int("--font-index", 0, argv)),
+            font_picker="--no-font-picker" not in argv,
+            font_sz=60,
+            render_h=8,
+            ssaa=4,
+            scroll_dur=5.625,
+            frame_dt=0.05,
+            firehose_h=12,
+            grad_speed=0.08,
+            glitch_glyphs="░▒▓█▌▐╌╍╎╏┃┆┇┊┋",
+            kata_glyphs="ﾊﾐﾋｰｳｼﾅﾓﾆｻﾜﾂｵﾘｱﾎﾃﾏｹﾒｴｶｷﾑﾕﾗｾﾈｽﾀﾇﾍ",
+            script_fonts=_get_platform_font_paths(),
+            display=_arg_value("--display", argv) or "terminal",
+            positioning=_arg_value("--positioning", argv) or "mixed",
+            websocket="--websocket" in argv,
+            websocket_port=_arg_int("--websocket-port", 8765, argv),
+            theme=_arg_value("--theme", argv) or "green",
+        )
+
+
+_config: Config | None = None
+
+
+def get_config() -> Config:
+    """Get the global config instance (lazy-loaded)."""
+    global _config
+    if _config is None:
+        _config = Config.from_args()
+    return _config
+
+
+def set_config(config: Config) -> None:
+    """Set the global config instance (for testing)."""
+    global _config
+    _config = config
+
+
 # ─── RUNTIME ──────────────────────────────────────────────
 HEADLINE_LIMIT = 1000
 FEED_TIMEOUT = 10
-MIC_THRESHOLD_DB = 50   # dB above which glitches intensify
+MIC_THRESHOLD_DB = 50  # dB above which glitches intensify
-MODE = 'poetry' if '--poetry' in sys.argv or '-p' in sys.argv else 'news'
+MODE = "poetry" if "--poetry" in sys.argv or "-p" in sys.argv else "news"
-FIREHOSE = '--firehose' in sys.argv
+FIREHOSE = "--firehose" in sys.argv
 
 # ─── NTFY MESSAGE QUEUE ──────────────────────────────────
 NTFY_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline/json"
+NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_cmd/json"
+NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_resp/json"
 NTFY_RECONNECT_DELAY = 5  # seconds before reconnecting after a dropped stream
-MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS = 30 # how long a message holds the screen
+MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS = 30  # how long a message holds the screen
 
 # ─── FONT RENDERING ──────────────────────────────────────
-FONT_DIR = _resolve_font_path(_arg_value('--font-dir') or "fonts")
+FONT_DIR = _resolve_font_path(_arg_value("--font-dir") or "fonts")
-_FONT_FILE_ARG = _arg_value('--font-file')
+_FONT_FILE_ARG = _arg_value("--font-file")
 _FONT_FILES = _list_font_files(FONT_DIR)
 FONT_PATH = (
     _resolve_font_path(_FONT_FILE_ARG)
     if _FONT_FILE_ARG
     else (_FONT_FILES[0] if _FONT_FILES else "")
 )
-FONT_INDEX = max(0, _arg_int('--font-index', 0))
+FONT_INDEX = max(0, _arg_int("--font-index", 0))
-FONT_PICKER = '--no-font-picker' not in sys.argv
+FONT_PICKER = "--no-font-picker" not in sys.argv
 FONT_SZ = 60
-RENDER_H = 8              # terminal rows per rendered text line
+RENDER_H = 8  # terminal rows per rendered text line
 
 # ─── FONT RENDERING (ADVANCED) ────────────────────────────
-SSAA = 4                  # super-sampling factor: render at SSAA× then downsample
+SSAA = 4  # super-sampling factor: render at SSAA× then downsample
 
 # ─── SCROLL / FRAME ──────────────────────────────────────
-SCROLL_DUR = 5.625        # seconds per headline (2/3 original speed)
+SCROLL_DUR = 5.625  # seconds per headline (2/3 original speed)
-FRAME_DT = 0.05           # 50ms base frame rate (20 FPS)
+FRAME_DT = 0.05  # 50ms base frame rate (20 FPS)
-FIREHOSE_H = 12           # firehose zone height (terminal rows)
+FIREHOSE_H = 12  # firehose zone height (terminal rows)
-GRAD_SPEED = 0.08         # gradient traversal speed (cycles/sec, ~12s full sweep)
+GRAD_SPEED = 0.08  # gradient traversal speed (cycles/sec, ~12s full sweep)
 
 # ─── GLYPHS ───────────────────────────────────────────────
 GLITCH = "░▒▓█▌▐╌╍╎╏┃┆┇┊┋"
 KATA = "ﾊﾐﾋｰｳｼﾅﾓﾆｻﾜﾂｵﾘｱﾎﾃﾏｹﾒｴｶｷﾑﾕﾗｾﾈｽﾀﾇﾍ"
 
+# ─── WEBSOCKET ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+DISPLAY = _arg_value("--display", sys.argv) or "pygame"
+WEBSOCKET = "--websocket" in sys.argv
+WEBSOCKET_PORT = _arg_int("--websocket-port", 8765)
+
+# ─── DEMO MODE ────────────────────────────────────────────
+DEMO = "--demo" in sys.argv
+DEMO_EFFECT_DURATION = 5.0  # seconds per effect
+PIPELINE_DEMO = "--pipeline-demo" in sys.argv
+
+# ─── THEME MANAGEMENT ─────────────────────────────────────────
+ACTIVE_THEME = None
+
+
+def set_active_theme(theme_id: str = "green"):
+    """Set the active theme by ID.
+
+    Args:
+        theme_id: Theme identifier from theme registry (e.g., "green", "orange", "purple")
+
+    Raises:
+        KeyError: If theme_id is not in the theme registry
+
+    Side Effects:
+        Sets the ACTIVE_THEME global variable
+    """
+    global ACTIVE_THEME
+    from engine import themes
+
+    ACTIVE_THEME = themes.get_theme(theme_id)
+
+
+# Initialize theme on module load (lazy to avoid circular dependency)
+def _init_theme():
+    theme_id = _arg_value("--theme", sys.argv) or "green"
+    try:
+        set_active_theme(theme_id)
+    except KeyError:
+        pass  # Theme not found, keep None
+
+
+_init_theme()
+
+
+# ─── PIPELINE MODE (new unified architecture) ─────────────
+PIPELINE_MODE = "--pipeline" in sys.argv
+PIPELINE_PRESET = _arg_value("--pipeline-preset", sys.argv) or "demo"
+
+# ─── PRESET MODE ────────────────────────────────────────────
+PRESET = _arg_value("--preset", sys.argv)
+
+# ─── PIPELINE DIAGRAM ────────────────────────────────────
+PIPELINE_DIAGRAM = "--pipeline-diagram" in sys.argv
+
+# ─── THEME ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+THEME = _arg_value("--theme", sys.argv) or "green"
+
 
 def set_font_selection(font_path=None, font_index=None):
     """Set runtime primary font selection."""

engine/data_sources/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+"""
+Data source implementations for the pipeline architecture.
+
+Import directly from submodules:
+    from engine.data_sources.sources import DataSource, SourceItem, HeadlinesDataSource
+    from engine.data_sources.pipeline_introspection import PipelineIntrospectionSource
+"""
+
+# Re-export for convenience
+from engine.data_sources.sources import ImageItem, SourceItem
+
+__all__ = ["ImageItem", "SourceItem"]

engine/data_sources/checkerboard.py

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+"""Checkerboard data source for visual pattern generation."""
+
+from engine.data_sources.sources import DataSource, SourceItem
+
+
+class CheckerboardDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that generates a checkerboard pattern.
+
+    Creates a grid of alternating characters, useful for testing motion effects
+    and camera movement. The pattern is static; movement comes from camera panning.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        width: int = 200,
+        height: int = 200,
+        square_size: int = 10,
+        char_a: str = "#",
+        char_b: str = " ",
+    ):
+        """Initialize checkerboard data source.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Total pattern width in characters
+            height: Total pattern height in lines
+            square_size: Size of each checker square in characters
+            char_a: Character for "filled" squares (default: '#')
+            char_b: Character for "empty" squares (default: ' ')
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        self.square_size = square_size
+        self.char_a = char_a
+        self.char_b = char_b
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "checkerboard"
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return False
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        """Generate the checkerboard pattern as a single SourceItem."""
+        lines = []
+        for y in range(self.height):
+            line_chars = []
+            for x in range(self.width):
+                # Determine which square this position belongs to
+                square_x = x // self.square_size
+                square_y = y // self.square_size
+                # Alternate pattern based on parity of square coordinates
+                if (square_x + square_y) % 2 == 0:
+                    line_chars.append(self.char_a)
+                else:
+                    line_chars.append(self.char_b)
+            lines.append("".join(line_chars))
+        content = "\n".join(lines)
+        return [SourceItem(content=content, source="checkerboard", timestamp="0")]

engine/data_sources/pipeline_introspection.py

@@ -0,0 +1,312 @@
+"""
+Pipeline introspection source - Renders live visualization of pipeline DAG and metrics.
+
+This DataSource introspects one or more Pipeline instances and renders
+an ASCII visualization showing:
+- Stage DAG with signal flow connections
+- Per-stage execution times
+- Sparkline of frame times
+- Stage breakdown bars
+
+Example:
+    source = PipelineIntrospectionSource(pipelines=[my_pipeline])
+    items = source.fetch()  # Returns ASCII visualization
+"""
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from engine.data_sources.sources import DataSource, SourceItem
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from engine.pipeline.controller import Pipeline
+
+
+SPARKLINE_CHARS = " ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇█"
+BAR_CHARS = " ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇█"
+
+
+class PipelineIntrospectionSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that renders live pipeline introspection visualization.
+
+    Renders:
+    - DAG of stages with signal flow
+    - Per-stage execution times
+    - Sparkline of frame history
+    - Stage breakdown bars
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        pipeline: "Pipeline | None" = None,
+        viewport_width: int = 100,
+        viewport_height: int = 35,
+    ):
+        self._pipeline = pipeline  # May be None initially, set later via set_pipeline()
+        self.viewport_width = viewport_width
+        self.viewport_height = viewport_height
+        self.frame = 0
+        self._ready = False
+
+    def set_pipeline(self, pipeline: "Pipeline") -> None:
+        """Set the pipeline to introspect (call after pipeline is built)."""
+        self._pipeline = [pipeline]  # Wrap in list for iteration
+        self._ready = True
+
+    @property
+    def ready(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if source is ready to fetch."""
+        return self._ready
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "pipeline-inspect"
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return True
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.NONE}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    def add_pipeline(self, pipeline: "Pipeline") -> None:
+        """Add a pipeline to visualize."""
+        if self._pipeline is None:
+            self._pipeline = [pipeline]
+        elif isinstance(self._pipeline, list):
+            self._pipeline.append(pipeline)
+        else:
+            self._pipeline = [self._pipeline, pipeline]
+        self._ready = True
+
+    def remove_pipeline(self, pipeline: "Pipeline") -> None:
+        """Remove a pipeline from visualization."""
+        if self._pipeline is None:
+            return
+        elif isinstance(self._pipeline, list):
+            self._pipeline = [p for p in self._pipeline if p is not pipeline]
+            if not self._pipeline:
+                self._pipeline = None
+                self._ready = False
+        elif self._pipeline is pipeline:
+            self._pipeline = None
+            self._ready = False
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        """Fetch the introspection visualization."""
+        if not self._ready:
+            # Return a placeholder until ready
+            return [
+                SourceItem(
+                    content="Initializing...",
+                    source="pipeline-inspect",
+                    timestamp="init",
+                )
+            ]
+
+        lines = self._render()
+        self.frame += 1
+        content = "\n".join(lines)
+        return [
+            SourceItem(
+                content=content, source="pipeline-inspect", timestamp=f"f{self.frame}"
+            )
+        ]
+
+    def get_items(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        return self.fetch()
+
+    def _render(self) -> list[str]:
+        """Render the full visualization."""
+        lines: list[str] = []
+
+        # Header
+        lines.extend(self._render_header())
+
+        # Render pipeline(s) if ready
+        if self._ready and self._pipeline:
+            pipelines = (
+                self._pipeline if isinstance(self._pipeline, list) else [self._pipeline]
+            )
+            for pipeline in pipelines:
+                lines.extend(self._render_pipeline(pipeline))
+
+        # Footer with sparkline
+        lines.extend(self._render_footer())
+
+        return lines
+
+    @property
+    def _pipelines(self) -> list:
+        """Return pipelines as a list for iteration."""
+        if self._pipeline is None:
+            return []
+        elif isinstance(self._pipeline, list):
+            return self._pipeline
+        else:
+            return [self._pipeline]
+
+    def _render_header(self) -> list[str]:
+        """Render the header with frame info and metrics summary."""
+        lines: list[str] = []
+
+        if not self._pipeline:
+            return ["PIPELINE INTROSPECTION"]
+
+        # Get aggregate metrics
+        total_ms = 0.0
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_count = 0
+
+        for pipeline in self._pipelines:
+            try:
+                metrics = pipeline.get_metrics_summary()
+                if metrics and "error" not in metrics:
+                    # Get avg_ms from pipeline metrics
+                    pipeline_avg = metrics.get("pipeline", {}).get("avg_ms", 0)
+                    total_ms = max(total_ms, pipeline_avg)
+                    # Calculate FPS from avg_ms
+                    if pipeline_avg > 0:
+                        fps = max(fps, 1000.0 / pipeline_avg)
+                    frame_count = max(frame_count, metrics.get("frame_count", 0))
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        header = f"PIPELINE INTROSPECTION -- frame: {self.frame} -- avg: {total_ms:.1f}ms -- fps: {fps:.1f}"
+        lines.append(header)
+
+        return lines
+
+    def _render_pipeline(self, pipeline: "Pipeline") -> list[str]:
+        """Render a single pipeline's DAG."""
+        lines: list[str] = []
+
+        stages = pipeline.stages
+        execution_order = pipeline.execution_order
+
+        if not stages:
+            lines.append("    (no stages)")
+            return lines
+
+        # Build stage info
+        stage_infos: list[dict] = []
+        for name in execution_order:
+            stage = stages.get(name)
+            if not stage:
+                continue
+
+            try:
+                metrics = pipeline.get_metrics_summary()
+                stage_ms = metrics.get("stages", {}).get(name, {}).get("avg_ms", 0.0)
+            except Exception:
+                stage_ms = 0.0
+
+            stage_infos.append(
+                {
+                    "name": name,
+                    "category": stage.category,
+                    "ms": stage_ms,
+                }
+            )
+
+        # Calculate total time for percentages
+        total_time = sum(s["ms"] for s in stage_infos) or 1.0
+
+        # Render DAG - group by category
+        lines.append("")
+        lines.append("  Signal Flow:")
+
+        # Group stages by category for display
+        categories: dict[str, list[dict]] = {}
+        for info in stage_infos:
+            cat = info["category"]
+            if cat not in categories:
+                categories[cat] = []
+            categories[cat].append(info)
+
+        # Render categories in order
+        cat_order = ["source", "render", "effect", "overlay", "display", "system"]
+
+        for cat in cat_order:
+            if cat not in categories:
+                continue
+
+            cat_stages = categories[cat]
+            cat_names = [s["name"] for s in cat_stages]
+            lines.append(f"    {cat}: {' → '.join(cat_names)}")
+
+        # Render timing breakdown
+        lines.append("")
+        lines.append("  Stage Timings:")
+
+        for info in stage_infos:
+            name = info["name"]
+            ms = info["ms"]
+            pct = (ms / total_time) * 100
+            bar = self._render_bar(pct, 20)
+            lines.append(f"    {name:12s} {ms:6.2f}ms {bar} {pct:5.1f}%")
+
+        lines.append("")
+
+        return lines
+
+    def _render_footer(self) -> list[str]:
+        """Render the footer with sparkline."""
+        lines: list[str] = []
+
+        # Get frame history from first pipeline
+        pipelines = self._pipelines
+        if pipelines:
+            try:
+                frame_times = pipelines[0].get_frame_times()
+            except Exception:
+                frame_times = []
+        else:
+            frame_times = []
+
+        if frame_times:
+            sparkline = self._render_sparkline(frame_times[-60:], 50)
+            lines.append(f" Frame Time History (last {len(frame_times[-60:])} frames)")
+            lines.append(f" {sparkline}")
+        else:
+            lines.append(" Frame Time History")
+            lines.append(" (collecting data...)")
+
+        lines.append("")
+
+        return lines
+
+    def _render_bar(self, percentage: float, width: int) -> str:
+        """Render a horizontal bar for percentage."""
+        filled = int((percentage / 100.0) * width)
+        bar = "█" * filled + "░" * (width - filled)
+        return bar
+
+    def _render_sparkline(self, values: list[float], width: int) -> str:
+        """Render a sparkline from values."""
+        if not values:
+            return " " * width
+
+        min_val = min(values)
+        max_val = max(values)
+        range_val = max_val - min_val or 1.0
+
+        result = []
+        for v in values[-width:]:
+            normalized = (v - min_val) / range_val
+            idx = int(normalized * (len(SPARKLINE_CHARS) - 1))
+            idx = max(0, min(idx, len(SPARKLINE_CHARS) - 1))
+            result.append(SPARKLINE_CHARS[idx])
+
+        # Pad to width
+        while len(result) < width:
+            result.insert(0, " ")
+        return "".join(result[:width])

engine/data_sources/sources.py

@@ -0,0 +1,490 @@
+"""
+Data sources for the pipeline architecture.
+
+This module contains all DataSource implementations:
+- DataSource: Abstract base class
+- SourceItem, ImageItem: Data containers
+- HeadlinesDataSource, PoetryDataSource, ImageDataSource: Concrete sources
+- SourceRegistry: Registry for source discovery
+"""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass
+class SourceItem:
+    """A single item from a data source."""
+
+    content: str
+    source: str
+    timestamp: str
+    metadata: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ImageItem:
+    """An image item from a data source - wraps a PIL Image."""
+
+    image: Any  # PIL Image
+    source: str
+    timestamp: str
+    path: str | None = None  # File path or URL if applicable
+    metadata: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+
+
+class DataSource(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for data sources.
+
+    Static sources: Data fetched once and cached. Safe to call fetch() multiple times.
+    Dynamic sources: Data changes over time. fetch() should be idempotent.
+    """
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        """Display name for this source."""
+        ...
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        """Whether this source updates dynamically while the app runs. Default False."""
+        return False
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        """Fetch fresh data from the source. Must be idempotent."""
+        ...
+
+    def get_items(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        """Get current items. Default implementation returns cached fetch results."""
+        if not hasattr(self, "_items") or self._items is None:
+            self._items = self.fetch()
+        return self._items
+
+    def refresh(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        """Force refresh - clear cache and fetch fresh data."""
+        self._items = self.fetch()
+        return self._items
+
+    def stream(self):
+        """Optional: Yield items continuously. Override for streaming sources."""
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        self._items: list[SourceItem] | None = None
+
+
+class HeadlinesDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source for RSS feed headlines."""
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "headlines"
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        from engine.fetch import fetch_all
+
+        items, _, _ = fetch_all()
+        return [SourceItem(content=t, source=s, timestamp=ts) for t, s, ts in items]
+
+
+class EmptyDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Empty data source that produces blank lines for testing.
+
+    Useful for testing display borders, effects, and other pipeline
+    components without needing actual content.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, width: int = 80, height: int = 24):
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "empty"
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return False
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        # Return empty lines as content
+        content = "\n".join([" " * self.width for _ in range(self.height)])
+        return [SourceItem(content=content, source="empty", timestamp="0")]
+
+
+class ListDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that wraps a pre-fetched list of items.
+
+    Used for bootstrap loading when items are already available in memory.
+    This is a simple wrapper for already-fetched data.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, items, name: str = "list"):
+        self._raw_items = items  # Store raw items separately
+        self._items = None  # Cache for converted SourceItem objects
+        self._name = name
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return self._name
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return False
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        # Convert tuple items to SourceItem if needed
+        result = []
+        for item in self._raw_items:
+            if isinstance(item, SourceItem):
+                result.append(item)
+            elif isinstance(item, tuple) and len(item) >= 3:
+                # Assume (content, source, timestamp) tuple format
+                result.append(
+                    SourceItem(content=item[0], source=item[1], timestamp=str(item[2]))
+                )
+            else:
+                # Fallback: treat as string content
+                result.append(
+                    SourceItem(content=str(item), source="list", timestamp="0")
+                )
+        return result
+
+
+class PoetryDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source for Poetry DB."""
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "poetry"
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        from engine.fetch import fetch_poetry
+
+        items, _, _ = fetch_poetry()
+        return [SourceItem(content=t, source=s, timestamp=ts) for t, s, ts in items]
+
+
+class ImageDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that loads PNG images from file paths or URLs.
+
+    Supports:
+    - Local file paths (e.g., /path/to/image.png)
+    - URLs (e.g., https://example.com/image.png)
+
+    Yields ImageItem objects containing PIL Image objects that can be
+    converted to text buffers by an ImageToTextTransform stage.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        path: str | list[str] | None = None,
+        urls: str | list[str] | None = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Args:
+            path: Single path or list of paths to PNG files
+            urls: Single URL or list of URLs to PNG images
+        """
+        self._paths = [path] if isinstance(path, str) else (path or [])
+        self._urls = [urls] if isinstance(urls, str) else (urls or [])
+        self._images: list[ImageItem] = []
+        self._load_images()
+
+    def _load_images(self) -> None:
+        """Load all images from paths and URLs."""
+        from datetime import datetime
+        from io import BytesIO
+        from urllib.request import urlopen
+
+        timestamp = datetime.now().isoformat()
+
+        for path in self._paths:
+            try:
+                from PIL import Image
+
+                img = Image.open(path)
+                if img.mode != "RGBA":
+                    img = img.convert("RGBA")
+                self._images.append(
+                    ImageItem(
+                        image=img,
+                        source=f"file:{path}",
+                        timestamp=timestamp,
+                        path=path,
+                    )
+                )
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        for url in self._urls:
+            try:
+                from PIL import Image
+
+                with urlopen(url) as response:
+                    img = Image.open(BytesIO(response.read()))
+                if img.mode != "RGBA":
+                    img = img.convert("RGBA")
+                self._images.append(
+                    ImageItem(
+                        image=img,
+                        source=f"url:{url}",
+                        timestamp=timestamp,
+                        path=url,
+                    )
+                )
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "image"
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return False  # Static images, not updating
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[ImageItem]:
+        """Return loaded images as ImageItem list."""
+        return self._images
+
+    def get_items(self) -> list[ImageItem]:
+        """Return current image items."""
+        return self._images
+
+
+class MetricsDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that renders live pipeline metrics as ASCII art.
+
+    Wraps a Pipeline and displays active stages with their average execution
+    time and approximate FPS impact. Updates lazily when camera is about to
+    focus on a new node (frame % 15 == 12).
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        pipeline: Any,
+        viewport_width: int = 80,
+        viewport_height: int = 24,
+    ):
+        self.pipeline = pipeline
+        self.viewport_width = viewport_width
+        self.viewport_height = viewport_height
+        self.frame = 0
+        self._cached_metrics: dict | None = None
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "metrics"
+
+    @property
+    def is_dynamic(self) -> bool:
+        return True
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        if self.frame % 15 == 12:
+            self._cached_metrics = None
+
+        if self._cached_metrics is None:
+            self._cached_metrics = self._fetch_metrics()
+
+        buffer = self._render_metrics(self._cached_metrics)
+        self.frame += 1
+        content = "\n".join(buffer)
+        return [
+            SourceItem(content=content, source="metrics", timestamp=f"f{self.frame}")
+        ]
+
+    def _fetch_metrics(self) -> dict:
+        if hasattr(self.pipeline, "get_metrics_summary"):
+            metrics = self.pipeline.get_metrics_summary()
+            if "error" not in metrics:
+                return metrics
+        return {"stages": {}, "pipeline": {"avg_ms": 0}}
+
+    def _render_metrics(self, metrics: dict) -> list[str]:
+        stages = metrics.get("stages", {})
+
+        if not stages:
+            return self._render_empty()
+
+        active_stages = {
+            name: stats for name, stats in stages.items() if stats.get("avg_ms", 0) > 0
+        }
+
+        if not active_stages:
+            return self._render_empty()
+
+        total_avg = sum(s["avg_ms"] for s in active_stages.values())
+        if total_avg == 0:
+            total_avg = 1
+
+        lines: list[str] = []
+        lines.append("═" * self.viewport_width)
+        lines.append(" PIPELINE METRICS ".center(self.viewport_width, "─"))
+        lines.append("─" * self.viewport_width)
+
+        header = f"{'STAGE':<20} {'AVG_MS':>8} {'FPS %':>8}"
+        lines.append(header)
+        lines.append("─" * self.viewport_width)
+
+        for name, stats in sorted(active_stages.items()):
+            avg_ms = stats.get("avg_ms", 0)
+            fps_impact = (avg_ms / 16.67) * 100 if avg_ms > 0 else 0
+
+            row = f"{name:<20} {avg_ms:>7.2f} {fps_impact:>7.1f}%"
+            lines.append(row[: self.viewport_width])
+
+        lines.append("─" * self.viewport_width)
+        total_row = (
+            f"{'TOTAL':<20} {total_avg:>7.2f} {(total_avg / 16.67) * 100:>7.1f}%"
+        )
+        lines.append(total_row[: self.viewport_width])
+        lines.append("─" * self.viewport_width)
+        lines.append(
+            f" Frame:{self.frame:04d}  Cache:{'HIT' if self._cached_metrics else 'MISS'}"
+        )
+
+        while len(lines) < self.viewport_height:
+            lines.append(" " * self.viewport_width)
+
+        return lines[: self.viewport_height]
+
+    def _render_empty(self) -> list[str]:
+        lines = [" " * self.viewport_width for _ in range(self.viewport_height)]
+        msg = "No metrics available"
+        y = self.viewport_height // 2
+        x = (self.viewport_width - len(msg)) // 2
+        lines[y] = " " * x + msg + " " * (self.viewport_width - x - len(msg))
+        return lines
+
+    def get_items(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        return self.fetch()
+
+
+class CachedDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that wraps another source with caching."""
+
+    def __init__(self, source: DataSource, max_items: int = 100):
+        self.source = source
+        self.max_items = max_items
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return f"cached:{self.source.name}"
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        items = self.source.fetch()
+        return items[: self.max_items]
+
+    def get_items(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        if not hasattr(self, "_items") or self._items is None:
+            self._items = self.fetch()
+        return self._items
+
+
+class TransformDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that transforms items from another source.
+
+    Applies optional filter and map functions to each item.
+    This enables chaining: source → transform → transformed output.
+
+    Args:
+        source: The source to fetch items from
+        filter_fn: Optional function(item: SourceItem) -> bool
+        map_fn: Optional function(item: SourceItem) -> SourceItem
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        source: DataSource,
+        filter_fn: Callable[[SourceItem], bool] | None = None,
+        map_fn: Callable[[SourceItem], SourceItem] | None = None,
+    ):
+        self.source = source
+        self.filter_fn = filter_fn
+        self.map_fn = map_fn
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return f"transform:{self.source.name}"
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        items = self.source.fetch()
+
+        if self.filter_fn:
+            items = [item for item in items if self.filter_fn(item)]
+
+        if self.map_fn:
+            items = [self.map_fn(item) for item in items]
+
+        return items
+
+
+class CompositeDataSource(DataSource):
+    """Data source that combines multiple sources."""
+
+    def __init__(self, sources: list[DataSource]):
+        self.sources = sources
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "composite"
+
+    def fetch(self) -> list[SourceItem]:
+        items = []
+        for source in self.sources:
+            items.extend(source.fetch())
+        return items
+
+
+class SourceRegistry:
+    """Registry for data sources."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._sources: dict[str, DataSource] = {}
+        self._default: str | None = None
+
+    def register(self, source: DataSource, default: bool = False) -> None:
+        self._sources[source.name] = source
+        if default or self._default is None:
+            self._default = source.name
+
+    def get(self, name: str) -> DataSource | None:
+        return self._sources.get(name)
+
+    def list_all(self) -> dict[str, DataSource]:
+        return dict(self._sources)
+
+    def default(self) -> DataSource | None:
+        if self._default:
+            return self._sources.get(self._default)
+        return None
+
+    def create_headlines(self) -> HeadlinesDataSource:
+        return HeadlinesDataSource()
+
+    def create_poetry(self) -> PoetryDataSource:
+        return PoetryDataSource()
+
+
+_global_registry: SourceRegistry | None = None
+
+
+def get_source_registry() -> SourceRegistry:
+    global _global_registry
+    if _global_registry is None:
+        _global_registry = SourceRegistry()
+    return _global_registry
+
+
+def init_default_sources() -> SourceRegistry:
+    """Initialize the default source registry with standard sources."""
+    registry = get_source_registry()
+    registry.register(HeadlinesDataSource(), default=True)
+    registry.register(PoetryDataSource())
+    return registry

engine/display/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,290 @@
+"""
+Display backend system with registry pattern.
+
+Allows swapping output backends via the Display protocol.
+Supports auto-discovery of display backends.
+"""
+
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from typing import Protocol
+
+# Optional backend - requires moderngl package
+try:
+    from engine.display.backends.moderngl import ModernGLDisplay
+
+    _MODERNGL_AVAILABLE = True
+except ImportError:
+    ModernGLDisplay = None
+    _MODERNGL_AVAILABLE = False
+
+from engine.display.backends.multi import MultiDisplay
+from engine.display.backends.null import NullDisplay
+from engine.display.backends.pygame import PygameDisplay
+from engine.display.backends.replay import ReplayDisplay
+from engine.display.backends.terminal import TerminalDisplay
+from engine.display.backends.websocket import WebSocketDisplay
+
+
+class BorderMode(Enum):
+    """Border rendering modes for displays."""
+
+    OFF = auto()  # No border
+    SIMPLE = auto()  # Traditional border with FPS/frame time
+    UI = auto()  # Right-side UI panel with interactive controls
+
+
+class Display(Protocol):
+    """Protocol for display backends.
+
+    Required attributes:
+    - width: int
+    - height: int
+
+    Required methods (duck typing - actual signatures may vary):
+    - init(width, height, reuse=False)
+    - show(buffer, border=False)
+    - clear()
+    - cleanup()
+    - get_dimensions() -> (width, height)
+
+    Optional attributes (for UI mode):
+    - ui_panel: UIPanel instance (set by app when border=UI)
+
+    Optional methods:
+    - is_quit_requested() -> bool
+    - clear_quit_request() -> None
+    """
+
+    width: int
+    height: int
+
+
+class DisplayRegistry:
+    """Registry for display backends with auto-discovery."""
+
+    _backends: dict[str, type[Display]] = {}
+    _initialized = False
+
+    @classmethod
+    def register(cls, name: str, backend_class: type[Display]) -> None:
+        cls._backends[name.lower()] = backend_class
+
+    @classmethod
+    def get(cls, name: str) -> type[Display] | None:
+        return cls._backends.get(name.lower())
+
+    @classmethod
+    def list_backends(cls) -> list[str]:
+        return list(cls._backends.keys())
+
+    @classmethod
+    def create(cls, name: str, **kwargs) -> Display | None:
+        cls.initialize()
+        backend_class = cls.get(name)
+        if backend_class:
+            return backend_class(**kwargs)
+        return None
+
+    @classmethod
+    def initialize(cls) -> None:
+        if cls._initialized:
+            return
+        cls.register("terminal", TerminalDisplay)
+        cls.register("null", NullDisplay)
+        cls.register("replay", ReplayDisplay)
+        cls.register("websocket", WebSocketDisplay)
+        cls.register("pygame", PygameDisplay)
+        if _MODERNGL_AVAILABLE:
+            cls.register("moderngl", ModernGLDisplay)  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+        cls._initialized = True
+
+    @classmethod
+    def create_multi(cls, names: list[str]) -> MultiDisplay | None:
+        displays = []
+        for name in names:
+            backend = cls.create(name)
+            if backend:
+                displays.append(backend)
+            else:
+                return None
+        if not displays:
+            return None
+        return MultiDisplay(displays)
+
+
+def get_monitor():
+    """Get the performance monitor."""
+    try:
+        from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor as _get_monitor
+
+        return _get_monitor()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+def _strip_ansi(s: str) -> str:
+    """Strip ANSI escape sequences from string for length calculation."""
+    import re
+
+    return re.sub(r"\x1b\[[0-9;]*[a-zA-Z]", "", s)
+
+
+def _render_simple_border(
+    buf: list[str], width: int, height: int, fps: float = 0.0, frame_time: float = 0.0
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Render a traditional border around the buffer."""
+    if not buf or width < 3 or height < 3:
+        return buf
+
+    inner_w = width - 2
+    inner_h = height - 2
+
+    cropped = []
+    for i in range(min(inner_h, len(buf))):
+        line = buf[i]
+        visible_len = len(_strip_ansi(line))
+        if visible_len > inner_w:
+            cropped.append(line[:inner_w])
+        else:
+            cropped.append(line + " " * (inner_w - visible_len))
+
+    while len(cropped) < inner_h:
+        cropped.append(" " * inner_w)
+
+    if fps > 0:
+        fps_str = f" FPS:{fps:.0f}"
+        if len(fps_str) < inner_w:
+            right_len = inner_w - len(fps_str)
+            top_border = "┌" + "─" * right_len + fps_str + "┐"
+        else:
+            top_border = "┌" + "─" * inner_w + "┐"
+    else:
+        top_border = "┌" + "─" * inner_w + "┐"
+
+    if frame_time > 0:
+        ft_str = f" {frame_time:.1f}ms"
+        if len(ft_str) < inner_w:
+            right_len = inner_w - len(ft_str)
+            bottom_border = "└" + "─" * right_len + ft_str + "┘"
+        else:
+            bottom_border = "└" + "─" * inner_w + "┘"
+    else:
+        bottom_border = "└" + "─" * inner_w + "┘"
+
+    result = [top_border]
+    for line in cropped:
+        if len(line) < inner_w:
+            line = line + " " * (inner_w - len(line))
+        elif len(line) > inner_w:
+            line = line[:inner_w]
+        result.append("│" + line + "│")
+    result.append(bottom_border)
+
+    return result
+
+
+def render_ui_panel(
+    buf: list[str],
+    width: int,
+    height: int,
+    ui_panel,
+    fps: float = 0.0,
+    frame_time: float = 0.0,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Render buffer with a right-side UI panel."""
+    from engine.pipeline.ui import UIPanel
+
+    if not isinstance(ui_panel, UIPanel):
+        return _render_simple_border(buf, width, height, fps, frame_time)
+
+    panel_width = min(ui_panel.config.panel_width, width - 4)
+    main_width = width - panel_width - 1
+
+    panel_lines = ui_panel.render(panel_width, height)
+
+    main_buf = buf[: height - 2]
+    main_result = _render_simple_border(
+        main_buf, main_width + 2, height, fps, frame_time
+    )
+
+    combined = []
+    for i in range(height):
+        if i < len(main_result):
+            main_line = main_result[i]
+            if len(main_line) >= 2:
+                main_content = (
+                    main_line[1:-1] if main_line[-1] in "│┌┐└┘" else main_line[1:]
+                )
+                main_content = main_content.ljust(main_width)[:main_width]
+            else:
+                main_content = " " * main_width
+        else:
+            main_content = " " * main_width
+
+        panel_idx = i
+        panel_line = (
+            panel_lines[panel_idx][:panel_width].ljust(panel_width)
+            if panel_idx < len(panel_lines)
+            else " " * panel_width
+        )
+
+        separator = "│" if 0 < i < height - 1 else "┼" if i == 0 else "┴"
+        combined.append(main_content + separator + panel_line)
+
+    return combined
+
+
+def render_border(
+    buf: list[str],
+    width: int,
+    height: int,
+    fps: float = 0.0,
+    frame_time: float = 0.0,
+    border_mode: BorderMode | bool = BorderMode.SIMPLE,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Render a border or UI panel around the buffer.
+
+    Args:
+        buf: Input buffer
+        width: Display width
+        height: Display height
+        fps: FPS for top border
+        frame_time: Frame time for bottom border
+        border_mode: Border rendering mode
+
+    Returns:
+        Buffer with border/panel applied
+    """
+    # Normalize border_mode to BorderMode enum
+    if isinstance(border_mode, bool):
+        border_mode = BorderMode.SIMPLE if border_mode else BorderMode.OFF
+
+    if border_mode == BorderMode.UI:
+        # UI panel requires a UIPanel instance (injected separately)
+        # For now, this will be called by displays that have a ui_panel attribute
+        # This function signature doesn't include ui_panel, so we'll handle it in render_ui_panel
+        # Fall back to simple border if no panel available
+        return _render_simple_border(buf, width, height, fps, frame_time)
+    elif border_mode == BorderMode.SIMPLE:
+        return _render_simple_border(buf, width, height, fps, frame_time)
+    else:
+        return buf
+
+
+__all__ = [
+    "Display",
+    "DisplayRegistry",
+    "get_monitor",
+    "render_border",
+    "render_ui_panel",
+    "BorderMode",
+    "TerminalDisplay",
+    "NullDisplay",
+    "ReplayDisplay",
+    "WebSocketDisplay",
+    "MultiDisplay",
+    "PygameDisplay",
+]
+
+if _MODERNGL_AVAILABLE:
+    __all__.append("ModernGLDisplay")

engine/display/backends/animation_report.py

@@ -0,0 +1,656 @@
+"""
+Animation Report Display Backend
+
+Captures frames from pipeline stages and generates an interactive HTML report
+showing before/after states for each transformative stage.
+"""
+
+import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from datetime import datetime
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.display.streaming import compute_diff
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CapturedFrame:
+    """A captured frame with metadata."""
+
+    stage: str
+    buffer: list[str]
+    timestamp: float
+    frame_number: int
+    diff_from_previous: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class StageCapture:
+    """Captures frames for a single pipeline stage."""
+
+    name: str
+    frames: list[CapturedFrame] = field(default_factory=list)
+    start_time: float = field(default_factory=time.time)
+    end_time: float = 0.0
+
+    def add_frame(
+        self,
+        buffer: list[str],
+        frame_number: int,
+        previous_buffer: list[str] | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Add a captured frame."""
+        timestamp = time.time()
+        diff = None
+        if previous_buffer is not None:
+            diff_data = compute_diff(previous_buffer, buffer)
+            diff = {
+                "changed_lines": len(diff_data.changed_lines),
+                "total_lines": len(buffer),
+                "width": diff_data.width,
+                "height": diff_data.height,
+            }
+
+        frame = CapturedFrame(
+            stage=self.name,
+            buffer=list(buffer),
+            timestamp=timestamp,
+            frame_number=frame_number,
+            diff_from_previous=diff,
+        )
+        self.frames.append(frame)
+
+    def finish(self) -> None:
+        """Mark capture as finished."""
+        self.end_time = time.time()
+
+
+class AnimationReportDisplay:
+    """
+    Display backend that captures frames for animation report generation.
+
+    Instead of rendering to terminal, this display captures the buffer at each
+    stage and stores it for later HTML report generation.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+
+    def __init__(self, output_dir: str = "./reports"):
+        """
+        Initialize the animation report display.
+
+        Args:
+            output_dir: Directory where reports will be saved
+        """
+        self.output_dir = Path(output_dir)
+        self.output_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+        self._stages: dict[str, StageCapture] = {}
+        self._current_stage: str = ""
+        self._previous_buffer: list[str] | None = None
+        self._frame_number: int = 0
+        self._total_frames: int = 0
+        self._start_time: float = 0.0
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions."""
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        self._start_time = time.time()
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        """
+        Capture a frame for the current stage.
+
+        Args:
+            buffer: The frame buffer to capture
+            border: Border flag (ignored)
+        """
+        if not self._current_stage:
+            # If no stage is set, use a default name
+            self._current_stage = "final"
+
+        if self._current_stage not in self._stages:
+            self._stages[self._current_stage] = StageCapture(self._current_stage)
+
+        stage = self._stages[self._current_stage]
+        stage.add_frame(buffer, self._frame_number, self._previous_buffer)
+
+        self._previous_buffer = list(buffer)
+        self._frame_number += 1
+        self._total_frames += 1
+
+    def start_stage(self, stage_name: str) -> None:
+        """
+        Start capturing frames for a new stage.
+
+        Args:
+            stage_name: Name of the stage (e.g., "noise", "fade", "firehose")
+        """
+        if self._current_stage and self._current_stage in self._stages:
+            # Finish previous stage
+            self._stages[self._current_stage].finish()
+
+        self._current_stage = stage_name
+        self._previous_buffer = None  # Reset for new stage
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear the display (no-op for report display)."""
+        pass
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Cleanup resources."""
+        # Finish current stage
+        if self._current_stage and self._current_stage in self._stages:
+            self._stages[self._current_stage].finish()
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current dimensions."""
+        return (self.width, self.height)
+
+    def get_stages(self) -> dict[str, StageCapture]:
+        """Get all captured stages."""
+        return self._stages
+
+    def generate_report(self, title: str = "Animation Report") -> Path:
+        """
+        Generate an HTML report with captured frames and animations.
+
+        Args:
+            title: Title of the report
+
+        Returns:
+            Path to the generated HTML file
+        """
+        report_path = self.output_dir / f"animation_report_{int(time.time())}.html"
+        html_content = self._build_html(title)
+        report_path.write_text(html_content)
+        return report_path
+
+    def _build_html(self, title: str) -> str:
+        """Build the HTML content for the report."""
+        # Collect all frames across stages
+        all_frames = []
+        for stage_name, stage in self._stages.items():
+            for frame in stage.frames:
+                all_frames.append(frame)
+
+        # Sort frames by timestamp
+        all_frames.sort(key=lambda f: f.timestamp)
+
+        # Build stage sections
+        stages_html = ""
+        for stage_name, stage in self._stages.items():
+            stages_html += self._build_stage_section(stage_name, stage)
+
+        # Build full HTML
+        html = f"""
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <title>{title}</title>
+    <style>
+        * {{
+            box-sizing: border-box;
+            margin: 0;
+            padding: 0;
+        }}
+        body {{
+            font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;
+            background: #1a1a2e;
+            color: #eee;
+            padding: 20px;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+        }}
+        .container {{
+            max-width: 1400px;
+            margin: 0 auto;
+        }}
+        .header {{
+            background: linear-gradient(135deg, #16213e 0%, #1a1a2e 100%);
+            padding: 30px;
+            border-radius: 12px;
+            margin-bottom: 30px;
+            text-align: center;
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
+        }}
+        .header h1 {{
+            font-size: 2.5em;
+            margin-bottom: 10px;
+            background: linear-gradient(90deg, #00d4ff, #00ff88);
+            -webkit-background-clip: text;
+            -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+            background-clip: text;
+        }}
+        .header .meta {{
+            color: #888;
+            font-size: 0.9em;
+        }}
+        .stats-grid {{
+            display: grid;
+            grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(150px, 1fr));
+            gap: 15px;
+            margin: 20px 0;
+        }}
+        .stat-card {{
+            background: #16213e;
+            padding: 15px;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            text-align: center;
+        }}
+        .stat-value {{
+            font-size: 1.8em;
+            font-weight: bold;
+            color: #00ff88;
+        }}
+        .stat-label {{
+            color: #888;
+            font-size: 0.85em;
+            margin-top: 5px;
+        }}
+        .stage-section {{
+            background: #16213e;
+            border-radius: 12px;
+            margin-bottom: 25px;
+            overflow: hidden;
+            box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
+        }}
+        .stage-header {{
+            background: #1f2a48;
+            padding: 15px 20px;
+            display: flex;
+            justify-content: space-between;
+            align-items: center;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            user-select: none;
+        }}
+        .stage-header:hover {{
+            background: #253252;
+        }}
+        .stage-name {{
+            font-weight: bold;
+            font-size: 1.1em;
+            color: #00d4ff;
+        }}
+        .stage-info {{
+            color: #888;
+            font-size: 0.9em;
+        }}
+        .stage-content {{
+            padding: 20px;
+        }}
+        .frames-container {{
+            display: grid;
+            grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(300px, 1fr));
+            gap: 15px;
+        }}
+        .frame-card {{
+            background: #0f0f1a;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            overflow: hidden;
+            border: 1px solid #333;
+            transition: transform 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
+        }}
+        .frame-card:hover {{
+            transform: translateY(-2px);
+            box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,212,255,0.2);
+        }}
+        .frame-header {{
+            background: #1a1a2e;
+            padding: 10px 15px;
+            font-size: 0.85em;
+            color: #888;
+            border-bottom: 1px solid #333;
+            display: flex;
+            justify-content: space-between;
+        }}
+        .frame-number {{
+            color: #00ff88;
+        }}
+        .frame-diff {{
+            color: #ff6b6b;
+        }}
+        .frame-content {{
+            padding: 10px;
+            font-family: 'Fira Code', 'Consolas', 'Monaco', monospace;
+            font-size: 11px;
+            line-height: 1.3;
+            white-space: pre;
+            overflow-x: auto;
+            max-height: 200px;
+            overflow-y: auto;
+        }}
+        .timeline-section {{
+            background: #16213e;
+            border-radius: 12px;
+            padding: 20px;
+            margin-bottom: 25px;
+        }}
+        .timeline-header {{
+            display: flex;
+            justify-content: space-between;
+            align-items: center;
+            margin-bottom: 15px;
+        }}
+        .timeline-title {{
+            font-weight: bold;
+            color: #00d4ff;
+        }}
+        .timeline-controls {{
+            display: flex;
+            gap: 10px;
+        }}
+        .timeline-controls button {{
+            background: #1f2a48;
+            border: 1px solid #333;
+            color: #eee;
+            padding: 8px 15px;
+            border-radius: 6px;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            transition: all 0.2s;
+        }}
+        .timeline-controls button:hover {{
+            background: #253252;
+            border-color: #00d4ff;
+        }}
+        .timeline-controls button.active {{
+            background: #00d4ff;
+            color: #000;
+        }}
+        .timeline-canvas {{
+            width: 100%;
+            height: 100px;
+            background: #0f0f1a;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            position: relative;
+            overflow: hidden;
+        }}
+        .timeline-track {{
+            position: absolute;
+            top: 50%;
+            left: 0;
+            right: 0;
+            height: 4px;
+            background: #333;
+            transform: translateY(-50%);
+        }}
+        .timeline-marker {{
+            position: absolute;
+            top: 50%;
+            transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
+            width: 12px;
+            height: 12px;
+            background: #00d4ff;
+            border-radius: 50%;
+            cursor: pointer;
+            transition: all 0.2s;
+        }}
+        .timeline-marker:hover {{
+            transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.3);
+            box-shadow: 0 0 10px #00d4ff;
+        }}
+        .timeline-marker.stage-{{stage_name}} {{
+            background: var(--stage-color, #00d4ff);
+        }}
+        .comparison-view {{
+            display: grid;
+            grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
+            gap: 20px;
+            margin-top: 20px;
+        }}
+        .comparison-panel {{
+            background: #0f0f1a;
+            border-radius: 8px;
+            padding: 15px;
+            border: 1px solid #333;
+        }}
+        .comparison-panel h4 {{
+            color: #888;
+            margin-bottom: 10px;
+            font-size: 0.9em;
+        }}
+        .comparison-content {{
+            font-family: 'Fira Code', 'Consolas', 'Monaco', monospace;
+            font-size: 11px;
+            line-height: 1.3;
+            white-space: pre;
+        }}
+        .diff-added {{
+            background: rgba(0, 255, 136, 0.2);
+        }}
+        .diff-removed {{
+            background: rgba(255, 107, 107, 0.2);
+        }}
+        @keyframes pulse {{
+            0%, 100% {{ opacity: 1; }}
+            50% {{ opacity: 0.7; }}
+        }}
+        .animating {{
+            animation: pulse 1s infinite;
+        }}
+        .footer {{
+            text-align: center;
+            color: #666;
+            padding: 20px;
+            font-size: 0.9em;
+        }}
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    <div class="container">
+        <div class="header">
+            <h1>🎬 {title}</h1>
+            <div class="meta">
+                Generated: {datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")} |
+                Total Frames: {self._total_frames} |
+                Duration: {time.time() - self._start_time:.2f}s
+            </div>
+            <div class="stats-grid">
+                <div class="stat-card">
+                    <div class="stat-value">{len(self._stages)}</div>
+                    <div class="stat-label">Pipeline Stages</div>
+                </div>
+                <div class="stat-card">
+                    <div class="stat-value">{self._total_frames}</div>
+                    <div class="stat-label">Total Frames</div>
+                </div>
+                <div class="stat-card">
+                    <div class="stat-value">{time.time() - self._start_time:.2f}s</div>
+                    <div class="stat-label">Capture Duration</div>
+                </div>
+                <div class="stat-card">
+                    <div class="stat-value">{self.width}x{self.height}</div>
+                    <div class="stat-label">Resolution</div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="timeline-section">
+            <div class="timeline-header">
+                <div class="timeline-title">Timeline</div>
+                <div class="timeline-controls">
+                    <button onclick="playAnimation()">▶ Play</button>
+                    <button onclick="pauseAnimation()">⏸ Pause</button>
+                    <button onclick="stepForward()">⏭ Step</button>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+            <div class="timeline-canvas" id="timeline">
+                <div class="timeline-track"></div>
+                <!-- Timeline markers will be added by JavaScript -->
+            </div>
+        </div>
+
+        {stages_html}
+
+        <div class="footer">
+            <p>Animation Report generated by Mainline</p>
+            <p>Use the timeline controls above to play/pause the animation</p>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <script>
+        // Animation state
+        let currentFrame = 0;
+        let isPlaying = false;
+        let animationInterval = null;
+        const totalFrames = {len(all_frames)};
+
+        // Stage colors for timeline markers
+        const stageColors = {{
+            {self._build_stage_colors()}
+        }};
+
+        // Initialize timeline
+        function initTimeline() {{
+            const timeline = document.getElementById('timeline');
+            const track = timeline.querySelector('.timeline-track');
+
+            {self._build_timeline_markers(all_frames)}
+        }}
+
+        function playAnimation() {{
+            if (isPlaying) return;
+            isPlaying = true;
+            animationInterval = setInterval(() => {{
+                currentFrame = (currentFrame + 1) % totalFrames;
+                updateFrameDisplay();
+            }}, 100);
+        }}
+
+        function pauseAnimation() {{
+            isPlaying = false;
+            if (animationInterval) {{
+                clearInterval(animationInterval);
+                animationInterval = null;
+            }}
+        }}
+
+        function stepForward() {{
+            currentFrame = (currentFrame + 1) % totalFrames;
+            updateFrameDisplay();
+        }}
+
+        function updateFrameDisplay() {{
+            // Highlight current frame in timeline
+            const markers = document.querySelectorAll('.timeline-marker');
+            markers.forEach((marker, index) => {{
+                if (index === currentFrame) {{
+                    marker.style.transform = 'translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.5)';
+                    marker.style.boxShadow = '0 0 15px #00ff88';
+                }} else {{
+                    marker.style.transform = 'translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1)';
+                    marker.style.boxShadow = 'none';
+                }}
+            }});
+        }}
+
+        // Initialize on page load
+        document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', initTimeline);
+    </script>
+</body>
+</html>
+"""
+        return html
+
+    def _build_stage_section(self, stage_name: str, stage: StageCapture) -> str:
+        """Build HTML for a single stage section."""
+        frames_html = ""
+        for i, frame in enumerate(stage.frames):
+            diff_info = ""
+            if frame.diff_from_previous:
+                changed = frame.diff_from_previous.get("changed_lines", 0)
+                total = frame.diff_from_previous.get("total_lines", 0)
+                diff_info = f'<span class="frame-diff">Δ {changed}/{total}</span>'
+
+            frames_html += f"""
+            <div class="frame-card">
+                <div class="frame-header">
+                    <span>Frame <span class="frame-number">{frame.frame_number}</span></span>
+                    {diff_info}
+                </div>
+                <div class="frame-content">{self._escape_html("".join(frame.buffer))}</div>
+            </div>
+            """
+
+        return f"""
+        <div class="stage-section">
+            <div class="stage-header" onclick="this.nextElementSibling.classList.toggle('hidden')">
+                <span class="stage-name">{stage_name}</span>
+                <span class="stage-info">{len(stage.frames)} frames</span>
+            </div>
+            <div class="stage-content">
+                <div class="frames-container">
+                    {frames_html}
+                </div>
+            </div>
+        </div>
+        """
+
+    def _build_timeline(self, all_frames: list[CapturedFrame]) -> str:
+        """Build timeline HTML."""
+        if not all_frames:
+            return ""
+
+        markers_html = ""
+        for i, frame in enumerate(all_frames):
+            left_percent = (i / len(all_frames)) * 100
+            markers_html += f'<div class="timeline-marker" style="left: {left_percent}%" data-frame="{i}"></div>'
+
+        return markers_html
+
+    def _build_stage_colors(self) -> str:
+        """Build stage color mapping for JavaScript."""
+        colors = [
+            "#00d4ff",
+            "#00ff88",
+            "#ff6b6b",
+            "#ffd93d",
+            "#a855f7",
+            "#ec4899",
+            "#14b8a6",
+            "#f97316",
+            "#8b5cf6",
+            "#06b6d4",
+        ]
+        color_map = ""
+        for i, stage_name in enumerate(self._stages.keys()):
+            color = colors[i % len(colors)]
+            color_map += f'            "{stage_name}": "{color}",\n'
+        return color_map.rstrip(",\n")
+
+    def _build_timeline_markers(self, all_frames: list[CapturedFrame]) -> str:
+        """Build timeline markers in JavaScript."""
+        if not all_frames:
+            return ""
+
+        markers_js = ""
+        for i, frame in enumerate(all_frames):
+            left_percent = (i / len(all_frames)) * 100
+            stage_color = f"stageColors['{frame.stage}']"
+            markers_js += f"""
+            const marker{i} = document.createElement('div');
+            marker{i}.className = 'timeline-marker stage-{{frame.stage}}';
+            marker{i}.style.left = '{left_percent}%';
+            marker{i}.style.setProperty('--stage-color', {stage_color});
+            marker{i}.onclick = () => {{
+                currentFrame = {i};
+                updateFrameDisplay();
+            }};
+            timeline.appendChild(marker{i});
+            """
+
+        return markers_js
+
+    def _escape_html(self, text: str) -> str:
+        """Escape HTML special characters."""
+        return (
+            text.replace("&", "&amp;")
+            .replace("<", "&lt;")
+            .replace(">", "&gt;")
+            .replace('"', "&quot;")
+            .replace("'", "&#39;")
+        )

engine/display/backends/multi.py

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+"""
+Multi display backend - forwards to multiple displays.
+"""
+
+
+class MultiDisplay:
+    """Display that forwards to multiple displays.
+
+    Supports reuse - passes reuse flag to all child displays.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+
+    def __init__(self, displays: list):
+        self.displays = displays
+        self.width = 80
+        self.height = 24
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize all child displays with dimensions.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Terminal width in characters
+            height: Terminal height in rows
+            reuse: If True, use reuse mode for child displays
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        for d in self.displays:
+            d.init(width, height, reuse=reuse)
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        for d in self.displays:
+            d.show(buffer, border=border)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        for d in self.displays:
+            d.clear()
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get dimensions from the first child display that supports it."""
+        for d in self.displays:
+            if hasattr(d, "get_dimensions"):
+                return d.get_dimensions()
+        return (self.width, self.height)
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        for d in self.displays:
+            d.cleanup()

engine/display/backends/null.py

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+"""
+Null/headless display backend.
+"""
+
+import json
+import time
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+
+class NullDisplay:
+    """Headless/null display - discards all output.
+
+    This display does nothing - useful for headless benchmarking
+    or when no display output is needed. Captures last buffer
+    for testing purposes. Supports frame recording for replay
+    and file export/import.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+    _last_buffer: list[str] | None = None
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._last_buffer = None
+        self._is_recording = False
+        self._recorded_frames: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+        self._frame_count = 0
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Terminal width in characters
+            height: Terminal height in rows
+            reuse: Ignored for NullDisplay (no resources to reuse)
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        self._last_buffer = None
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        import sys
+
+        from engine.display import get_monitor, render_border
+
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            stats = monitor.get_stats()
+            avg_ms = stats.get("pipeline", {}).get("avg_ms", 0) if stats else 0
+            frame_count = stats.get("frame_count", 0) if stats else 0
+            if avg_ms and frame_count > 0:
+                fps = 1000.0 / avg_ms
+                frame_time = avg_ms
+
+        if border:
+            buffer = render_border(buffer, self.width, self.height, fps, frame_time)
+
+        self._last_buffer = buffer
+
+        if self._is_recording:
+            self._recorded_frames.append(
+                {
+                    "frame_number": self._frame_count,
+                    "buffer": buffer,
+                    "width": self.width,
+                    "height": self.height,
+                }
+            )
+
+        if self._frame_count <= 5 or self._frame_count % 10 == 0:
+            sys.stdout.write("\n" + "=" * 80 + "\n")
+            sys.stdout.write(
+                f"Frame {self._frame_count} (buffer height: {len(buffer)})\n"
+            )
+            sys.stdout.write("=" * 80 + "\n")
+            for i, line in enumerate(buffer[:30]):
+                sys.stdout.write(f"{i:2}: {line}\n")
+            if len(buffer) > 30:
+                sys.stdout.write(f"... ({len(buffer) - 30} more lines)\n")
+            sys.stdout.flush()
+
+        if monitor:
+            t0 = time.perf_counter()
+            chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in buffer)
+            elapsed_ms = (time.perf_counter() - t0) * 1000
+            monitor.record_effect("null_display", elapsed_ms, chars_in, chars_in)
+
+        self._frame_count += 1
+
+    def start_recording(self) -> None:
+        """Begin recording frames."""
+        self._is_recording = True
+        self._recorded_frames = []
+
+    def stop_recording(self) -> None:
+        """Stop recording frames."""
+        self._is_recording = False
+
+    def get_frames(self) -> list[list[str]]:
+        """Get recorded frames as list of buffers.
+
+        Returns:
+            List of buffers, each buffer is a list of strings (lines)
+        """
+        return [frame["buffer"] for frame in self._recorded_frames]
+
+    def get_recorded_data(self) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Get full recorded data including metadata.
+
+        Returns:
+            List of frame dicts with 'frame_number', 'buffer', 'width', 'height'
+        """
+        return self._recorded_frames
+
+    def clear_recording(self) -> None:
+        """Clear recorded frames."""
+        self._recorded_frames = []
+
+    def save_recording(self, filepath: str | Path) -> None:
+        """Save recorded frames to a JSON file.
+
+        Args:
+            filepath: Path to save the recording
+        """
+        path = Path(filepath)
+        data = {
+            "version": 1,
+            "display": "null",
+            "width": self.width,
+            "height": self.height,
+            "frame_count": len(self._recorded_frames),
+            "frames": self._recorded_frames,
+        }
+        path.write_text(json.dumps(data, indent=2))
+
+    def load_recording(self, filepath: str | Path) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Load recorded frames from a JSON file.
+
+        Args:
+            filepath: Path to load the recording from
+
+        Returns:
+            List of frame dicts
+        """
+        path = Path(filepath)
+        data = json.loads(path.read_text())
+        self._recorded_frames = data.get("frames", [])
+        self.width = data.get("width", 80)
+        self.height = data.get("height", 24)
+        return self._recorded_frames
+
+    def replay_frames(self) -> list[list[str]]:
+        """Get frames for replay.
+
+        Returns:
+            List of buffers for replay
+        """
+        return self.get_frames()
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current dimensions.
+
+        Returns:
+            (width, height) in character cells
+        """
+        return (self.width, self.height)
+
+    def is_quit_requested(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if quit was requested (optional protocol method)."""
+        return False
+
+    def clear_quit_request(self) -> None:
+        """Clear quit request (optional protocol method)."""
+        pass

engine/display/backends/pygame.py

@@ -0,0 +1,369 @@
+"""
+Pygame display backend - renders to a native application window.
+"""
+
+import time
+
+from engine.display.renderer import parse_ansi
+
+
+class PygameDisplay:
+    """Pygame display backend - renders to native window.
+
+    Supports reuse mode - when reuse=True, skips SDL initialization
+    and reuses the existing pygame window from a previous instance.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    window_width: int = 800
+    window_height: int = 600
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        cell_width: int = 10,
+        cell_height: int = 18,
+        window_width: int = 800,
+        window_height: int = 600,
+        target_fps: float = 30.0,
+    ):
+        self.width = 80
+        self.height = 24
+        self.cell_width = cell_width
+        self.cell_height = cell_height
+        self.window_width = window_width
+        self.window_height = window_height
+        self.target_fps = target_fps
+        self._initialized = False
+        self._pygame = None
+        self._screen = None
+        self._font = None
+        self._resized = False
+        self._quit_requested = False
+        self._last_frame_time = 0.0
+        self._frame_period = 1.0 / target_fps if target_fps > 0 else 0
+        self._glyph_cache = {}
+
+    def _get_font_path(self) -> str | None:
+        """Get font path for rendering."""
+        import os
+        import sys
+        from pathlib import Path
+
+        env_font = os.environ.get("MAINLINE_PYGAME_FONT")
+        if env_font and os.path.exists(env_font):
+            return env_font
+
+        def search_dir(base_path: str) -> str | None:
+            if not os.path.exists(base_path):
+                return None
+            if os.path.isfile(base_path):
+                return base_path
+            for font_file in Path(base_path).rglob("*"):
+                if font_file.suffix.lower() in (".ttf", ".otf", ".ttc"):
+                    name = font_file.stem.lower()
+                    if "geist" in name and ("nerd" in name or "mono" in name):
+                        return str(font_file)
+            return None
+
+        search_dirs = []
+        if sys.platform == "darwin":
+            search_dirs.append(os.path.expanduser("~/Library/Fonts/"))
+        elif sys.platform == "win32":
+            search_dirs.append(
+                os.path.expanduser("~\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Fonts\\")
+            )
+        else:
+            search_dirs.extend(
+                [
+                    os.path.expanduser("~/.local/share/fonts/"),
+                    os.path.expanduser("~/.fonts/"),
+                    "/usr/share/fonts/",
+                ]
+            )
+
+        for search_dir_path in search_dirs:
+            found = search_dir(search_dir_path)
+            if found:
+                return found
+
+        return None
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Terminal width in characters
+            height: Terminal height in rows
+            reuse: If True, attach to existing pygame window instead of creating new
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+
+        try:
+            import pygame
+        except ImportError:
+            return
+
+        if reuse and PygameDisplay._pygame_initialized:
+            self._pygame = pygame
+            self._initialized = True
+            return
+
+        pygame.init()
+        pygame.display.set_caption("Mainline")
+
+        self._screen = pygame.display.set_mode(
+            (self.window_width, self.window_height),
+            pygame.RESIZABLE,
+        )
+        self._pygame = pygame
+        PygameDisplay._pygame_initialized = True
+
+        # Calculate character dimensions from actual window size
+        self.width = max(1, self.window_width // self.cell_width)
+        self.height = max(1, self.window_height // self.cell_height)
+
+        font_path = self._get_font_path()
+        if font_path:
+            try:
+                self._font = pygame.font.Font(font_path, self.cell_height - 2)
+            except Exception:
+                self._font = pygame.font.SysFont("monospace", self.cell_height - 2)
+        else:
+            self._font = pygame.font.SysFont("monospace", self.cell_height - 2)
+
+        # Check if font supports box-drawing characters; if not, try to find one
+        self._use_fallback_border = False
+        if self._font:
+            try:
+                # Test rendering some key box-drawing characters
+                test_chars = ["┌", "─", "┐", "│", "└", "┘"]
+                for ch in test_chars:
+                    surf = self._font.render(ch, True, (255, 255, 255))
+                    # If surface is empty (width=0 or all black), font lacks glyph
+                    if surf.get_width() == 0:
+                        raise ValueError("Missing glyph")
+            except Exception:
+                # Font doesn't support box-drawing, will use line drawing fallback
+                self._use_fallback_border = True
+
+        self._initialized = True
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        if not self._initialized or not self._pygame:
+            return
+
+        t0 = time.perf_counter()
+
+        for event in self._pygame.event.get():
+            if event.type == self._pygame.QUIT:
+                self._quit_requested = True
+            elif event.type == self._pygame.KEYDOWN:
+                if event.key in (self._pygame.K_ESCAPE, self._pygame.K_c):
+                    if event.key == self._pygame.K_c and not (
+                        event.mod & self._pygame.KMOD_LCTRL
+                        or event.mod & self._pygame.KMOD_RCTRL
+                    ):
+                        continue
+                    self._quit_requested = True
+            elif event.type == self._pygame.VIDEORESIZE:
+                self.window_width = event.w
+                self.window_height = event.h
+                self.width = max(1, self.window_width // self.cell_width)
+                self.height = max(1, self.window_height // self.cell_height)
+                self._resized = True
+
+        # FPS limiting - skip frame if we're going too fast
+        if self._frame_period > 0:
+            now = time.perf_counter()
+            elapsed = now - self._last_frame_time
+            if elapsed < self._frame_period:
+                return  # Skip this frame
+            self._last_frame_time = now
+
+        # Get metrics for border display
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        from engine.display import get_monitor
+
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            stats = monitor.get_stats()
+            avg_ms = stats.get("pipeline", {}).get("avg_ms", 0) if stats else 0
+            frame_count = stats.get("frame_count", 0) if stats else 0
+            if avg_ms and frame_count > 0:
+                fps = 1000.0 / avg_ms
+                frame_time = avg_ms
+
+        self._screen.fill((0, 0, 0))
+
+        # If border requested but font lacks box-drawing glyphs, use graphical fallback
+        if border and self._use_fallback_border:
+            self._draw_fallback_border(fps, frame_time)
+            # Adjust content area to fit inside border
+            content_offset_x = self.cell_width
+            content_offset_y = self.cell_height
+            self.window_width - 2 * self.cell_width
+            self.window_height - 2 * self.cell_height
+        else:
+            # Normal rendering (with or without text border)
+            content_offset_x = 0
+            content_offset_y = 0
+
+            if border:
+                from engine.display import render_border
+
+                buffer = render_border(buffer, self.width, self.height, fps, frame_time)
+
+        blit_list = []
+
+        for row_idx, line in enumerate(buffer[: self.height]):
+            if row_idx >= self.height:
+                break
+
+            tokens = parse_ansi(line)
+            x_pos = content_offset_x
+
+            for text, fg, bg, _bold in tokens:
+                if not text:
+                    continue
+
+                # Use None as key for no background
+                bg_key = bg if bg != (0, 0, 0) else None
+                cache_key = (text, fg, bg_key)
+
+                if cache_key not in self._glyph_cache:
+                    # Render and cache
+                    if bg_key is not None:
+                        self._glyph_cache[cache_key] = self._font.render(
+                            text, True, fg, bg_key
+                        )
+                    else:
+                        self._glyph_cache[cache_key] = self._font.render(text, True, fg)
+
+                surface = self._glyph_cache[cache_key]
+                blit_list.append(
+                    (surface, (x_pos, content_offset_y + row_idx * self.cell_height))
+                )
+                x_pos += self._font.size(text)[0]
+
+        self._screen.blits(blit_list)
+
+        # Draw fallback border using graphics if needed
+        if border and self._use_fallback_border:
+            self._draw_fallback_border(fps, frame_time)
+
+        self._pygame.display.flip()
+
+        elapsed_ms = (time.perf_counter() - t0) * 1000
+
+        if monitor:
+            chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in buffer)
+            monitor.record_effect("pygame_display", elapsed_ms, chars_in, chars_in)
+
+    def _draw_fallback_border(self, fps: float, frame_time: float) -> None:
+        """Draw border using pygame graphics primitives instead of text."""
+        if not self._screen or not self._pygame:
+            return
+
+        # Colors
+        border_color = (0, 255, 0)  # Green (like terminal border)
+        text_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+        # Calculate dimensions
+        x1 = 0
+        y1 = 0
+        x2 = self.window_width - 1
+        y2 = self.window_height - 1
+
+        # Draw outer rectangle
+        self._pygame.draw.rect(
+            self._screen, border_color, (x1, y1, x2 - x1 + 1, y2 - y1 + 1), 1
+        )
+
+        # Draw top border with FPS
+        if fps > 0:
+            fps_text = f" FPS:{fps:.0f}"
+        else:
+            fps_text = ""
+        # We need to render this text with a fallback font that has basic ASCII
+        # Use system font which should have these characters
+        try:
+            font = self._font  # May not have box chars but should have alphanumeric
+            text_surf = font.render(fps_text, True, text_color, (0, 0, 0))
+            text_rect = text_surf.get_rect()
+            # Position on top border, right-aligned
+            text_x = x2 - text_rect.width - 5
+            text_y = y1 + 2
+            self._screen.blit(text_surf, (text_x, text_y))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        # Draw bottom border with frame time
+        if frame_time > 0:
+            ft_text = f" {frame_time:.1f}ms"
+            try:
+                ft_surf = self._font.render(ft_text, True, text_color, (0, 0, 0))
+                ft_rect = ft_surf.get_rect()
+                ft_x = x2 - ft_rect.width - 5
+                ft_y = y2 - ft_rect.height - 2
+                self._screen.blit(ft_surf, (ft_x, ft_y))
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        if self._screen and self._pygame:
+            self._screen.fill((0, 0, 0))
+            self._pygame.display.flip()
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current terminal dimensions based on window size.
+
+        Returns:
+            (width, height) in character cells
+        """
+        # Query actual window size and recalculate character cells
+        if self._screen and self._pygame:
+            try:
+                w, h = self._screen.get_size()
+                if w != self.window_width or h != self.window_height:
+                    self.window_width = w
+                    self.window_height = h
+                    self.width = max(1, w // self.cell_width)
+                    self.height = max(1, h // self.cell_height)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        return self.width, self.height
+
+    def cleanup(self, quit_pygame: bool = True) -> None:
+        """Cleanup display resources.
+
+        Args:
+            quit_pygame: If True, quit pygame entirely. Set to False when
+                        reusing the display to avoid closing shared window.
+        """
+        if quit_pygame and self._pygame:
+            self._pygame.quit()
+            PygameDisplay._pygame_initialized = False
+
+    @classmethod
+    def reset_state(cls) -> None:
+        """Reset pygame state - useful for testing."""
+        cls._pygame_initialized = False
+
+    def is_quit_requested(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if user requested quit (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+Q, or Escape).
+
+        Returns True if the user pressed Ctrl+C, Ctrl+Q, or Escape.
+        The main loop should check this and raise KeyboardInterrupt.
+        """
+        return self._quit_requested
+
+    def clear_quit_request(self) -> bool:
+        """Clear the quit request flag after handling.
+
+        Returns the previous quit request state.
+        """
+        was_requested = self._quit_requested
+        self._quit_requested = False
+        return was_requested

engine/display/backends/replay.py

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+"""
+Replay display backend - plays back recorded frames.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+
+class ReplayDisplay:
+    """Replay display - plays back recorded frames.
+
+    This display reads frames from a recording (list of frame data)
+    and yields them sequentially, useful for testing and demo purposes.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._frames: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+        self._current_frame = 0
+        self._playback_index = 0
+        self._loop = False
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Terminal width in characters
+            height: Terminal height in rows
+            reuse: Ignored for ReplayDisplay
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+
+    def set_frames(self, frames: list[dict[str, Any]]) -> None:
+        """Set frames to replay.
+
+        Args:
+            frames: List of frame dicts with 'buffer', 'width', 'height'
+        """
+        self._frames = frames
+        self._current_frame = 0
+        self._playback_index = 0
+
+    def set_loop(self, loop: bool) -> None:
+        """Set loop playback mode.
+
+        Args:
+            loop: True to loop, False to stop at end
+        """
+        self._loop = loop
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Display a frame (ignored in replay mode).
+
+        Args:
+            buffer: Buffer to display (ignored)
+            border: Border flag (ignored)
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def get_next_frame(self) -> list[str] | None:
+        """Get the next frame in the recording.
+
+        Returns:
+            Buffer list of strings, or None if playback is done
+        """
+        if not self._frames:
+            return None
+
+        if self._playback_index >= len(self._frames):
+            if self._loop:
+                self._playback_index = 0
+            else:
+                return None
+
+        frame = self._frames[self._playback_index]
+        self._playback_index += 1
+        return frame.get("buffer")
+
+    def reset(self) -> None:
+        """Reset playback to the beginning."""
+        self._playback_index = 0
+
+    def seek(self, index: int) -> None:
+        """Seek to a specific frame.
+
+        Args:
+            index: Frame index to seek to
+        """
+        if 0 <= index < len(self._frames):
+            self._playback_index = index
+
+    def is_finished(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if playback is finished.
+
+        Returns:
+            True if at end of frames and not looping
+        """
+        return not self._loop and self._playback_index >= len(self._frames)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current dimensions.
+
+        Returns:
+            (width, height) in character cells
+        """
+        return (self.width, self.height)
+
+    def is_quit_requested(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if quit was requested (optional protocol method)."""
+        return False
+
+    def clear_quit_request(self) -> None:
+        """Clear quit request (optional protocol method)."""
+        pass

engine/display/backends/terminal.py

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+"""
+ANSI terminal display backend.
+"""
+
+import os
+
+
+class TerminalDisplay:
+    """ANSI terminal display backend.
+
+    Renders buffer to stdout using ANSI escape codes.
+    Supports reuse - when reuse=True, skips re-initializing terminal state.
+    Auto-detects terminal dimensions on init.
+    """
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+    _initialized: bool = False
+
+    def __init__(self, target_fps: float = 30.0):
+        self.target_fps = target_fps
+        self._frame_period = 1.0 / target_fps if target_fps > 0 else 0
+        self._last_frame_time = 0.0
+        self._cached_dimensions: tuple[int, int] | None = None
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions.
+
+        If width/height are not provided (0/None), auto-detects terminal size.
+        Otherwise uses provided dimensions or falls back to terminal size
+        if the provided dimensions exceed terminal capacity.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Desired terminal width (0 = auto-detect)
+            height: Desired terminal height (0 = auto-detect)
+            reuse: If True, skip terminal re-initialization
+        """
+        from engine.terminal import CURSOR_OFF
+
+        # Auto-detect terminal size (handle case where no terminal)
+        try:
+            term_size = os.get_terminal_size()
+            term_width = term_size.columns
+            term_height = term_size.lines
+        except OSError:
+            # No terminal available (e.g., in tests)
+            term_width = width if width > 0 else 80
+            term_height = height if height > 0 else 24
+
+        # Use provided dimensions if valid, otherwise use terminal size
+        if width > 0 and height > 0:
+            self.width = min(width, term_width)
+            self.height = min(height, term_height)
+        else:
+            self.width = term_width
+            self.height = term_height
+
+        if not reuse or not self._initialized:
+            print(CURSOR_OFF, end="", flush=True)
+            self._initialized = True
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current terminal dimensions.
+
+        Returns cached dimensions to avoid querying terminal every frame,
+        which can cause inconsistent results. Dimensions are only refreshed
+        when they actually change.
+
+        Returns:
+            (width, height) in character cells
+        """
+        try:
+            term_size = os.get_terminal_size()
+            new_dims = (term_size.columns, term_size.lines)
+        except OSError:
+            new_dims = (self.width, self.height)
+
+        # Only update cached dimensions if they actually changed
+        if self._cached_dimensions is None or self._cached_dimensions != new_dims:
+            self._cached_dimensions = new_dims
+            self.width = new_dims[0]
+            self.height = new_dims[1]
+
+        return self._cached_dimensions
+
+    def show(
+        self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False, positioning: str = "mixed"
+    ) -> None:
+        """Display buffer with optional border and positioning mode.
+
+        Args:
+            buffer: List of lines to display
+            border: Whether to apply border
+            positioning: Positioning mode - "mixed" (default), "absolute", or "relative"
+        """
+        import sys
+
+        from engine.display import get_monitor, render_border
+
+        # Note: Frame rate limiting is handled by the caller (e.g., FrameTimer).
+        # This display renders every frame it receives.
+
+        # Get metrics for border display
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            stats = monitor.get_stats()
+            avg_ms = stats.get("pipeline", {}).get("avg_ms", 0) if stats else 0
+            frame_count = stats.get("frame_count", 0) if stats else 0
+            if avg_ms and frame_count > 0:
+                fps = 1000.0 / avg_ms
+                frame_time = avg_ms
+
+        # Apply border if requested
+        from engine.display import BorderMode
+
+        if border and border != BorderMode.OFF:
+            buffer = render_border(buffer, self.width, self.height, fps, frame_time)
+
+        # Apply positioning based on mode
+        if positioning == "absolute":
+            # All lines should have cursor positioning codes
+            # Join with newlines (cursor codes already in buffer)
+            output = "\033[H\033[J" + "\n".join(buffer)
+        elif positioning == "relative":
+            # Remove cursor positioning codes (except colors) and join with newlines
+            import re
+
+            cleaned_buffer = []
+            for line in buffer:
+                # Remove cursor positioning codes but keep color codes
+                # Pattern: \033[row;colH or \033[row;col;...H
+                cleaned = re.sub(r"\033\[[0-9;]*H", "", line)
+                cleaned_buffer.append(cleaned)
+            output = "\033[H\033[J" + "\n".join(cleaned_buffer)
+        else:  # mixed (default)
+            # Current behavior: join with newlines
+            # Effects that need absolute positioning have their own cursor codes
+            output = "\033[H\033[J" + "\n".join(buffer)
+
+        sys.stdout.buffer.write(output.encode())
+        sys.stdout.flush()
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        from engine.terminal import CLR
+
+        print(CLR, end="", flush=True)
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        from engine.terminal import CURSOR_ON
+
+        print(CURSOR_ON, end="", flush=True)
+
+    def is_quit_requested(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if quit was requested (optional protocol method)."""
+        return False
+
+    def clear_quit_request(self) -> None:
+        """Clear quit request (optional protocol method)."""
+        pass

engine/display/backends/websocket.py

@@ -0,0 +1,464 @@
+"""
+WebSocket display backend - broadcasts frame buffer to connected web clients.
+
+Supports streaming protocols:
+- Full frame (JSON) - default for compatibility
+- Binary streaming - efficient binary protocol
+- Diff streaming - only sends changed lines
+
+TODO: Transform to a true streaming backend with:
+- Proper WebSocket message streaming (currently sends full buffer each frame)
+- Connection pooling and backpressure handling
+- Binary protocol for efficiency (instead of JSON)
+- Client management with proper async handling
+- Mark for deprecation if replaced by a new streaming implementation
+
+Current implementation: Simple broadcast of text frames to all connected clients.
+"""
+
+import asyncio
+import base64
+import json
+import threading
+import time
+from enum import IntFlag
+
+from engine.display.streaming import (
+    MessageType,
+    compress_frame,
+    compute_diff,
+    encode_binary_message,
+    encode_diff_message,
+)
+
+
+class StreamingMode(IntFlag):
+    """Streaming modes for WebSocket display."""
+
+    JSON = 0x01  # Full JSON frames (default, compatible)
+    BINARY = 0x02  # Binary compression
+    DIFF = 0x04  # Differential updates
+
+
+try:
+    import websockets
+except ImportError:
+    websockets = None
+
+
+def get_monitor():
+    """Get the performance monitor."""
+    try:
+        from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor as _get_monitor
+
+        return _get_monitor()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+class WebSocketDisplay:
+    """WebSocket display backend - broadcasts to HTML Canvas clients."""
+
+    width: int = 80
+    height: int = 24
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        host: str = "0.0.0.0",
+        port: int = 8765,
+        http_port: int = 8766,
+        streaming_mode: StreamingMode = StreamingMode.JSON,
+    ):
+        self.host = host
+        self.port = port
+        self.http_port = http_port
+        self.width = 80
+        self.height = 24
+        self._clients: set = set()
+        self._server_running = False
+        self._http_running = False
+        self._server_thread: threading.Thread | None = None
+        self._http_thread: threading.Thread | None = None
+        self._available = True
+        self._max_clients = 10
+        self._client_connected_callback = None
+        self._client_disconnected_callback = None
+        self._command_callback = None
+        self._controller = None  # Reference to UI panel or pipeline controller
+        self._frame_delay = 0.0
+        self._httpd = None  # HTTP server instance
+
+        # Streaming configuration
+        self._streaming_mode = streaming_mode
+        self._last_buffer: list[str] = []
+        self._client_capabilities: dict = {}  # Track client capabilities
+
+        try:
+            import websockets as _ws
+
+            self._available = _ws is not None
+        except ImportError:
+            self._available = False
+
+    def is_available(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if WebSocket support is available."""
+        return self._available
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int, reuse: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions and start server.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Terminal width in characters
+            height: Terminal height in rows
+            reuse: If True, skip starting servers (assume already running)
+        """
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+
+        if not reuse or not self._server_running:
+            self.start_server()
+            self.start_http_server()
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str], border: bool = False) -> None:
+        """Broadcast buffer to all connected clients using streaming protocol."""
+        t0 = time.perf_counter()
+
+        # Get metrics for border display
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            stats = monitor.get_stats()
+            avg_ms = stats.get("pipeline", {}).get("avg_ms", 0) if stats else 0
+            frame_count = stats.get("frame_count", 0) if stats else 0
+            if avg_ms and frame_count > 0:
+                fps = 1000.0 / avg_ms
+                frame_time = avg_ms
+
+        # Apply border if requested
+        if border:
+            from engine.display import render_border
+
+            buffer = render_border(buffer, self.width, self.height, fps, frame_time)
+
+        if not self._clients:
+            self._last_buffer = buffer
+            return
+
+        # Send to each client based on their capabilities
+        disconnected = set()
+        for client in list(self._clients):
+            try:
+                client_id = id(client)
+                client_mode = self._client_capabilities.get(
+                    client_id, StreamingMode.JSON
+                )
+
+                if client_mode & StreamingMode.DIFF:
+                    self._send_diff_frame(client, buffer)
+                elif client_mode & StreamingMode.BINARY:
+                    self._send_binary_frame(client, buffer)
+                else:
+                    self._send_json_frame(client, buffer)
+            except Exception:
+                disconnected.add(client)
+
+        for client in disconnected:
+            self._clients.discard(client)
+            if self._client_disconnected_callback:
+                self._client_disconnected_callback(client)
+
+        self._last_buffer = buffer
+
+        elapsed_ms = (time.perf_counter() - t0) * 1000
+        if monitor:
+            chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in buffer)
+            monitor.record_effect("websocket_display", elapsed_ms, chars_in, chars_in)
+
+    def _send_json_frame(self, client, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        """Send frame as JSON."""
+        frame_data = {
+            "type": "frame",
+            "width": self.width,
+            "height": self.height,
+            "lines": buffer,
+        }
+        message = json.dumps(frame_data)
+        asyncio.run(client.send(message))
+
+    def _send_binary_frame(self, client, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        """Send frame as compressed binary."""
+        compressed = compress_frame(buffer)
+        message = encode_binary_message(
+            MessageType.FULL_FRAME, self.width, self.height, compressed
+        )
+        encoded = base64.b64encode(message).decode("utf-8")
+        asyncio.run(client.send(encoded))
+
+    def _send_diff_frame(self, client, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        """Send frame as diff."""
+        diff = compute_diff(self._last_buffer, buffer)
+
+        if not diff.changed_lines:
+            return
+
+        diff_payload = encode_diff_message(diff)
+        message = encode_binary_message(
+            MessageType.DIFF_FRAME, self.width, self.height, diff_payload
+        )
+        encoded = base64.b64encode(message).decode("utf-8")
+        asyncio.run(client.send(encoded))
+
+    def set_streaming_mode(self, mode: StreamingMode) -> None:
+        """Set the default streaming mode for new clients."""
+        self._streaming_mode = mode
+
+    def get_streaming_mode(self) -> StreamingMode:
+        """Get the current streaming mode."""
+        return self._streaming_mode
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Broadcast clear command to all clients."""
+        if self._clients:
+            clear_data = {"type": "clear"}
+            message = json.dumps(clear_data)
+            for client in list(self._clients):
+                try:
+                    asyncio.run(client.send(message))
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Stop the servers."""
+        self.stop_server()
+        self.stop_http_server()
+
+    async def _websocket_handler(self, websocket):
+        """Handle WebSocket connections."""
+        if len(self._clients) >= self._max_clients:
+            await websocket.close()
+            return
+
+        self._clients.add(websocket)
+        if self._client_connected_callback:
+            self._client_connected_callback(websocket)
+
+        try:
+            async for message in websocket:
+                try:
+                    data = json.loads(message)
+                    msg_type = data.get("type")
+
+                    if msg_type == "resize":
+                        self.width = data.get("width", 80)
+                        self.height = data.get("height", 24)
+                    elif msg_type == "command" and self._command_callback:
+                        # Forward commands to the pipeline controller
+                        command = data.get("command", {})
+                        self._command_callback(command)
+                    elif msg_type == "state_request":
+                        # Send current state snapshot
+                        state = self._get_state_snapshot()
+                        if state:
+                            response = {"type": "state", "state": state}
+                            await websocket.send(json.dumps(response))
+                except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                    pass
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        finally:
+            self._clients.discard(websocket)
+            if self._client_disconnected_callback:
+                self._client_disconnected_callback(websocket)
+
+    async def _run_websocket_server(self):
+        """Run the WebSocket server."""
+        if not websockets:
+            return
+        async with websockets.serve(self._websocket_handler, self.host, self.port):
+            while self._server_running:
+                await asyncio.sleep(0.1)
+
+    async def _run_http_server(self):
+        """Run simple HTTP server for the client."""
+        import os
+        from http.server import HTTPServer, SimpleHTTPRequestHandler
+
+        # Find the project root by locating 'engine' directory in the path
+        websocket_file = os.path.abspath(__file__)
+        parts = websocket_file.split(os.sep)
+        if "engine" in parts:
+            engine_idx = parts.index("engine")
+            project_root = os.sep.join(parts[:engine_idx])
+            client_dir = os.path.join(project_root, "client")
+        else:
+            # Fallback: go up 4 levels from websocket.py
+            # websocket.py: .../engine/display/backends/websocket.py
+            # We need: .../client
+            client_dir = os.path.join(
+                os.path.dirname(
+                    os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__)))
+                ),
+                "client",
+            )
+
+        class Handler(SimpleHTTPRequestHandler):
+            def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+                super().__init__(*args, directory=client_dir, **kwargs)
+
+            def log_message(self, format, *args):
+                pass
+
+        httpd = HTTPServer((self.host, self.http_port), Handler)
+        # Store reference for shutdown
+        self._httpd = httpd
+        # Serve requests continuously
+        httpd.serve_forever()
+
+    def _run_async(self, coro):
+        """Run coroutine in background."""
+        try:
+            asyncio.run(coro)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"WebSocket async error: {e}")
+
+    def start_server(self):
+        """Start the WebSocket server in a background thread."""
+        if not self._available:
+            return
+        if self._server_thread is not None:
+            return
+
+        self._server_running = True
+        self._server_thread = threading.Thread(
+            target=self._run_async, args=(self._run_websocket_server(),), daemon=True
+        )
+        self._server_thread.start()
+
+    def stop_server(self):
+        """Stop the WebSocket server."""
+        self._server_running = False
+        self._server_thread = None
+
+    def start_http_server(self):
+        """Start the HTTP server in a background thread."""
+        if not self._available:
+            return
+        if self._http_thread is not None:
+            return
+
+        self._http_running = True
+
+        self._http_running = True
+        self._http_thread = threading.Thread(
+            target=self._run_async, args=(self._run_http_server(),), daemon=True
+        )
+        self._http_thread.start()
+
+    def stop_http_server(self):
+        """Stop the HTTP server."""
+        self._http_running = False
+        if hasattr(self, "_httpd") and self._httpd:
+            self._httpd.shutdown()
+        self._http_thread = None
+
+    def client_count(self) -> int:
+        """Return number of connected clients."""
+        return len(self._clients)
+
+    def get_ws_port(self) -> int:
+        """Return WebSocket port."""
+        return self.port
+
+    def get_http_port(self) -> int:
+        """Return HTTP port."""
+        return self.http_port
+
+    def set_frame_delay(self, delay: float) -> None:
+        """Set delay between frames in seconds."""
+        self._frame_delay = delay
+
+    def get_frame_delay(self) -> float:
+        """Get delay between frames."""
+        return self._frame_delay
+
+    def set_client_connected_callback(self, callback) -> None:
+        """Set callback for client connections."""
+        self._client_connected_callback = callback
+
+    def set_client_disconnected_callback(self, callback) -> None:
+        """Set callback for client disconnections."""
+        self._client_disconnected_callback = callback
+
+    def set_command_callback(self, callback) -> None:
+        """Set callback for incoming command messages from clients."""
+        self._command_callback = callback
+
+    def set_controller(self, controller) -> None:
+        """Set controller (UI panel or pipeline) for state queries and command execution."""
+        self._controller = controller
+
+    def broadcast_state(self, state: dict) -> None:
+        """Broadcast state update to all connected clients.
+
+        Args:
+            state: Dictionary containing state data to send to clients
+        """
+        if not self._clients:
+            return
+
+        message = json.dumps({"type": "state", "state": state})
+
+        disconnected = set()
+        for client in list(self._clients):
+            try:
+                asyncio.run(client.send(message))
+            except Exception:
+                disconnected.add(client)
+
+        for client in disconnected:
+            self._clients.discard(client)
+            if self._client_disconnected_callback:
+                self._client_disconnected_callback(client)
+
+    def _get_state_snapshot(self) -> dict | None:
+        """Get current state snapshot from controller."""
+        if not self._controller:
+            return None
+
+        try:
+            # Expect controller to have methods we need
+            state = {}
+
+            # Get stages info if UIPanel
+            if hasattr(self._controller, "stages"):
+                state["stages"] = {
+                    name: {
+                        "enabled": ctrl.enabled,
+                        "params": ctrl.params,
+                        "selected": ctrl.selected,
+                    }
+                    for name, ctrl in self._controller.stages.items()
+                }
+
+            # Get current preset
+            if hasattr(self._controller, "_current_preset"):
+                state["preset"] = self._controller._current_preset
+            if hasattr(self._controller, "_presets"):
+                state["presets"] = self._controller._presets
+
+            # Get selected stage
+            if hasattr(self._controller, "selected_stage"):
+                state["selected_stage"] = self._controller.selected_stage
+
+            return state
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+
+    def get_dimensions(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
+        """Get current dimensions.
+
+        Returns:
+            (width, height) in character cells
+        """
+        return (self.width, self.height)

engine/display/renderer.py

@@ -0,0 +1,280 @@
+"""
+Shared display rendering utilities.
+
+Provides common functionality for displays that render text to images
+(Pygame, Sixel, Kitty displays).
+"""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+ANSI_COLORS = {
+    0: (0, 0, 0),
+    1: (205, 49, 49),
+    2: (13, 188, 121),
+    3: (229, 229, 16),
+    4: (36, 114, 200),
+    5: (188, 63, 188),
+    6: (17, 168, 205),
+    7: (229, 229, 229),
+    8: (102, 102, 102),
+    9: (241, 76, 76),
+    10: (35, 209, 139),
+    11: (245, 245, 67),
+    12: (59, 142, 234),
+    13: (214, 112, 214),
+    14: (41, 184, 219),
+    15: (255, 255, 255),
+}
+
+
+def parse_ansi(
+    text: str,
+) -> list[tuple[str, tuple[int, int, int], tuple[int, int, int], bool]]:
+    """Parse ANSI escape sequences into text tokens with colors.
+
+    Args:
+        text: Text containing ANSI escape sequences
+
+    Returns:
+        List of (text, fg_rgb, bg_rgb, bold) tuples
+    """
+    tokens = []
+    current_text = ""
+    fg = (204, 204, 204)
+    bg = (0, 0, 0)
+    bold = False
+    i = 0
+
+    ANSI_COLORS_4BIT = {
+        0: (0, 0, 0),
+        1: (205, 49, 49),
+        2: (13, 188, 121),
+        3: (229, 229, 16),
+        4: (36, 114, 200),
+        5: (188, 63, 188),
+        6: (17, 168, 205),
+        7: (229, 229, 229),
+        8: (102, 102, 102),
+        9: (241, 76, 76),
+        10: (35, 209, 139),
+        11: (245, 245, 67),
+        12: (59, 142, 234),
+        13: (214, 112, 214),
+        14: (41, 184, 219),
+        15: (255, 255, 255),
+    }
+
+    while i < len(text):
+        char = text[i]
+
+        if char == "\x1b" and i + 1 < len(text) and text[i + 1] == "[":
+            if current_text:
+                tokens.append((current_text, fg, bg, bold))
+                current_text = ""
+
+            i += 2
+            code = ""
+            while i < len(text):
+                c = text[i]
+                if c.isalpha():
+                    break
+                code += c
+                i += 1
+
+            if code:
+                codes = code.split(";")
+                for c in codes:
+                    if c == "0":
+                        fg = (204, 204, 204)
+                        bg = (0, 0, 0)
+                        bold = False
+                    elif c == "1":
+                        bold = True
+                    elif c == "22":
+                        bold = False
+                    elif c == "39":
+                        fg = (204, 204, 204)
+                    elif c == "49":
+                        bg = (0, 0, 0)
+                    elif c.isdigit():
+                        color_idx = int(c)
+                        if color_idx in ANSI_COLORS_4BIT:
+                            fg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT[color_idx]
+                        elif 30 <= color_idx <= 37:
+                            fg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(color_idx - 30, fg)
+                        elif 40 <= color_idx <= 47:
+                            bg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(color_idx - 40, bg)
+                        elif 90 <= color_idx <= 97:
+                            fg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(color_idx - 90 + 8, fg)
+                        elif 100 <= color_idx <= 107:
+                            bg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(color_idx - 100 + 8, bg)
+                    elif c.startswith("38;5;"):
+                        idx = int(c.split(";")[-1])
+                        if idx < 256:
+                            if idx < 16:
+                                fg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(idx, fg)
+                            elif idx < 232:
+                                c_idx = idx - 16
+                                fg = (
+                                    (c_idx >> 4) * 51,
+                                    ((c_idx >> 2) & 7) * 51,
+                                    (c_idx & 3) * 85,
+                                )
+                            else:
+                                gray = (idx - 232) * 10 + 8
+                                fg = (gray, gray, gray)
+                    elif c.startswith("48;5;"):
+                        idx = int(c.split(";")[-1])
+                        if idx < 256:
+                            if idx < 16:
+                                bg = ANSI_COLORS_4BIT.get(idx, bg)
+                            elif idx < 232:
+                                c_idx = idx - 16
+                                bg = (
+                                    (c_idx >> 4) * 51,
+                                    ((c_idx >> 2) & 7) * 51,
+                                    (c_idx & 3) * 85,
+                                )
+                            else:
+                                gray = (idx - 232) * 10 + 8
+                                bg = (gray, gray, gray)
+            i += 1
+        else:
+            current_text += char
+            i += 1
+
+    if current_text:
+        tokens.append((current_text, fg, bg, bold))
+
+    return tokens if tokens else [("", fg, bg, bold)]
+
+
+def get_default_font_path() -> str | None:
+    """Get the path to a default monospace font."""
+    import os
+    import sys
+    from pathlib import Path
+
+    def search_dir(base_path: str) -> str | None:
+        if not os.path.exists(base_path):
+            return None
+        if os.path.isfile(base_path):
+            return base_path
+        for font_file in Path(base_path).rglob("*"):
+            if font_file.suffix.lower() in (".ttf", ".otf", ".ttc"):
+                name = font_file.stem.lower()
+                if "geist" in name and ("nerd" in name or "mono" in name):
+                    return str(font_file)
+                if "mono" in name or "courier" in name or "terminal" in name:
+                    return str(font_file)
+        return None
+
+    search_dirs = []
+    if sys.platform == "darwin":
+        search_dirs.extend(
+            [
+                os.path.expanduser("~/Library/Fonts/"),
+                "/System/Library/Fonts/",
+            ]
+        )
+    elif sys.platform == "win32":
+        search_dirs.extend(
+            [
+                os.path.expanduser("~\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Fonts\\"),
+                "C:\\Windows\\Fonts\\",
+            ]
+        )
+    else:
+        search_dirs.extend(
+            [
+                os.path.expanduser("~/.local/share/fonts/"),
+                os.path.expanduser("~/.fonts/"),
+                "/usr/share/fonts/",
+            ]
+        )
+
+    for search_dir_path in search_dirs:
+        found = search_dir(search_dir_path)
+        if found:
+            return found
+
+    if sys.platform != "win32":
+        try:
+            import subprocess
+
+            for pattern in ["monospace", "DejaVuSansMono", "LiberationMono"]:
+                result = subprocess.run(
+                    ["fc-match", "-f", "%{file}", pattern],
+                    capture_output=True,
+                    text=True,
+                    timeout=5,
+                )
+                if result.returncode == 0 and result.stdout.strip():
+                    font_file = result.stdout.strip()
+                    if os.path.exists(font_file):
+                        return font_file
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    return None
+
+
+def render_to_pil(
+    buffer: list[str],
+    width: int,
+    height: int,
+    cell_width: int = 10,
+    cell_height: int = 18,
+    font_path: str | None = None,
+) -> Any:
+    """Render buffer to a PIL Image.
+
+    Args:
+        buffer: List of text lines to render
+        width: Terminal width in characters
+        height: Terminal height in rows
+        cell_width: Width of each character cell in pixels
+        cell_height: Height of each character cell in pixels
+        font_path: Path to TTF/OTF font file (optional)
+
+    Returns:
+        PIL Image object
+    """
+    from PIL import Image, ImageDraw, ImageFont
+
+    img_width = width * cell_width
+    img_height = height * cell_height
+
+    img = Image.new("RGBA", (img_width, img_height), (0, 0, 0, 255))
+    draw = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+
+    if font_path:
+        try:
+            font = ImageFont.truetype(font_path, cell_height - 2)
+        except Exception:
+            font = ImageFont.load_default()
+    else:
+        font = ImageFont.load_default()
+
+    for row_idx, line in enumerate(buffer[:height]):
+        if row_idx >= height:
+            break
+
+        tokens = parse_ansi(line)
+        x_pos = 0
+        y_pos = row_idx * cell_height
+
+        for text, fg, bg, _bold in tokens:
+            if not text:
+                continue
+
+            if bg != (0, 0, 0):
+                bbox = draw.textbbox((x_pos, y_pos), text, font=font)
+                draw.rectangle(bbox, fill=(*bg, 255))
+
+            draw.text((x_pos, y_pos), text, fill=(*fg, 255), font=font)
+
+            if font:
+                x_pos += draw.textlength(text, font=font)
+
+    return img

engine/display/streaming.py

@@ -0,0 +1,268 @@
+"""
+Streaming protocol utilities for efficient frame transmission.
+
+Provides:
+- Frame differencing: Only send changed lines
+- Run-length encoding: Compress repeated lines
+- Binary encoding: Compact message format
+"""
+
+import json
+import zlib
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import IntEnum
+
+
+class MessageType(IntEnum):
+    """Message types for streaming protocol."""
+
+    FULL_FRAME = 1
+    DIFF_FRAME = 2
+    STATE = 3
+    CLEAR = 4
+    PING = 5
+    PONG = 6
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FrameDiff:
+    """Represents a diff between two frames."""
+
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    changed_lines: list[tuple[int, str]]  # (line_index, content)
+
+
+def compute_diff(old_buffer: list[str], new_buffer: list[str]) -> FrameDiff:
+    """Compute differences between old and new buffer.
+
+    Args:
+        old_buffer: Previous frame buffer
+        new_buffer: Current frame buffer
+
+    Returns:
+        FrameDiff with only changed lines
+    """
+    height = len(new_buffer)
+    changed_lines = []
+
+    for i, line in enumerate(new_buffer):
+        if i >= len(old_buffer) or line != old_buffer[i]:
+            changed_lines.append((i, line))
+
+    return FrameDiff(
+        width=len(new_buffer[0]) if new_buffer else 0,
+        height=height,
+        changed_lines=changed_lines,
+    )
+
+
+def encode_rle(lines: list[tuple[int, str]]) -> list[tuple[int, str, int]]:
+    """Run-length encode consecutive identical lines.
+
+    Args:
+        lines: List of (index, content) tuples (must be sorted by index)
+
+    Returns:
+        List of (start_index, content, run_length) tuples
+    """
+    if not lines:
+        return []
+
+    encoded = []
+    start_idx = lines[0][0]
+    current_line = lines[0][1]
+    current_rle = 1
+
+    for idx, line in lines[1:]:
+        if line == current_line:
+            current_rle += 1
+        else:
+            encoded.append((start_idx, current_line, current_rle))
+            start_idx = idx
+            current_line = line
+            current_rle = 1
+
+    encoded.append((start_idx, current_line, current_rle))
+    return encoded
+
+
+def decode_rle(encoded: list[tuple[int, str, int]]) -> list[tuple[int, str]]:
+    """Decode run-length encoded lines.
+
+    Args:
+        encoded: List of (start_index, content, run_length) tuples
+
+    Returns:
+        List of (index, content) tuples
+    """
+    result = []
+    for start_idx, line, rle in encoded:
+        for i in range(rle):
+            result.append((start_idx + i, line))
+    return result
+
+
+def compress_frame(buffer: list[str], level: int = 6) -> bytes:
+    """Compress a frame buffer using zlib.
+
+    Args:
+        buffer: Frame buffer (list of lines)
+        level: Compression level (0-9)
+
+    Returns:
+        Compressed bytes
+    """
+    content = "\n".join(buffer)
+    return zlib.compress(content.encode("utf-8"), level)
+
+
+def decompress_frame(data: bytes, height: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Decompress a frame buffer.
+
+    Args:
+        data: Compressed bytes
+        height: Number of lines in original buffer
+
+    Returns:
+        Frame buffer (list of lines)
+    """
+    content = zlib.decompress(data).decode("utf-8")
+    lines = content.split("\n")
+    if len(lines) > height:
+        lines = lines[:height]
+    while len(lines) < height:
+        lines.append("")
+    return lines
+
+
+def encode_binary_message(
+    msg_type: MessageType, width: int, height: int, payload: bytes
+) -> bytes:
+    """Encode a binary message.
+
+    Message format:
+    - 1 byte: message type
+    - 2 bytes: width (uint16)
+    - 2 bytes: height (uint16)
+    - 4 bytes: payload length (uint32)
+    - N bytes: payload
+
+    Args:
+        msg_type: Message type
+        width: Frame width
+        height: Frame height
+        payload: Message payload
+
+    Returns:
+        Encoded binary message
+    """
+    import struct
+
+    header = struct.pack("!BHHI", msg_type.value, width, height, len(payload))
+    return header + payload
+
+
+def decode_binary_message(data: bytes) -> tuple[MessageType, int, int, bytes]:
+    """Decode a binary message.
+
+    Args:
+        data: Binary message data
+
+    Returns:
+        Tuple of (msg_type, width, height, payload)
+    """
+    import struct
+
+    msg_type_val, width, height, payload_len = struct.unpack("!BHHI", data[:9])
+    payload = data[9 : 9 + payload_len]
+    return MessageType(msg_type_val), width, height, payload
+
+
+def encode_diff_message(diff: FrameDiff, use_rle: bool = True) -> bytes:
+    """Encode a diff message for transmission.
+
+    Args:
+        diff: Frame diff
+        use_rle: Whether to use run-length encoding
+
+    Returns:
+        Encoded diff payload
+    """
+
+    if use_rle:
+        encoded_lines = encode_rle(diff.changed_lines)
+        data = [[idx, line, rle] for idx, line, rle in encoded_lines]
+    else:
+        data = [[idx, line] for idx, line in diff.changed_lines]
+
+    payload = json.dumps(data).encode("utf-8")
+    return payload
+
+
+def decode_diff_message(payload: bytes, use_rle: bool = True) -> list[tuple[int, str]]:
+    """Decode a diff message.
+
+    Args:
+        payload: Encoded diff payload
+        use_rle: Whether run-length encoding was used
+
+    Returns:
+        List of (line_index, content) tuples
+    """
+
+    data = json.loads(payload.decode("utf-8"))
+
+    if use_rle:
+        return decode_rle([(idx, line, rle) for idx, line, rle in data])
+    else:
+        return [(idx, line) for idx, line in data]
+
+
+def should_use_diff(
+    old_buffer: list[str], new_buffer: list[str], threshold: float = 0.3
+) -> bool:
+    """Determine if diff or full frame is more efficient.
+
+    Args:
+        old_buffer: Previous frame
+        new_buffer: Current frame
+        threshold: Max changed ratio to use diff (0.0-1.0)
+
+    Returns:
+        True if diff is more efficient
+    """
+    if not old_buffer or not new_buffer:
+        return False
+
+    diff = compute_diff(old_buffer, new_buffer)
+    total_lines = len(new_buffer)
+    changed_ratio = len(diff.changed_lines) / total_lines if total_lines > 0 else 1.0
+
+    return changed_ratio <= threshold
+
+
+def apply_diff(old_buffer: list[str], diff: FrameDiff) -> list[str]:
+    """Apply a diff to an old buffer to get the new buffer.
+
+    Args:
+        old_buffer: Previous frame buffer
+        diff: Frame diff to apply
+
+    Returns:
+        New frame buffer
+    """
+    new_buffer = list(old_buffer)
+
+    for line_idx, content in diff.changed_lines:
+        if line_idx < len(new_buffer):
+            new_buffer[line_idx] = content
+        else:
+            while len(new_buffer) < line_idx:
+                new_buffer.append("")
+            new_buffer.append(content)
+
+    while len(new_buffer) < diff.height:
+        new_buffer.append("")
+
+    return new_buffer[: diff.height]

engine/effects/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+from engine.effects.chain import EffectChain
+from engine.effects.controller import handle_effects_command, show_effects_menu
+from engine.effects.legacy import (
+    fade_line,
+    firehose_line,
+    glitch_bar,
+    next_headline,
+    noise,
+    vis_offset,
+    vis_trunc,
+)
+from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor, get_monitor, set_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import EffectRegistry, get_registry, set_registry
+from engine.effects.types import (
+    EffectConfig,
+    EffectContext,
+    PipelineConfig,
+    create_effect_context,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    "EffectChain",
+    "EffectRegistry",
+    "EffectConfig",
+    "EffectContext",
+    "PipelineConfig",
+    "create_effect_context",
+    "get_registry",
+    "set_registry",
+    "get_monitor",
+    "set_monitor",
+    "PerformanceMonitor",
+    "handle_effects_command",
+    "show_effects_menu",
+    "fade_line",
+    "firehose_line",
+    "glitch_bar",
+    "noise",
+    "next_headline",
+    "vis_trunc",
+    "vis_offset",
+]

engine/effects/chain.py

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+import time
+
+from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor, get_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import EffectRegistry
+from engine.effects.types import EffectContext, PartialUpdate
+
+
+class EffectChain:
+    def __init__(
+        self, registry: EffectRegistry, monitor: PerformanceMonitor | None = None
+    ):
+        self._registry = registry
+        self._order: list[str] = []
+        self._monitor = monitor
+
+    def _get_monitor(self) -> PerformanceMonitor:
+        if self._monitor is not None:
+            return self._monitor
+        return get_monitor()
+
+    def set_order(self, names: list[str]) -> None:
+        self._order = list(names)
+
+    def get_order(self) -> list[str]:
+        return self._order.copy()
+
+    def add_effect(self, name: str, position: int | None = None) -> bool:
+        if name not in self._registry.list_all():
+            return False
+        if position is None:
+            self._order.append(name)
+        else:
+            self._order.insert(position, name)
+        return True
+
+    def remove_effect(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        if name in self._order:
+            self._order.remove(name)
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def reorder(self, new_order: list[str]) -> bool:
+        all_plugins = set(self._registry.list_all().keys())
+        if not all(name in all_plugins for name in new_order):
+            return False
+        self._order = list(new_order)
+        return True
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        monitor = self._get_monitor()
+        frame_number = ctx.frame_number
+        monitor.start_frame(frame_number)
+
+        # Get dirty regions from canvas via context (set by CanvasStage)
+        dirty_rows = ctx.get_state("canvas.dirty_rows")
+
+        # Create PartialUpdate for effects that support it
+        full_buffer = dirty_rows is None or len(dirty_rows) == 0
+        partial = PartialUpdate(
+            rows=None,
+            cols=None,
+            dirty=dirty_rows,
+            full_buffer=full_buffer,
+        )
+
+        frame_start = time.perf_counter()
+        result = list(buf)
+        for name in self._order:
+            plugin = self._registry.get(name)
+            if plugin and plugin.config.enabled:
+                chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in result)
+                effect_start = time.perf_counter()
+                try:
+                    # Use process_partial if supported, otherwise fall back to process
+                    if getattr(plugin, "supports_partial_updates", False):
+                        result = plugin.process_partial(result, ctx, partial)
+                    else:
+                        result = plugin.process(result, ctx)
+                except Exception:
+                    plugin.config.enabled = False
+                elapsed = time.perf_counter() - effect_start
+                chars_out = sum(len(line) for line in result)
+                monitor.record_effect(name, elapsed * 1000, chars_in, chars_out)
+
+        total_elapsed = time.perf_counter() - frame_start
+        monitor.end_frame(frame_number, total_elapsed * 1000)
+        return result

engine/effects/controller.py

@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import get_registry
+
+_effect_chain_ref = None
+
+
+def _get_effect_chain():
+    global _effect_chain_ref
+    return _effect_chain_ref
+
+
+def set_effect_chain_ref(chain) -> None:
+    global _effect_chain_ref
+    _effect_chain_ref = chain
+
+
+def handle_effects_command(cmd: str) -> str:
+    """Handle /effects command from NTFY message.
+
+    Commands:
+        /effects list - list all effects and their status
+        /effects <name> on - enable an effect
+        /effects <name> off - disable an effect
+        /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0> - set intensity
+        /effects reorder <name1>,<name2>,... - reorder pipeline
+        /effects stats - show performance statistics
+    """
+    parts = cmd.strip().split()
+    if not parts or parts[0] != "/effects":
+        return "Unknown command"
+
+    registry = get_registry()
+    chain = _get_effect_chain()
+
+    if len(parts) == 1 or parts[1] == "list":
+        result = ["Effects:"]
+        for name, plugin in registry.list_all().items():
+            status = "ON" if plugin.config.enabled else "OFF"
+            intensity = plugin.config.intensity
+            result.append(f"  {name}: {status} (intensity={intensity})")
+        if chain:
+            result.append(f"Order: {chain.get_order()}")
+        return "\n".join(result)
+
+    if parts[1] == "stats":
+        return _format_stats()
+
+    if parts[1] == "reorder" and len(parts) >= 3:
+        new_order = parts[2].split(",")
+        if chain and chain.reorder(new_order):
+            return f"Reordered pipeline: {new_order}"
+        return "Failed to reorder pipeline"
+
+    if len(parts) < 3:
+        return "Usage: /effects <name> on|off|intensity <value>"
+
+    effect_name = parts[1]
+    action = parts[2]
+
+    if effect_name not in registry.list_all():
+        return f"Unknown effect: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "on":
+        registry.enable(effect_name)
+        return f"Enabled: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "off":
+        registry.disable(effect_name)
+        return f"Disabled: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "intensity" and len(parts) >= 4:
+        try:
+            value = float(parts[3])
+            if not 0.0 <= value <= 1.0:
+                return "Intensity must be between 0.0 and 1.0"
+            plugin = registry.get(effect_name)
+            if plugin:
+                plugin.config.intensity = value
+                return f"Set {effect_name} intensity to {value}"
+        except ValueError:
+            return "Invalid intensity value"
+
+    return f"Unknown action: {action}"
+
+
+def _format_stats() -> str:
+    monitor = get_monitor()
+    stats = monitor.get_stats()
+
+    if "error" in stats:
+        return stats["error"]
+
+    lines = ["Performance Stats:"]
+
+    pipeline = stats["pipeline"]
+    lines.append(
+        f"  Pipeline: avg={pipeline['avg_ms']:.2f}ms min={pipeline['min_ms']:.2f}ms max={pipeline['max_ms']:.2f}ms (over {stats['frame_count']} frames)"
+    )
+
+    if stats["effects"]:
+        lines.append("  Per-effect (avg ms):")
+        for name, effect_stats in stats["effects"].items():
+            lines.append(
+                f"    {name}: avg={effect_stats['avg_ms']:.2f}ms min={effect_stats['min_ms']:.2f}ms max={effect_stats['max_ms']:.2f}ms"
+            )
+
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+def show_effects_menu() -> str:
+    """Generate effects menu text for display."""
+    registry = get_registry()
+    chain = _get_effect_chain()
+
+    lines = [
+        "\033[1;38;5;231m=== EFFECTS MENU ===\033[0m",
+        "",
+        "Effects:",
+    ]
+
+    for name, plugin in registry.list_all().items():
+        status = "ON" if plugin.config.enabled else "OFF"
+        intensity = plugin.config.intensity
+        lines.append(f"  [{status:3}] {name}: intensity={intensity:.2f}")
+
+    if chain:
+        lines.append("")
+        lines.append(f"Pipeline order: {' -> '.join(chain.get_order())}")
+
+    lines.append("")
+    lines.append("Controls:")
+    lines.append("  /effects <name> on|off")
+    lines.append("  /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0>")
+    lines.append("  /effects reorder name1,name2,...")
+    lines.append("")
+
+    return "\n".join(lines)

engine/effects/legacy.py

@@ -1,14 +1,22 @@
 """
 Visual effects: noise, glitch, fade, ANSI-aware truncation, firehose, headline pool.
 Depends on: config, terminal, sources.
+
+These are low-level functional implementations of visual effects. They are used
+internally by the EffectPlugin system (effects_plugins/*.py) and also directly
+by layers.py and scroll.py for rendering.
+
+The plugin system provides a higher-level OOP interface with configuration
+support, while these legacy functions provide direct functional access.
+Both systems coexist - there are no current plans to deprecate the legacy functions.
 """
 
 import random
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from engine import config
-from engine.terminal import RST, DIM, G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST, C_DIM
 from engine.sources import FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST, W_GHOST
 
 
 def noise(w):
@@ -34,23 +42,23 @@ def fade_line(s, fade):
     if fade >= 1.0:
         return s
     if fade <= 0.0:
-        return ''
+        return ""
     result = []
     i = 0
     while i < len(s):
-        if s[i] == '\033' and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == '[':
+        if s[i] == "\033" and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == "[":
             j = i + 2
             while j < len(s) and not s[j].isalpha():
                 j += 1
-            result.append(s[i:j + 1])
+            result.append(s[i : j + 1])
             i = j + 1
-        elif s[i] == ' ':
+        elif s[i] == " ":
-            result.append(' ')
+            result.append(" ")
             i += 1
         else:
-            result.append(s[i] if random.random() < fade else ' ')
+            result.append(s[i] if random.random() < fade else " ")
             i += 1
-    return ''.join(result)
+    return "".join(result)
 
 
 def vis_trunc(s, w):
@@ -61,17 +69,48 @@ def vis_trunc(s, w):
     while i < len(s):
         if vw >= w:
             break
-        if s[i] == '\033' and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == '[':
+        if s[i] == "\033" and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == "[":
             j = i + 2
             while j < len(s) and not s[j].isalpha():
                 j += 1
-            result.append(s[i:j + 1])
+            result.append(s[i : j + 1])
             i = j + 1
         else:
             result.append(s[i])
             vw += 1
             i += 1
-    return ''.join(result)
+    return "".join(result)
+
+
+def vis_offset(s, offset):
+    """Offset string by skipping first offset visual characters, skipping ANSI escape codes."""
+    if offset <= 0:
+        return s
+    result = []
+    vw = 0
+    i = 0
+    skipping = True
+    while i < len(s):
+        if s[i] == "\033" and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == "[":
+            j = i + 2
+            while j < len(s) and not s[j].isalpha():
+                j += 1
+            if skipping:
+                i = j + 1
+                continue
+            result.append(s[i : j + 1])
+            i = j + 1
+        else:
+            if skipping:
+                if vw >= offset:
+                    skipping = False
+                    result.append(s[i])
+                vw += 1
+                i += 1
+            else:
+                result.append(s[i])
+                i += 1
+    return "".join(result)
 
 
 def next_headline(pool, items, seen):
@@ -94,7 +133,7 @@ def firehose_line(items, w):
     if r < 0.35:
         # Raw headline text
         title, src, ts = random.choice(items)
-        text = title[:w - 1]
+        text = title[: w - 1]
         color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST, C_DIM])
         return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
     elif r < 0.55:
@@ -103,12 +142,13 @@ def firehose_line(items, w):
         return "".join(
             f"{random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, C_DIM, W_GHOST])}"
             f"{random.choice(config.GLITCH + config.KATA)}{RST}"
-            if random.random() < d else " "
+            if random.random() < d
+            else " "
             for _ in range(w)
         )
     elif r < 0.78:
         # Status / program output
-        sources = FEEDS if config.MODE == 'news' else POETRY_SOURCES
+        sources = FEEDS if config.MODE == "news" else POETRY_SOURCES
         src = random.choice(list(sources.keys()))
         msgs = [
             f"  SIGNAL :: {src} :: {datetime.now().strftime('%H:%M:%S.%f')[:-3]}",
@@ -118,16 +158,16 @@ def firehose_line(items, w):
             f"  {''.join(random.choice(config.KATA) for _ in range(3))} STRM "
             f"{random.randint(0, 255):02X}:{random.randint(0, 255):02X}",
         ]
-        text = random.choice(msgs)[:w - 1]
+        text = random.choice(msgs)[: w - 1]
         color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST])
         return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
     else:
         # Headline fragment with glitch prefix
         title, _, _ = random.choice(items)
         start = random.randint(0, max(0, len(title) - 20))
-        frag = title[start:start + random.randint(10, 35)]
+        frag = title[start : start + random.randint(10, 35)]
         pad = random.randint(0, max(0, w - len(frag) - 8))
-        gp = ''.join(random.choice(config.GLITCH) for _ in range(random.randint(1, 3)))
+        gp = "".join(random.choice(config.GLITCH) for _ in range(random.randint(1, 3)))
-        text = (' ' * pad + gp + ' ' + frag)[:w - 1]
+        text = (" " * pad + gp + " " + frag)[: w - 1]
         color = random.choice([G_LO, C_DIM, W_GHOST])
         return f"{color}{text}{RST}"

engine/effects/performance.py

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+from collections import deque
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectTiming:
+    name: str
+    duration_ms: float
+    buffer_chars_in: int
+    buffer_chars_out: int
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FrameTiming:
+    frame_number: int
+    total_ms: float
+    effects: list[EffectTiming]
+
+
+class PerformanceMonitor:
+    """Collects and stores performance metrics for effect pipeline."""
+
+    def __init__(self, max_frames: int = 60):
+        self._max_frames = max_frames
+        self._frames: deque[FrameTiming] = deque(maxlen=max_frames)
+        self._current_frame: list[EffectTiming] = []
+
+    def start_frame(self, frame_number: int) -> None:
+        self._current_frame = []
+
+    def record_effect(
+        self, name: str, duration_ms: float, chars_in: int, chars_out: int
+    ) -> None:
+        self._current_frame.append(
+            EffectTiming(
+                name=name,
+                duration_ms=duration_ms,
+                buffer_chars_in=chars_in,
+                buffer_chars_out=chars_out,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def end_frame(self, frame_number: int, total_ms: float) -> None:
+        self._frames.append(
+            FrameTiming(
+                frame_number=frame_number,
+                total_ms=total_ms,
+                effects=self._current_frame,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def get_stats(self) -> dict:
+        if not self._frames:
+            return {"error": "No timing data available"}
+
+        total_times = [f.total_ms for f in self._frames]
+        avg_total = sum(total_times) / len(total_times)
+        min_total = min(total_times)
+        max_total = max(total_times)
+
+        effect_stats: dict[str, dict] = {}
+        for frame in self._frames:
+            for effect in frame.effects:
+                if effect.name not in effect_stats:
+                    effect_stats[effect.name] = {"times": [], "total_chars": 0}
+                effect_stats[effect.name]["times"].append(effect.duration_ms)
+                effect_stats[effect.name]["total_chars"] += effect.buffer_chars_out
+
+        for name, stats in effect_stats.items():
+            times = stats["times"]
+            stats["avg_ms"] = sum(times) / len(times)
+            stats["min_ms"] = min(times)
+            stats["max_ms"] = max(times)
+            del stats["times"]
+
+        return {
+            "frame_count": len(self._frames),
+            "pipeline": {
+                "avg_ms": avg_total,
+                "min_ms": min_total,
+                "max_ms": max_total,
+            },
+            "effects": effect_stats,
+        }
+
+    def reset(self) -> None:
+        self._frames.clear()
+        self._current_frame = []
+
+
+_monitor: PerformanceMonitor | None = None
+
+
+def get_monitor() -> PerformanceMonitor:
+    global _monitor
+    if _monitor is None:
+        _monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+    return _monitor
+
+
+def set_monitor(monitor: PerformanceMonitor) -> None:
+    global _monitor
+    _monitor = monitor

engine/effects/plugins/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+from pathlib import Path
+
+PLUGIN_DIR = Path(__file__).parent
+
+
+def discover_plugins():
+    from engine.effects.registry import get_registry
+    from engine.effects.types import EffectPlugin
+
+    registry = get_registry()
+    imported = {}
+
+    for file_path in PLUGIN_DIR.glob("*.py"):
+        if file_path.name.startswith("_"):
+            continue
+        module_name = file_path.stem
+        if module_name in ("base", "types"):
+            continue
+
+        try:
+            module = __import__(f"engine.effects.plugins.{module_name}", fromlist=[""])
+            for attr_name in dir(module):
+                attr = getattr(module, attr_name)
+                if (
+                    isinstance(attr, type)
+                    and issubclass(attr, EffectPlugin)
+                    and attr is not EffectPlugin
+                    and attr_name.endswith("Effect")
+                ):
+                    plugin = attr()
+                    if not isinstance(plugin, EffectPlugin):
+                        continue
+                    registry.register(plugin)
+                    imported[plugin.name] = plugin
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    return imported

engine/effects/plugins/afterimage.py

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+"""Afterimage effect using previous frame."""
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class AfterimageEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Show a faint ghost of the previous frame.
+
+    This effect requires a FrameBufferStage to be present in the pipeline.
+    It shows a dimmed version of the previous frame super-imposed on the
+    current frame.
+
+    Attributes:
+        name: "afterimage"
+        config: EffectConfig with intensity parameter (0.0-1.0)
+        param_bindings: Optional sensor bindings for intensity modulation
+
+    Example:
+        >>> effect = AfterimageEffect()
+        >>> effect.configure(EffectConfig(intensity=0.3))
+        >>> result = effect.process(buffer, ctx)
+    """
+
+    name = "afterimage"
+    config: EffectConfig = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=0.3)
+    param_bindings: dict[str, dict[str, str | float]] = {}
+    supports_partial_updates = False
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Apply afterimage effect using the previous frame.
+
+        Args:
+            buf: Current text buffer (list of strings)
+            ctx: Effect context with access to framebuffer history
+
+        Returns:
+            Buffer with ghost of previous frame overlaid
+        """
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get framebuffer history from context
+        history = None
+
+        for key in ctx.state:
+            if key.startswith("framebuffer.") and key.endswith(".history"):
+                history = ctx.state[key]
+                break
+
+        if not history or len(history) < 1:
+            # No previous frame available
+            return buf
+
+        # Get intensity from config
+        intensity = self.config.params.get("intensity", self.config.intensity)
+        intensity = max(0.0, min(1.0, intensity))
+
+        if intensity <= 0.0:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get the previous frame (index 1, since index 0 is current)
+        prev_frame = history[1] if len(history) > 1 else None
+        if not prev_frame:
+            return buf
+
+        # Blend current and previous frames
+        viewport_height = ctx.terminal_height - ctx.ticker_height
+        result = []
+
+        for row in range(len(buf)):
+            if row >= viewport_height:
+                result.append(buf[row])
+                continue
+
+            current_line = buf[row]
+            prev_line = prev_frame[row] if row < len(prev_frame) else ""
+
+            if not prev_line:
+                result.append(current_line)
+                continue
+
+            # Apply dimming effect by reducing ANSI color intensity or adding transparency
+            # For a simple text version, we'll use a blend strategy
+            blended = self._blend_lines(current_line, prev_line, intensity)
+            result.append(blended)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _blend_lines(self, current: str, previous: str, intensity: float) -> str:
+        """Blend current and previous line with given intensity.
+
+        For text with ANSI codes, true blending is complex. This is a simplified
+        version that uses color averaging when possible.
+
+        A more sophisticated implementation would:
+        1. Parse ANSI color codes from both lines
+        2. Blend RGB values based on intensity
+        3. Reconstruct the line with blended colors
+
+        For now, we'll use a heuristic: if lines are similar, return current.
+        If they differ, we alternate or use the previous as a faint overlay.
+        """
+        if current == previous:
+            return current
+
+        # Simple blending: intensity determines mix
+        # intensity=1.0 => fully current
+        # intensity=0.3 => 70% previous ghost, 30% current
+
+        if intensity > 0.7:
+            return current
+        elif intensity < 0.3:
+            # Show previous but dimmed (simulate by adding faint color/gray)
+            return previous  # Would need to dim ANSI colors
+        else:
+            # For medium intensity, alternate based on character pattern
+            # This is a placeholder for proper blending
+            return current
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        """Configure the effect."""
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/border.py

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class BorderEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Simple border effect for terminal display.
+
+    Draws a border around the buffer and optionally displays
+    performance metrics in the border corners.
+
+    Internally crops to display dimensions to ensure border fits.
+    """
+
+    name = "border"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get actual display dimensions from context
+        display_w = ctx.terminal_width
+        display_h = ctx.terminal_height
+
+        # If dimensions are reasonable, crop first - use slightly smaller to ensure fit
+        if display_w >= 10 and display_h >= 3:
+            # Subtract 2 for border characters (left and right)
+            crop_w = display_w - 2
+            crop_h = display_h - 2
+            buf = self._crop_to_size(buf, crop_w, crop_h)
+            w = display_w
+            h = display_h
+        else:
+            # Use buffer dimensions
+            h = len(buf)
+            w = max(len(line) for line in buf) if buf else 0
+
+        if w < 3 or h < 3:
+            return buf
+
+        inner_w = w - 2
+
+        # Get metrics from context
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        metrics = ctx.get_state("metrics")
+        if metrics:
+            avg_ms = metrics.get("avg_ms")
+            frame_count = metrics.get("frame_count", 0)
+            if avg_ms and frame_count > 0:
+                fps = 1000.0 / avg_ms
+                frame_time = avg_ms
+
+        # Build borders
+        # Top border: ┌────────────────────┐ or with FPS
+        if fps > 0:
+            fps_str = f" FPS:{fps:.0f}"
+            if len(fps_str) < inner_w:
+                right_len = inner_w - len(fps_str)
+                top_border = "┌" + "─" * right_len + fps_str + "┐"
+            else:
+                top_border = "┌" + "─" * inner_w + "┐"
+        else:
+            top_border = "┌" + "─" * inner_w + "┐"
+
+        # Bottom border: └────────────────────┘ or with frame time
+        if frame_time > 0:
+            ft_str = f" {frame_time:.1f}ms"
+            if len(ft_str) < inner_w:
+                right_len = inner_w - len(ft_str)
+                bottom_border = "└" + "─" * right_len + ft_str + "┘"
+            else:
+                bottom_border = "└" + "─" * inner_w + "┘"
+        else:
+            bottom_border = "└" + "─" * inner_w + "┘"
+
+        # Build result with left/right borders
+        result = [top_border]
+        for line in buf[: h - 2]:
+            if len(line) >= inner_w:
+                result.append("│" + line[:inner_w] + "│")
+            else:
+                result.append("│" + line + " " * (inner_w - len(line)) + "│")
+
+        result.append(bottom_border)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _crop_to_size(self, buf: list[str], w: int, h: int) -> list[str]:
+        """Crop buffer to fit within w x h."""
+        result = []
+        for i in range(min(h, len(buf))):
+            line = buf[i]
+            if len(line) > w:
+                result.append(line[:w])
+            else:
+                result.append(line + " " * (w - len(line)))
+
+        # Pad with empty lines if needed (for border)
+        while len(result) < h:
+            result.append(" " * w)
+
+        return result
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/crop.py

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class CropEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Crop effect that crops the input buffer to fit the display.
+
+    This ensures the output buffer matches the actual display dimensions,
+    useful when the source produces a buffer larger than the viewport.
+    """
+
+    name = "crop"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get actual display dimensions from context
+        w = (
+            ctx.terminal_width
+            if ctx.terminal_width > 0
+            else max(len(line) for line in buf)
+        )
+        h = ctx.terminal_height if ctx.terminal_height > 0 else len(buf)
+
+        # Crop buffer to fit
+        result = []
+        for i in range(min(h, len(buf))):
+            line = buf[i]
+            if len(line) > w:
+                result.append(line[:w])
+            else:
+                result.append(line + " " * (w - len(line)))
+
+        # Pad with empty lines if needed
+        while len(result) < h:
+            result.append(" " * w)
+
+        return result
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/fade.py

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+import random
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class FadeEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "fade"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0, entropy=0.1)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not ctx.ticker_height:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+
+        top_zone = max(1, int(ctx.ticker_height * 0.25))
+        bot_zone = max(1, int(ctx.ticker_height * 0.10))
+
+        for r in range(len(result)):
+            if r >= ctx.ticker_height:
+                continue
+            top_f = min(1.0, r / top_zone) if top_zone > 0 else 1.0
+            bot_f = (
+                min(1.0, (ctx.ticker_height - 1 - r) / bot_zone)
+                if bot_zone > 0
+                else 1.0
+            )
+            row_fade = min(top_f, bot_f) * intensity
+
+            if row_fade < 1.0 and result[r].strip():
+                result[r] = self._fade_line(result[r], row_fade)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _fade_line(self, s: str, fade: float) -> str:
+        if fade >= 1.0:
+            return s
+        if fade <= 0.0:
+            return s  # Preserve original line length - don't return empty
+        result = []
+        i = 0
+        while i < len(s):
+            if s[i] == "\033" and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == "[":
+                j = i + 2
+                while j < len(s) and not s[j].isalpha():
+                    j += 1
+                result.append(s[i : j + 1])
+                i = j + 1
+            elif s[i] == " ":
+                result.append(" ")
+                i += 1
+            else:
+                result.append(s[i] if random.random() < fade else " ")
+                i += 1
+        return "".join(result)
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/figment.py

@@ -0,0 +1,332 @@
+"""
+Figment overlay effect for modern pipeline architecture.
+
+Provides periodic SVG glyph overlays with reveal/hold/dissolve animation phases.
+Integrates directly with the pipeline's effect system without legacy dependencies.
+"""
+
+import random
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.figment_render import rasterize_svg
+from engine.figment_trigger import FigmentAction, FigmentCommand, FigmentTrigger
+from engine.terminal import RST
+from engine.themes import THEME_REGISTRY
+
+
+class FigmentPhase(Enum):
+    """Animation phases for figment overlay."""
+
+    REVEAL = auto()
+    HOLD = auto()
+    DISSOLVE = auto()
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentState:
+    """State of a figment overlay at a given frame."""
+
+    phase: FigmentPhase
+    progress: float
+    rows: list[str]
+    gradient: list[int]
+    center_row: int
+    center_col: int
+
+
+def _color_codes_to_ansi(gradient: list[int]) -> list[str]:
+    """Convert gradient list to ANSI color codes.
+
+    Args:
+        gradient: List of 256-color palette codes
+
+    Returns:
+        List of ANSI escape code strings
+    """
+    codes = []
+    for color in gradient:
+        if isinstance(color, int):
+            codes.append(f"\033[38;5;{color}m")
+        else:
+            # Fallback to green
+            codes.append("\033[38;5;46m")
+    return codes if codes else ["\033[38;5;46m"]
+
+
+def render_figment_overlay(figment_state: FigmentState, w: int, h: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Render figment overlay as ANSI cursor-positioning commands.
+
+    Args:
+        figment_state: FigmentState with phase, progress, rows, gradient, centering.
+        w: terminal width
+        h: terminal height
+
+    Returns:
+        List of ANSI strings to append to display buffer.
+    """
+    rows = figment_state.rows
+    if not rows:
+        return []
+
+    phase = figment_state.phase
+    progress = figment_state.progress
+    gradient = figment_state.gradient
+    center_row = figment_state.center_row
+    center_col = figment_state.center_col
+
+    cols = _color_codes_to_ansi(gradient)
+
+    # Build a list of non-space cell positions
+    cell_positions = []
+    for r_idx, row in enumerate(rows):
+        for c_idx, ch in enumerate(row):
+            if ch != " ":
+                cell_positions.append((r_idx, c_idx))
+
+    n_cells = len(cell_positions)
+    if n_cells == 0:
+        return []
+
+    # Use a deterministic seed so the reveal/dissolve pattern is stable per-figment
+    rng = random.Random(hash(tuple(rows[0][:10])) if rows[0] else 42)
+    shuffled = list(cell_positions)
+    rng.shuffle(shuffled)
+
+    # Phase-dependent visibility
+    if phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL:
+        visible_count = int(n_cells * progress)
+        visible = set(shuffled[:visible_count])
+    elif phase == FigmentPhase.HOLD:
+        visible = set(cell_positions)
+        # Strobe: dim some cells periodically
+        if int(progress * 20) % 3 == 0:
+            dim_count = int(n_cells * 0.3)
+            visible -= set(shuffled[:dim_count])
+    elif phase == FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE:
+        remaining_count = int(n_cells * (1.0 - progress))
+        visible = set(shuffled[:remaining_count])
+    else:
+        visible = set(cell_positions)
+
+    # Build overlay commands
+    overlay: list[str] = []
+    n_cols = len(cols)
+    max_x = max((len(r.rstrip()) for r in rows if r.strip()), default=1)
+
+    for r_idx, row in enumerate(rows):
+        scr_row = center_row + r_idx + 1  # 1-indexed
+        if scr_row < 1 or scr_row > h:
+            continue
+
+        line_buf: list[str] = []
+        has_content = False
+
+        for c_idx, ch in enumerate(row):
+            scr_col = center_col + c_idx + 1
+            if scr_col < 1 or scr_col > w:
+                continue
+
+            if ch != " " and (r_idx, c_idx) in visible:
+                # Apply gradient color
+                shifted = (c_idx / max(max_x - 1, 1)) % 1.0
+                idx = min(round(shifted * (n_cols - 1)), n_cols - 1)
+                line_buf.append(f"{cols[idx]}{ch}{RST}")
+                has_content = True
+            else:
+                line_buf.append(" ")
+
+        if has_content:
+            line_str = "".join(line_buf).rstrip()
+            if line_str.strip():
+                overlay.append(f"\033[{scr_row};{center_col + 1}H{line_str}{RST}")
+
+    return overlay
+
+
+class FigmentEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Figment overlay effect for pipeline architecture.
+
+    Provides periodic SVG overlays with reveal/hold/dissolve animation.
+    """
+
+    name = "figment"
+    config = EffectConfig(
+        enabled=True,
+        intensity=1.0,
+        params={
+            "interval_secs": 60,
+            "display_secs": 4.5,
+            "figment_dir": "figments",
+        },
+    )
+    supports_partial_updates = False
+    is_overlay = True  # Figment is an overlay effect that composes on top of the buffer
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        figment_dir: str | None = None,
+        triggers: list[FigmentTrigger] | None = None,
+    ):
+        self.config = EffectConfig(
+            enabled=True,
+            intensity=1.0,
+            params={
+                "interval_secs": 60,
+                "display_secs": 4.5,
+                "figment_dir": figment_dir or "figments",
+            },
+        )
+        self._triggers = triggers or []
+        self._phase: FigmentPhase | None = None
+        self._progress: float = 0.0
+        self._rows: list[str] = []
+        self._gradient: list[int] = []
+        self._center_row: int = 0
+        self._center_col: int = 0
+        self._timer: float = 0.0
+        self._last_svg: str | None = None
+        self._svg_files: list[str] = []
+        self._scan_svgs()
+
+    def _scan_svgs(self) -> None:
+        """Scan figment directory for SVG files."""
+        figment_dir = Path(self.config.params["figment_dir"])
+        if figment_dir.is_dir():
+            self._svg_files = sorted(str(p) for p in figment_dir.glob("*.svg"))
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Add figment overlay to buffer."""
+        if not self.config.enabled:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get figment state using frame number from context
+        figment_state = self.get_figment_state(
+            ctx.frame_number, ctx.terminal_width, ctx.terminal_height
+        )
+
+        if figment_state:
+            # Render overlay and append to buffer
+            overlay = render_figment_overlay(
+                figment_state, ctx.terminal_width, ctx.terminal_height
+            )
+            buf = buf + overlay
+
+        return buf
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        """Configure the effect."""
+        # Preserve figment_dir if the new config doesn't supply one
+        figment_dir = config.params.get(
+            "figment_dir", self.config.params.get("figment_dir", "figments")
+        )
+        self.config = config
+        if "figment_dir" not in self.config.params:
+            self.config.params["figment_dir"] = figment_dir
+        self._scan_svgs()
+
+    def trigger(self, w: int, h: int) -> None:
+        """Manually trigger a figment display."""
+        if not self._svg_files:
+            return
+
+        # Pick a random SVG, avoid repeating
+        candidates = [s for s in self._svg_files if s != self._last_svg]
+        if not candidates:
+            candidates = self._svg_files
+        svg_path = random.choice(candidates)
+        self._last_svg = svg_path
+
+        # Rasterize
+        try:
+            self._rows = rasterize_svg(svg_path, w, h)
+        except Exception:
+            return
+
+        # Pick random theme gradient
+        theme_key = random.choice(list(THEME_REGISTRY.keys()))
+        self._gradient = THEME_REGISTRY[theme_key].main_gradient
+
+        # Center in viewport
+        figment_h = len(self._rows)
+        figment_w = max((len(r) for r in self._rows), default=0)
+        self._center_row = max(0, (h - figment_h) // 2)
+        self._center_col = max(0, (w - figment_w) // 2)
+
+        # Start reveal phase
+        self._phase = FigmentPhase.REVEAL
+        self._progress = 0.0
+
+    def get_figment_state(
+        self, frame_number: int, w: int, h: int
+    ) -> FigmentState | None:
+        """Tick the state machine and return current state, or None if idle."""
+        if not self.config.enabled:
+            return None
+
+        # Poll triggers
+        for trig in self._triggers:
+            cmd = trig.poll()
+            if cmd is not None:
+                self._handle_command(cmd, w, h)
+
+        # Tick timer when idle
+        if self._phase is None:
+            self._timer += config.FRAME_DT
+            interval = self.config.params.get("interval_secs", 60)
+            if self._timer >= interval:
+                self._timer = 0.0
+                self.trigger(w, h)
+
+        # Tick animation — snapshot current phase/progress, then advance
+        if self._phase is not None:
+            # Capture the state at the start of this frame
+            current_phase = self._phase
+            current_progress = self._progress
+
+            # Advance for next frame
+            display_secs = self.config.params.get("display_secs", 4.5)
+            phase_duration = display_secs / 3.0
+            self._progress += config.FRAME_DT / phase_duration
+
+            if self._progress >= 1.0:
+                self._progress = 0.0
+                if self._phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL:
+                    self._phase = FigmentPhase.HOLD
+                elif self._phase == FigmentPhase.HOLD:
+                    self._phase = FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE
+                elif self._phase == FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE:
+                    self._phase = None
+
+            return FigmentState(
+                phase=current_phase,
+                progress=current_progress,
+                rows=self._rows,
+                gradient=self._gradient,
+                center_row=self._center_row,
+                center_col=self._center_col,
+            )
+
+        return None
+
+    def _handle_command(self, cmd: FigmentCommand, w: int, h: int) -> None:
+        """Handle a figment command."""
+        if cmd.action == FigmentAction.TRIGGER:
+            self.trigger(w, h)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_INTENSITY and isinstance(
+            cmd.value, (int, float)
+        ):
+            self.config.intensity = float(cmd.value)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_INTERVAL and isinstance(
+            cmd.value, (int, float)
+        ):
+            self.config.params["interval_secs"] = float(cmd.value)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_COLOR and isinstance(cmd.value, str):
+            if cmd.value in THEME_REGISTRY:
+                self._gradient = THEME_REGISTRY[cmd.value].main_gradient
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.STOP:
+            self._phase = None
+            self._progress = 0.0

engine/effects/plugins/firehose.py

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+import random
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.sources import FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST, W_GHOST
+
+
+class FirehoseEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "firehose"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0, entropy=0.9)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        firehose_h = config.FIREHOSE_H if config.FIREHOSE else 0
+        if firehose_h <= 0 or not ctx.items:
+            return buf
+
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+        h = ctx.terminal_height
+
+        for fr in range(firehose_h):
+            scr_row = h - firehose_h + fr + 1
+            fline = self._firehose_line(ctx.items, ctx.terminal_width, intensity)
+            result.append(f"\033[{scr_row};1H{fline}\033[K")
+        return result
+
+    def _firehose_line(self, items: list, w: int, intensity: float) -> str:
+        r = random.random()
+        if r < 0.35 * intensity:
+            title, src, ts = random.choice(items)
+            text = title[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST, C_DIM])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+        elif r < 0.55 * intensity:
+            d = random.choice([0.45, 0.55, 0.65, 0.75])
+            return "".join(
+                f"{random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, C_DIM, W_GHOST])}"
+                f"{random.choice(config.GLITCH + config.KATA)}{RST}"
+                if random.random() < d
+                else " "
+                for _ in range(w)
+            )
+        elif r < 0.78 * intensity:
+            sources = FEEDS if config.MODE == "news" else POETRY_SOURCES
+            src = random.choice(list(sources.keys()))
+            msgs = [
+                f"  SIGNAL :: {src} :: {datetime.now().strftime('%H:%M:%S.%f')[:-3]}",
+                f"  ░░ FEED ACTIVE :: {src}",
+                f"  >> DECODE 0x{random.randint(0x1000, 0xFFFF):04X} :: {src[:24]}",
+                f"  ▒▒ ACQUIRE :: {random.choice(['TCP', 'UDP', 'RSS', 'ATOM', 'XML'])} :: {src}",
+                f"  {''.join(random.choice(config.KATA) for _ in range(3))} STRM "
+                f"{random.randint(0, 255):02X}:{random.randint(0, 255):02X}",
+            ]
+            text = random.choice(msgs)[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+        else:
+            title, _, _ = random.choice(items)
+            start = random.randint(0, max(0, len(title) - 20))
+            frag = title[start : start + random.randint(10, 35)]
+            pad = random.randint(0, max(0, w - len(frag) - 8))
+            gp = "".join(
+                random.choice(config.GLITCH) for _ in range(random.randint(1, 3))
+            )
+            text = (" " * pad + gp + " " + frag)[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, C_DIM, W_GHOST])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/glitch.py

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+import random
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.terminal import DIM, G_LO, RST
+
+
+class GlitchEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "glitch"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0, entropy=0.8)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+
+        glitch_prob = 0.32 + min(0.9, ctx.mic_excess * 0.16)
+        glitch_prob = glitch_prob * intensity
+        n_hits = 4 + int(ctx.mic_excess / 2)
+        n_hits = int(n_hits * intensity)
+
+        if random.random() < glitch_prob:
+            # Store original visible lengths before any modifications
+            # Strip ANSI codes to get visible length
+            import re
+
+            ansi_pattern = re.compile(r"\x1b\[[0-9;]*[a-zA-Z]")
+            original_lengths = [len(ansi_pattern.sub("", line)) for line in result]
+            for _ in range(min(n_hits, len(result))):
+                gi = random.randint(0, len(result) - 1)
+                result[gi]
+                target_len = original_lengths[gi]  # Use stored original length
+                glitch_bar = self._glitch_bar(target_len)
+                result[gi] = glitch_bar
+        return result
+
+    def _glitch_bar(self, target_len: int) -> str:
+        c = random.choice(["░", "▒", "─", "\xc2"])
+        n = random.randint(3, max(3, target_len // 2))
+        o = random.randint(0, max(0, target_len - n))
+
+        glitch_chars = c * n
+        trailing_spaces = target_len - o - n
+        trailing_spaces = max(0, trailing_spaces)
+
+        glitch_part = f"{G_LO}{DIM}" + glitch_chars + RST
+        result = " " * o + glitch_part + " " * trailing_spaces
+
+        return result
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/hud.py

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+from engine.effects.types import (
+    EffectConfig,
+    EffectContext,
+    EffectPlugin,
+    PartialUpdate,
+)
+
+
+class HudEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "hud"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+    supports_partial_updates = True  # Enable partial update optimization
+
+    # Cache last HUD content to detect changes
+    _last_hud_content: tuple | None = None
+
+    def process_partial(
+        self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext, partial: PartialUpdate
+    ) -> list[str]:
+        # If full buffer requested, process normally
+        if partial.full_buffer:
+            return self.process(buf, ctx)
+
+        # If HUD rows (0, 1, 2) aren't dirty, skip processing
+        if partial.dirty:
+            hud_rows = {0, 1, 2}
+            dirty_hud_rows = partial.dirty & hud_rows
+            if not dirty_hud_rows:
+                return buf  # Nothing for HUD to do
+
+        # Proceed with full processing
+        return self.process(buf, ctx)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        result = list(buf)
+
+        # Read metrics from pipeline context (first-class citizen)
+        # Falls back to global monitor for backwards compatibility
+        metrics = ctx.get_state("metrics")
+        if not metrics:
+            # Fallback to global monitor for backwards compatibility
+            from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor
+
+            monitor = get_monitor()
+            if monitor:
+                stats = monitor.get_stats()
+                if stats and "pipeline" in stats:
+                    metrics = stats
+
+        fps = 0.0
+        frame_time = 0.0
+        if metrics:
+            if "error" in metrics:
+                pass  # No metrics available yet
+            elif "pipeline" in metrics:
+                frame_time = metrics["pipeline"].get("avg_ms", 0.0)
+                frame_count = metrics.get("frame_count", 0)
+                if frame_count > 0 and frame_time > 0:
+                    fps = 1000.0 / frame_time
+            elif "avg_ms" in metrics:
+                # Direct metrics format
+                frame_time = metrics.get("avg_ms", 0.0)
+                frame_count = metrics.get("frame_count", 0)
+                if frame_count > 0 and frame_time > 0:
+                    fps = 1000.0 / frame_time
+
+        effect_name = self.config.params.get("display_effect", "none")
+        effect_intensity = self.config.params.get("display_intensity", 0.0)
+
+        hud_lines = []
+        hud_lines.append(
+            f"\033[1;1H\033[38;5;46mMAINLINE DEMO\033[0m \033[38;5;245m|\033[0m \033[38;5;39mFPS: {fps:.1f}\033[0m \033[38;5;245m|\033[0m \033[38;5;208m{frame_time:.1f}ms\033[0m"
+        )
+
+        bar_width = 20
+        filled = int(bar_width * effect_intensity)
+        bar = (
+            "\033[38;5;82m"
+            + "█" * filled
+            + "\033[38;5;240m"
+            + "░" * (bar_width - filled)
+            + "\033[0m"
+        )
+        hud_lines.append(
+            f"\033[2;1H\033[38;5;45mEFFECT:\033[0m \033[1;38;5;227m{effect_name:12s}\033[0m \033[38;5;245m|\033[0m {bar} \033[38;5;245m|\033[0m \033[38;5;219m{effect_intensity * 100:.0f}%\033[0m"
+        )
+
+        # Get pipeline order from context
+        pipeline_order = ctx.get_state("pipeline_order")
+        pipeline_str = ",".join(pipeline_order) if pipeline_order else "(none)"
+        hud_lines.append(f"\033[3;1H\033[38;5;44mPIPELINE:\033[0m {pipeline_str}")
+
+        for i, line in enumerate(hud_lines):
+            if i < len(result):
+                result[i] = line
+            else:
+                result.append(line)
+
+        return result
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/motionblur.py

@@ -0,0 +1,119 @@
+"""Motion blur effect using frame history."""
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class MotionBlurEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Apply motion blur by blending current frame with previous frames.
+
+    This effect requires a FrameBufferStage to be present in the pipeline.
+    The framebuffer provides frame history which is blended with the current
+    frame based on intensity.
+
+    Attributes:
+        name: "motionblur"
+        config: EffectConfig with intensity parameter (0.0-1.0)
+        param_bindings: Optional sensor bindings for intensity modulation
+
+    Example:
+        >>> effect = MotionBlurEffect()
+        >>> effect.configure(EffectConfig(intensity=0.5))
+        >>> result = effect.process(buffer, ctx)
+    """
+
+    name = "motionblur"
+    config: EffectConfig = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=0.5)
+    param_bindings: dict[str, dict[str, str | float]] = {}
+    supports_partial_updates = False
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Apply motion blur by blending with previous frames.
+
+        Args:
+            buf: Current text buffer (list of strings)
+            ctx: Effect context with access to framebuffer history
+
+        Returns:
+            Blended buffer with motion blur effect applied
+        """
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get framebuffer history from context
+        # We'll look for the first available framebuffer history
+        history = None
+
+        for key in ctx.state:
+            if key.startswith("framebuffer.") and key.endswith(".history"):
+                history = ctx.state[key]
+                break
+
+        if not history:
+            # No framebuffer available, return unchanged
+            return buf
+
+        # Get intensity from config
+        intensity = self.config.params.get("intensity", self.config.intensity)
+        intensity = max(0.0, min(1.0, intensity))
+
+        if intensity <= 0.0:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get decay factor (how quickly older frames fade)
+        decay = self.config.params.get("decay", 0.7)
+
+        # Build output buffer
+        result = []
+        viewport_height = ctx.terminal_height - ctx.ticker_height
+
+        # Determine how many frames to blend (up to history depth)
+        max_frames = min(len(history), 5)  # Cap at 5 frames for performance
+
+        for row in range(len(buf)):
+            if row >= viewport_height:
+                # Beyond viewport, just copy
+                result.append(buf[row])
+                continue
+
+            # Start with current frame
+            blended = buf[row]
+
+            # Blend with historical frames
+            weight_sum = 1.0
+            if max_frames > 0 and intensity > 0:
+                for i in range(max_frames):
+                    frame_weight = intensity * (decay**i)
+                    if frame_weight < 0.01:  # Skip negligible weights
+                        break
+
+                    hist_row = history[i][row] if row < len(history[i]) else ""
+                    # Simple string blending: we'll concatenate with space
+                    # For a proper effect, we'd need to blend ANSI colors
+                    # This is a simplified version that just adds the frames
+                    blended = self._blend_strings(blended, hist_row, frame_weight)
+                    weight_sum += frame_weight
+
+            result.append(blended)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _blend_strings(self, current: str, historical: str, weight: float) -> str:
+        """Blend two strings with given weight.
+
+        This is a simplified blending that works with ANSI codes.
+        For proper blending we'd need to parse colors, but for now
+        we use a heuristic: if strings are identical, return one.
+        If they differ, we alternate or concatenate based on weight.
+        """
+        if current == historical:
+            return current
+
+        # If weight is high, show current; if low, show historical
+        if weight > 0.5:
+            return current
+        else:
+            return historical
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        """Configure the effect."""
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/noise.py

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+import random
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST, W_GHOST
+
+
+class NoiseEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "noise"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=0.15, entropy=0.4)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not ctx.ticker_height:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+        probability = intensity * 0.15
+
+        for r in range(len(result)):
+            cy = ctx.scroll_cam + r
+            if random.random() < probability:
+                original_line = result[r]
+                result[r] = self._generate_noise(len(original_line), cy)
+        return result
+
+    def _generate_noise(self, w: int, cy: int) -> str:
+        d = random.choice([0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.12])
+        return "".join(
+            f"{random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, C_DIM, W_GHOST])}"
+            f"{random.choice(config.GLITCH + config.KATA)}{RST}"
+            if random.random() < d
+            else " "
+            for _ in range(w)
+        )
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/plugins/tint.py

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class TintEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    """Tint effect that applies an RGB color overlay to the buffer.
+
+    Uses ANSI escape codes to tint text with the specified RGB values.
+    Supports transparency (0-100%) for blending.
+
+    Inlets:
+    - r: Red component (0-255)
+    - g: Green component (0-255)
+    - b: Blue component (0-255)
+    - a: Alpha/transparency (0.0-1.0, where 0.0 = fully transparent)
+    """
+
+    name = "tint"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    # Define inlet types for PureData-style typing
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+
+        # Get tint values from effect params or sensors
+        r = self.config.params.get("r", 255)
+        g = self.config.params.get("g", 255)
+        b = self.config.params.get("b", 255)
+        a = self.config.params.get("a", 0.3)  # Default 30% tint
+
+        # Clamp values
+        r = max(0, min(255, int(r)))
+        g = max(0, min(255, int(g)))
+        b = max(0, min(255, int(b)))
+        a = max(0.0, min(1.0, float(a)))
+
+        if a <= 0:
+            return buf
+
+        # Convert RGB to ANSI 256 color
+        ansi_color = self._rgb_to_ansi256(r, g, b)
+
+        # Apply tint with transparency effect
+        result = []
+        for line in buf:
+            if not line.strip():
+                result.append(line)
+                continue
+
+            # Check if line already has ANSI codes
+            if "\033[" in line:
+                # For lines with existing colors, wrap the whole line
+                result.append(f"\033[38;5;{ansi_color}m{line}\033[0m")
+            else:
+                # Apply tint to plain text lines
+                result.append(f"\033[38;5;{ansi_color}m{line}\033[0m")
+
+        return result
+
+    def _rgb_to_ansi256(self, r: int, g: int, b: int) -> int:
+        """Convert RGB (0-255 each) to ANSI 256 color code."""
+        if r == g == b == 0:
+            return 16
+        if r == g == b == 255:
+            return 231
+
+        # Calculate grayscale
+        gray = int((0.299 * r + 0.587 * g + 0.114 * b) / 255 * 24) + 232
+
+        # Calculate color cube
+        ri = int(r / 51)
+        gi = int(g / 51)
+        bi = int(b / 51)
+        color = 16 + 36 * ri + 6 * gi + bi
+
+        # Use whichever is closer - gray or color
+        gray_dist = abs(r - gray)
+        color_dist = (
+            (r - ri * 51) ** 2 + (g - gi * 51) ** 2 + (b - bi * 51) ** 2
+        ) ** 0.5
+
+        if gray_dist < color_dist:
+            return gray
+        return color
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = config

engine/effects/registry.py

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class EffectRegistry:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._plugins: dict[str, EffectPlugin] = {}
+        self._discovered: bool = False
+
+    def register(self, plugin: EffectPlugin) -> None:
+        self._plugins[plugin.name] = plugin
+
+    def get(self, name: str) -> EffectPlugin | None:
+        return self._plugins.get(name)
+
+    def list_all(self) -> dict[str, EffectPlugin]:
+        return self._plugins.copy()
+
+    def list_enabled(self) -> list[EffectPlugin]:
+        return [p for p in self._plugins.values() if p.config.enabled]
+
+    def enable(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.config.enabled = True
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def disable(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.config.enabled = False
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def configure(self, name: str, config: EffectConfig) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.configure(config)
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def is_enabled(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        return plugin.config.enabled if plugin else False
+
+
+_registry: EffectRegistry | None = None
+
+
+def get_registry() -> EffectRegistry:
+    global _registry
+    if _registry is None:
+        _registry = EffectRegistry()
+    return _registry
+
+
+def set_registry(registry: EffectRegistry) -> None:
+    global _registry
+    _registry = registry

engine/effects/types.py

@@ -0,0 +1,281 @@
+"""
+Visual effects type definitions and base classes.
+
+EffectPlugin Architecture:
+- Uses ABC (Abstract Base Class) for interface enforcement
+- Runtime discovery via directory scanning (effects_plugins/)
+- Configuration via EffectConfig dataclass
+- Context passed through EffectContext dataclass
+
+Plugin System Research (see AGENTS.md for references):
+- VST: Standardized audio interfaces, chaining, presets (FXP/FXB)
+- Python Entry Points: Namespace packages, importlib.metadata discovery
+- Shadertoy: Shader-based with uniforms as context
+
+Current gaps vs industry patterns:
+- No preset save/load system
+- No external plugin distribution via entry points
+- No plugin metadata (version, author, description)
+"""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PartialUpdate:
+    """Represents a partial buffer update for optimized rendering.
+
+    Instead of processing the full buffer every frame, effects that support
+    partial updates can process only changed regions.
+
+    Attributes:
+        rows: Row indices that changed (None = all rows)
+        cols: Column range that changed (None = full width)
+        dirty: Set of dirty row indices
+    """
+
+    rows: tuple[int, int] | None = None  # (start, end) inclusive
+    cols: tuple[int, int] | None = None  # (start, end) inclusive
+    dirty: set[int] | None = None  # Set of dirty row indices
+    full_buffer: bool = True  # If True, process entire buffer
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectContext:
+    """Context passed to effect plugins during processing.
+
+    Contains terminal dimensions, camera state, frame info, and real-time sensor values.
+    """
+
+    terminal_width: int
+    terminal_height: int
+    scroll_cam: int
+    ticker_height: int
+    camera_x: int = 0
+    mic_excess: float = 0.0
+    grad_offset: float = 0.0
+    frame_number: int = 0
+    has_message: bool = False
+    items: list = field(default_factory=list)
+    _state: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict, repr=False)
+
+    def compute_entropy(self, effect_name: str, data: Any) -> float:
+        """Compute entropy score for an effect based on its output.
+
+        Args:
+            effect_name: Name of the effect
+            data: Processed buffer or effect-specific data
+
+        Returns:
+            Entropy score 0.0-1.0 representing visual chaos
+        """
+        # Default implementation: use effect name as seed for deterministic randomness
+        # Better implementations can analyze actual buffer content
+        import hashlib
+
+        data_str = str(data)[:100] if data else ""
+        hash_val = hashlib.md5(f"{effect_name}:{data_str}".encode()).hexdigest()
+        # Convert hash to float 0.0-1.0
+        entropy = int(hash_val[:8], 16) / 0xFFFFFFFF
+        return min(max(entropy, 0.0), 1.0)
+
+    def get_sensor_value(self, sensor_name: str) -> float | None:
+        """Get a sensor value from context state.
+
+        Args:
+            sensor_name: Name of the sensor (e.g., "mic", "camera")
+
+        Returns:
+            Sensor value as float, or None if not available.
+        """
+        return self._state.get(f"sensor.{sensor_name}")
+
+    def set_state(self, key: str, value: Any) -> None:
+        """Set a state value in the context."""
+        self._state[key] = value
+
+    def get_state(self, key: str, default: Any = None) -> Any:
+        """Get a state value from the context."""
+        return self._state.get(key, default)
+
+    @property
+    def state(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Get the state dictionary for direct access by effects."""
+        return self._state
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectConfig:
+    enabled: bool = True
+    intensity: float = 1.0
+    entropy: float = 0.0  # Visual chaos metric (0.0 = calm, 1.0 = chaotic)
+    params: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+
+class EffectPlugin(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for effect plugins.
+
+    Subclasses must define:
+    - name: str - unique identifier for the effect
+    - config: EffectConfig - current configuration
+
+    Optional class attribute:
+    - param_bindings: dict - Declarative sensor-to-param bindings
+        Example:
+            param_bindings = {
+                "intensity": {"sensor": "mic", "transform": "linear"},
+                "rate": {"sensor": "mic", "transform": "exponential"},
+            }
+
+    And implement:
+    - process(buf, ctx) -> list[str]
+    - configure(config) -> None
+
+    Effect Behavior with ticker_height=0:
+    - NoiseEffect: Returns buffer unchanged (no ticker to apply noise to)
+    - FadeEffect: Returns buffer unchanged (no ticker to fade)
+    - GlitchEffect: Processes normally (doesn't depend on ticker_height)
+    - FirehoseEffect: Returns buffer unchanged if no items in context
+
+    Effects should handle missing or zero context values gracefully by
+    returning the input buffer unchanged rather than raising errors.
+
+    The param_bindings system enables PureData-style signal routing:
+    - Sensors emit values that effects can bind to
+    - Transform functions map sensor values to param ranges
+    - Effects read bound values from context.state["sensor.{name}"]
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    config: EffectConfig
+    param_bindings: dict[str, dict[str, str | float]] = {}
+    supports_partial_updates: bool = False  # Override in subclasses for optimization
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Process the buffer with this effect applied.
+
+        Args:
+            buf: List of lines to process
+            ctx: Effect context with terminal state
+
+        Returns:
+            Processed buffer (may be same object or new list)
+        """
+        ...
+
+    def process_partial(
+        self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext, partial: PartialUpdate
+    ) -> list[str]:
+        """Process a partial buffer for optimized rendering.
+
+        Override this in subclasses that support partial updates for performance.
+        Default implementation falls back to full buffer processing.
+
+        Args:
+            buf: List of lines to process
+            ctx: Effect context with terminal state
+            partial: PartialUpdate indicating which regions changed
+
+        Returns:
+            Processed buffer (may be same object or new list)
+        """
+        # Default: fall back to full processing
+        return self.process(buf, ctx)
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        """Configure the effect with new settings.
+
+        Args:
+            config: New configuration to apply
+        """
+        ...
+
+
+def create_effect_context(
+    terminal_width: int = 80,
+    terminal_height: int = 24,
+    scroll_cam: int = 0,
+    ticker_height: int = 0,
+    mic_excess: float = 0.0,
+    grad_offset: float = 0.0,
+    frame_number: int = 0,
+    has_message: bool = False,
+    items: list | None = None,
+) -> EffectContext:
+    """Factory function to create EffectContext with sensible defaults."""
+    return EffectContext(
+        terminal_width=terminal_width,
+        terminal_height=terminal_height,
+        scroll_cam=scroll_cam,
+        ticker_height=ticker_height,
+        mic_excess=mic_excess,
+        grad_offset=grad_offset,
+        frame_number=frame_number,
+        has_message=has_message,
+        items=items or [],
+    )
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PipelineConfig:
+    order: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    effects: dict[str, EffectConfig] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+
+def apply_param_bindings(
+    effect: "EffectPlugin",
+    ctx: EffectContext,
+) -> EffectConfig:
+    """Apply sensor bindings to effect config.
+
+    This resolves param_bindings declarations by reading sensor values
+    from the context and applying transform functions.
+
+    Args:
+        effect: The effect with param_bindings to apply
+        ctx: EffectContext containing sensor values
+
+    Returns:
+        Modified EffectConfig with sensor-driven values applied.
+    """
+    import copy
+
+    if not effect.param_bindings:
+        return effect.config
+
+    config = copy.deepcopy(effect.config)
+
+    for param_name, binding in effect.param_bindings.items():
+        sensor_name: str = binding.get("sensor", "")
+        transform: str = binding.get("transform", "linear")
+
+        if not sensor_name:
+            continue
+
+        sensor_value = ctx.get_sensor_value(sensor_name)
+        if sensor_value is None:
+            continue
+
+        if transform == "linear":
+            applied_value: float = sensor_value
+        elif transform == "exponential":
+            applied_value = sensor_value**2
+        elif transform == "threshold":
+            threshold = float(binding.get("threshold", 0.5))
+            applied_value = 1.0 if sensor_value > threshold else 0.0
+        elif transform == "inverse":
+            applied_value = 1.0 - sensor_value
+        else:
+            applied_value = sensor_value
+
+        config.params[f"{param_name}_sensor"] = applied_value
+
+        if param_name == "intensity":
+            base_intensity = effect.config.intensity
+            config.intensity = base_intensity * (0.5 + applied_value * 0.5)
+
+    return config

engine/eventbus.py

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+"""
+Event bus - pub/sub messaging for decoupled component communication.
+"""
+
+import threading
+from collections import defaultdict
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.events import EventType
+
+
+class EventBus:
+    """Thread-safe event bus for publish-subscribe messaging."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._subscribers: dict[EventType, list[Callable[[Any], None]]] = defaultdict(
+            list
+        )
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    def subscribe(self, event_type: EventType, callback: Callable[[Any], None]) -> None:
+        """Register a callback for a specific event type."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._subscribers[event_type].append(callback)
+
+    def unsubscribe(
+        self, event_type: EventType, callback: Callable[[Any], None]
+    ) -> None:
+        """Remove a callback for a specific event type."""
+        with self._lock:
+            if callback in self._subscribers[event_type]:
+                self._subscribers[event_type].remove(callback)
+
+    def publish(self, event_type: EventType, event: Any = None) -> None:
+        """Publish an event to all subscribers."""
+        with self._lock:
+            callbacks = list(self._subscribers.get(event_type, []))
+        for callback in callbacks:
+            try:
+                callback(event)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Remove all subscribers."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._subscribers.clear()
+
+    def subscriber_count(self, event_type: EventType | None = None) -> int:
+        """Get subscriber count for an event type, or total if None."""
+        with self._lock:
+            if event_type is None:
+                return sum(len(cb) for cb in self._subscribers.values())
+            return len(self._subscribers.get(event_type, []))
+
+
+_event_bus: EventBus | None = None
+
+
+def get_event_bus() -> EventBus:
+    """Get the global event bus instance."""
+    global _event_bus
+    if _event_bus is None:
+        _event_bus = EventBus()
+    return _event_bus
+
+
+def set_event_bus(bus: EventBus) -> None:
+    """Set the global event bus instance (for testing)."""
+    global _event_bus
+    _event_bus = bus

engine/events.py

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+"""
+Event types for the mainline application.
+Defines the core events that flow through the system.
+These types support a future migration to an event-driven architecture.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from datetime import datetime
+from enum import Enum, auto
+
+
+class EventType(Enum):
+    """Core event types in the mainline application."""
+
+    NEW_HEADLINE = auto()
+    FRAME_TICK = auto()
+    MIC_LEVEL = auto()
+    NTFY_MESSAGE = auto()
+    STREAM_START = auto()
+    STREAM_END = auto()
+
+
+@dataclass
+class HeadlineEvent:
+    """Event emitted when a new headline is ready for display."""
+
+    title: str
+    source: str
+    timestamp: str
+    language: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FrameTickEvent:
+    """Event emitted on each render frame."""
+
+    frame_number: int
+    timestamp: datetime
+    delta_seconds: float
+
+
+@dataclass
+class MicLevelEvent:
+    """Event emitted when microphone level changes significantly."""
+
+    db_level: float
+    excess_above_threshold: float
+    timestamp: datetime
+
+
+@dataclass
+class NtfyMessageEvent:
+    """Event emitted when an ntfy message is received."""
+
+    title: str
+    body: str
+    message_id: str | None = None
+    timestamp: datetime | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class StreamEvent:
+    """Event emitted when stream starts or ends."""
+
+    event_type: EventType
+    headline_count: int = 0
+    timestamp: datetime | None = None

engine/fetch.py

@@ -3,113 +3,175 @@ RSS feed fetching, Project Gutenberg parsing, and headline caching.
 Depends on: config, sources, filter, terminal.
 """
 
-import re
 import json
 import pathlib
+import re
 import urllib.request
+from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor, as_completed
 from datetime import datetime
+from typing import Any
 
 import feedparser
 
 from engine import config
+from engine.filter import skip, strip_tags
 from engine.sources import FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES
-from engine.filter import strip_tags, skip
 from engine.terminal import boot_ln
 
-# ─── SINGLE FEED ──────────────────────────────────────────
+HeadlineTuple = tuple[str, str, str]
-def fetch_feed(url):
+
+DEFAULT_MAX_WORKERS = 10
+FAST_START_SOURCES = 5
+FAST_START_TIMEOUT = 3
+
+
+def fetch_feed(url: str) -> tuple[str, Any] | tuple[None, None]:
+    """Fetch and parse a single RSS feed URL. Returns (url, feed) tuple."""
     try:
         req = urllib.request.Request(url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline/0.1"})
-        resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=config.FEED_TIMEOUT)
+        timeout = FAST_START_TIMEOUT if url in _fast_start_urls else config.FEED_TIMEOUT
-        return feedparser.parse(resp.read())
+        resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=timeout)
+        return (url, feedparser.parse(resp.read()))
     except Exception:
-        return None
+        return (url, None)
 
 
-# ─── ALL RSS FEEDS ────────────────────────────────────────
+def _parse_feed(feed: Any, src: str) -> list[HeadlineTuple]:
-def fetch_all():
+    """Parse a feed and return list of headline tuples."""
     items = []
-    linked = failed = 0
+    if feed is None or (feed.bozo and not feed.entries):
-    for src, url in FEEDS.items():
+        return items
-        feed = fetch_feed(url)
+
-        if feed is None or (feed.bozo and not feed.entries):
+    for e in feed.entries:
-            boot_ln(src, "DARK", False)
+        t = strip_tags(e.get("title", ""))
-            failed += 1
+        if not t or skip(t):
             continue
-        n = 0
+        pub = e.get("published_parsed") or e.get("updated_parsed")
-        for e in feed.entries:
+        try:
-            t = strip_tags(e.get("title", ""))
+            ts = datetime(*pub[:6]).strftime("%H:%M") if pub else "——:——"
-            if not t or skip(t):
+        except Exception:
+            ts = "——:——"
+        items.append((t, src, ts))
+    return items
+
+
+def fetch_all_fast() -> list[HeadlineTuple]:
+    """Fetch only the first N sources for fast startup."""
+    global _fast_start_urls
+    _fast_start_urls = set(list(FEEDS.values())[:FAST_START_SOURCES])
+
+    items: list[HeadlineTuple] = []
+    with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=FAST_START_SOURCES) as executor:
+        futures = {
+            executor.submit(fetch_feed, url): src
+            for src, url in list(FEEDS.items())[:FAST_START_SOURCES]
+        }
+        for future in as_completed(futures):
+            src = futures[future]
+            url, feed = future.result()
+            if feed is None or (feed.bozo and not feed.entries):
+                boot_ln(src, "DARK", False)
                 continue
-            pub = e.get("published_parsed") or e.get("updated_parsed")
+            parsed = _parse_feed(feed, src)
-            try:
+            if parsed:
-                ts = datetime(*pub[:6]).strftime("%H:%M") if pub else "——:——"
+                items.extend(parsed)
-            except Exception:
+                boot_ln(src, f"LINKED [{len(parsed)}]", True)
-                ts = "——:——"
+            else:
-            items.append((t, src, ts))
+                boot_ln(src, "EMPTY", False)
-            n += 1
+    return items
-        if n:
+
-            boot_ln(src, f"LINKED [{n}]", True)
+
-            linked += 1
+def fetch_all() -> tuple[list[HeadlineTuple], int, int]:
-        else:
+    """Fetch all RSS feeds concurrently and return items, linked count, failed count."""
-            boot_ln(src, "EMPTY", False)
+    global _fast_start_urls
-            failed += 1
+    _fast_start_urls = set()
+
+    items: list[HeadlineTuple] = []
+    linked = failed = 0
+
+    with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=DEFAULT_MAX_WORKERS) as executor:
+        futures = {executor.submit(fetch_feed, url): src for src, url in FEEDS.items()}
+        for future in as_completed(futures):
+            src = futures[future]
+            url, feed = future.result()
+            if feed is None or (feed.bozo and not feed.entries):
+                boot_ln(src, "DARK", False)
+                failed += 1
+                continue
+            parsed = _parse_feed(feed, src)
+            if parsed:
+                items.extend(parsed)
+                boot_ln(src, f"LINKED [{len(parsed)}]", True)
+                linked += 1
+            else:
+                boot_ln(src, "EMPTY", False)
+                failed += 1
+
     return items, linked, failed
 
 
-# ─── PROJECT GUTENBERG ────────────────────────────────────
+def _fetch_gutenberg(url: str, label: str) -> list[HeadlineTuple]:
-def _fetch_gutenberg(url, label):
     """Download and parse stanzas/passages from a Project Gutenberg text."""
     try:
         req = urllib.request.Request(url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline/0.1"})
         resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=15)
-        text = resp.read().decode('utf-8', errors='replace').replace('\r\n', '\n').replace('\r', '\n')
+        text = (
-        # Strip PG boilerplate
+            resp.read()
-        m = re.search(r'\*\*\*\s*START OF[^\n]*\n', text)
+            .decode("utf-8", errors="replace")
+            .replace("\r\n", "\n")
+            .replace("\r", "\n")
+        )
+        m = re.search(r"\*\*\*\s*START OF[^\n]*\n", text)
         if m:
-            text = text[m.end():]
+            text = text[m.end() :]
-        m = re.search(r'\*\*\*\s*END OF', text)
+        m = re.search(r"\*\*\*\s*END OF", text)
         if m:
-            text = text[:m.start()]
+            text = text[: m.start()]
-        # Split on blank lines into stanzas/passages
+        blocks = re.split(r"\n{2,}", text.strip())
-        blocks = re.split(r'\n{2,}', text.strip())
         items = []
         for blk in blocks:
-            blk = ' '.join(blk.split())   # flatten to one line
+            blk = " ".join(blk.split())
             if len(blk) < 20 or len(blk) > 280:
                 continue
-            if blk.isupper():             # skip all-caps headers
+            if blk.isupper():
                 continue
-            if re.match(r'^[IVXLCDM]+\.?\s*$', blk):  # roman numerals
+            if re.match(r"^[IVXLCDM]+\.?\s*$", blk):
                 continue
-            items.append((blk, label, ''))
+            items.append((blk, label, ""))
         return items
     except Exception:
         return []
 
 
-def fetch_poetry():
+def fetch_poetry() -> tuple[list[HeadlineTuple], int, int]:
-    """Fetch all poetry/literature sources."""
+    """Fetch all poetry/literature sources concurrently."""
     items = []
     linked = failed = 0
-    for label, url in POETRY_SOURCES.items():
+
-        stanzas = _fetch_gutenberg(url, label)
+    with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=DEFAULT_MAX_WORKERS) as executor:
-        if stanzas:
+        futures = {
-            boot_ln(label, f"LOADED [{len(stanzas)}]", True)
+            executor.submit(_fetch_gutenberg, url, label): label
-            items.extend(stanzas)
+            for label, url in POETRY_SOURCES.items()
-            linked += 1
+        }
-        else:
+        for future in as_completed(futures):
-            boot_ln(label, "DARK", False)
+            label = futures[future]
-            failed += 1
+            stanzas = future.result()
+            if stanzas:
+                boot_ln(label, f"LOADED [{len(stanzas)}]", True)
+                items.extend(stanzas)
+                linked += 1
+            else:
+                boot_ln(label, "DARK", False)
+                failed += 1
+
     return items, linked, failed
 
 
-# ─── CACHE ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+_cache_dir = pathlib.Path(__file__).resolve().parent / "fixtures"
-_CACHE_DIR = pathlib.Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
 
 
 def _cache_path():
-    return _CACHE_DIR / f".mainline_cache_{config.MODE}.json"
+    return _cache_dir / "headlines.json"
 
 
 def load_cache():
@@ -131,3 +193,6 @@ def save_cache(items):
         _cache_path().write_text(json.dumps({"items": items}))
     except Exception:
         pass
+
+
+_fast_start_urls: set = set()

engine/figment_render.py

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+"""
+SVG to half-block terminal art rasterization.
+
+Pipeline: SVG -> cairosvg -> PIL -> greyscale threshold -> half-block encode.
+Follows the same pixel-pair approach as engine/render.py for OTF fonts.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+from io import BytesIO
+
+# cairocffi (used by cairosvg) calls dlopen() to find the Cairo C library.
+# On macOS with Homebrew, Cairo lives in /opt/homebrew/lib (Apple Silicon) or
+# /usr/local/lib (Intel), which are not in dyld's default search path.
+# Setting DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH before the import directs dlopen() to those paths.
+if sys.platform == "darwin" and not os.environ.get("DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH"):
+    for _brew_lib in ("/opt/homebrew/lib", "/usr/local/lib"):
+        if os.path.exists(os.path.join(_brew_lib, "libcairo.2.dylib")):
+            os.environ["DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH"] = _brew_lib
+            break
+
+import cairosvg
+from PIL import Image
+
+_cache: dict[tuple[str, int, int], list[str]] = {}
+
+
+def rasterize_svg(svg_path: str, width: int, height: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Convert SVG file to list of half-block terminal rows (uncolored).
+
+    Args:
+        svg_path: Path to SVG file.
+        width: Target terminal width in columns.
+        height: Target terminal height in rows.
+
+    Returns:
+        List of strings, one per terminal row, containing block characters.
+    """
+    cache_key = (svg_path, width, height)
+    if cache_key in _cache:
+        return _cache[cache_key]
+
+    # SVG -> PNG in memory
+    png_bytes = cairosvg.svg2png(
+        url=svg_path,
+        output_width=width,
+        output_height=height * 2,  # 2 pixel rows per terminal row
+    )
+
+    # PNG -> greyscale PIL image
+    # Composite RGBA onto white background so transparent areas become white (255)
+    # and drawn pixels retain their luminance values.
+    img_rgba = Image.open(BytesIO(png_bytes)).convert("RGBA")
+    img_rgba = img_rgba.resize((width, height * 2), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)
+    background = Image.new("RGBA", img_rgba.size, (255, 255, 255, 255))
+    background.paste(img_rgba, mask=img_rgba.split()[3])
+    img = background.convert("L")
+
+    data = img.tobytes()
+    pix_w = width
+    pix_h = height * 2
+    # White (255) = empty space, dark (< threshold) = filled pixel
+    threshold = 128
+
+    # Half-block encode: walk pixel pairs
+    rows: list[str] = []
+    for y in range(0, pix_h, 2):
+        row: list[str] = []
+        for x in range(pix_w):
+            top = data[y * pix_w + x] < threshold
+            bot = data[(y + 1) * pix_w + x] < threshold if y + 1 < pix_h else False
+            if top and bot:
+                row.append("█")
+            elif top:
+                row.append("▀")
+            elif bot:
+                row.append("▄")
+            else:
+                row.append(" ")
+        rows.append("".join(row))
+
+    _cache[cache_key] = rows
+    return rows
+
+
+def clear_cache() -> None:
+    """Clear the rasterization cache (e.g., on terminal resize)."""
+    _cache.clear()

engine/figment_trigger.py

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+"""
+Figment trigger protocol and command types.
+
+Defines the extensible input abstraction for triggering figment displays
+from any control surface (ntfy, MQTT, serial, etc.).
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import Enum
+from typing import Protocol
+
+
+class FigmentAction(Enum):
+    TRIGGER = "trigger"
+    SET_INTENSITY = "set_intensity"
+    SET_INTERVAL = "set_interval"
+    SET_COLOR = "set_color"
+    STOP = "stop"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentCommand:
+    action: FigmentAction
+    value: float | str | None = None
+
+
+class FigmentTrigger(Protocol):
+    """Protocol for figment trigger sources.
+
+    Any input source (ntfy, MQTT, serial) can implement this
+    to trigger and control figment displays.
+    """
+
+    def poll(self) -> FigmentCommand | None: ...

engine/filter.py

@@ -29,29 +29,29 @@ def strip_tags(html):
 
 # ─── CONTENT FILTER ───────────────────────────────────────
 _SKIP_RE = re.compile(
-    r'\b(?:'
+    r"\b(?:"
     # ── sports ──
-    r'football|soccer|basketball|baseball|softball|tennis|golf|cricket|rugby|'
+    r"football|soccer|basketball|baseball|softball|tennis|golf|cricket|rugby|"
-    r'hockey|lacrosse|volleyball|badminton|'
+    r"hockey|lacrosse|volleyball|badminton|"
-    r'nba|nfl|nhl|mlb|mls|fifa|uefa|'
+    r"nba|nfl|nhl|mlb|mls|fifa|uefa|"
-    r'premier league|champions league|la liga|serie a|bundesliga|'
+    r"premier league|champions league|la liga|serie a|bundesliga|"
-    r'world cup|super bowl|world series|stanley cup|'
+    r"world cup|super bowl|world series|stanley cup|"
-    r'playoff|playoffs|touchdown|goalkeeper|striker|quarterback|'
+    r"playoff|playoffs|touchdown|goalkeeper|striker|quarterback|"
-    r'slam dunk|home run|grand slam|offside|halftime|'
+    r"slam dunk|home run|grand slam|offside|halftime|"
-    r'batting|wicket|innings|'
+    r"batting|wicket|innings|"
-    r'formula 1|nascar|motogp|'
+    r"formula 1|nascar|motogp|"
-    r'boxing|ufc|mma|'
+    r"boxing|ufc|mma|"
-    r'marathon|tour de france|'
+    r"marathon|tour de france|"
-    r'transfer window|draft pick|relegation|'
+    r"transfer window|draft pick|relegation|"
     # ── vapid / insipid ──
-    r'kardashian|jenner|reality tv|reality show|'
+    r"kardashian|jenner|reality tv|reality show|"
-    r'influencer|viral video|tiktok|instagram|'
+    r"influencer|viral video|tiktok|instagram|"
-    r'best dressed|worst dressed|red carpet|'
+    r"best dressed|worst dressed|red carpet|"
-    r'horoscope|zodiac|gossip|bikini|selfie|'
+    r"horoscope|zodiac|gossip|bikini|selfie|"
-    r'you won.t believe|what happened next|'
+    r"you won.t believe|what happened next|"
-    r'celebrity couple|celebrity feud|baby bump'
+    r"celebrity couple|celebrity feud|baby bump"
-    r')\b',
+    r")\b",
-    re.IGNORECASE
+    re.IGNORECASE,
 )
 
 

engine/frame.py

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+"""
+Frame timing utilities — FPS control and precise timing.
+"""
+
+import time
+
+
+class FrameTimer:
+    """Frame timer for consistent render loop timing."""
+
+    def __init__(self, target_frame_dt: float = 0.05):
+        self.target_frame_dt = target_frame_dt
+        self._frame_count = 0
+        self._start_time = time.monotonic()
+        self._last_frame_time = self._start_time
+
+    @property
+    def fps(self) -> float:
+        """Current FPS based on elapsed frames."""
+        elapsed = time.monotonic() - self._start_time
+        if elapsed > 0:
+            return self._frame_count / elapsed
+        return 0.0
+
+    def sleep_until_next_frame(self) -> float:
+        """Sleep to maintain target frame rate. Returns actual elapsed time."""
+        now = time.monotonic()
+        elapsed = now - self._last_frame_time
+        self._last_frame_time = now
+        self._frame_count += 1
+
+        sleep_time = max(0, self.target_frame_dt - elapsed)
+        if sleep_time > 0:
+            time.sleep(sleep_time)
+        return elapsed
+
+    def reset(self) -> None:
+        """Reset frame counter and start time."""
+        self._frame_count = 0
+        self._start_time = time.monotonic()
+        self._last_frame_time = self._start_time
+
+
+def calculate_scroll_step(
+    scroll_dur: float, view_height: int, padding: int = 15
+) -> float:
+    """Calculate scroll step interval for smooth scrolling.
+
+    Args:
+        scroll_dur: Duration in seconds for one headline to scroll through view
+        view_height: Terminal height in rows
+        padding: Extra rows for off-screen content
+
+    Returns:
+        Time in seconds between scroll steps
+    """
+    return scroll_dur / (view_height + padding) * 2

engine/interfaces/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+"""
+Core interfaces for the mainline pipeline architecture.
+
+This module provides all abstract base classes and protocols that define
+the contracts between pipeline components:
+
+- Stage: Base class for pipeline components (imported from pipeline.core)
+- DataSource: Abstract data providers (imported from data_sources.sources)
+- EffectPlugin: Visual effects interface (imported from effects.types)
+- Sensor: Real-time input interface (imported from sensors)
+- Display: Output backend protocol (imported from display)
+
+This module provides a centralized import location for all interfaces.
+"""
+
+from engine.data_sources.sources import (
+    DataSource,
+    ImageItem,
+    SourceItem,
+)
+from engine.display import Display
+from engine.effects.types import (
+    EffectConfig,
+    EffectContext,
+    EffectPlugin,
+    PartialUpdate,
+    PipelineConfig,
+    apply_param_bindings,
+    create_effect_context,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.core import (
+    DataType,
+    Stage,
+    StageConfig,
+    StageError,
+    StageResult,
+    create_stage_error,
+)
+from engine.sensors import (
+    Sensor,
+    SensorStage,
+    SensorValue,
+    create_sensor_stage,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    # Stage interfaces
+    "DataType",
+    "Stage",
+    "StageConfig",
+    "StageError",
+    "StageResult",
+    "create_stage_error",
+    # Data source interfaces
+    "DataSource",
+    "ImageItem",
+    "SourceItem",
+    # Effect interfaces
+    "EffectConfig",
+    "EffectContext",
+    "EffectPlugin",
+    "PartialUpdate",
+    "PipelineConfig",
+    "apply_param_bindings",
+    "create_effect_context",
+    # Sensor interfaces
+    "Sensor",
+    "SensorStage",
+    "SensorValue",
+    "create_sensor_stage",
+    # Display protocol
+    "Display",
+]

engine/mic.py

@@ -1,62 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Microphone input monitor — standalone, no internal dependencies.
-Gracefully degrades if sounddevice/numpy are unavailable.
-"""
-
-import atexit
-
-try:
-    import sounddevice as _sd
-    import numpy as _np
-    _HAS_MIC = True
-except Exception:
-    _HAS_MIC = False
-
-
-class MicMonitor:
-    """Background mic stream that exposes current RMS dB level."""
-
-    def __init__(self, threshold_db=50):
-        self.threshold_db = threshold_db
-        self._db = -99.0
-        self._stream = None
-
-    @property
-    def available(self):
-        """True if sounddevice is importable."""
-        return _HAS_MIC
-
-    @property
-    def db(self):
-        """Current RMS dB level."""
-        return self._db
-
-    @property
-    def excess(self):
-        """dB above threshold (clamped to 0)."""
-        return max(0.0, self._db - self.threshold_db)
-
-    def start(self):
-        """Start background mic stream. Returns True on success, False/None otherwise."""
-        if not _HAS_MIC:
-            return None
-        def _cb(indata, frames, t, status):
-            rms = float(_np.sqrt(_np.mean(indata ** 2)))
-            self._db = 20 * _np.log10(rms) if rms > 0 else -99.0
-        try:
-            self._stream = _sd.InputStream(
-                callback=_cb, channels=1, samplerate=44100, blocksize=2048)
-            self._stream.start()
-            atexit.register(self.stop)
-            return True
-        except Exception:
-            return False
-
-    def stop(self):
-        """Stop the mic stream if running."""
-        if self._stream:
-            try:
-                self._stream.stop()
-            except Exception:
-                pass
-            self._stream = None

engine/ntfy.py

@@ -13,10 +13,14 @@ Reusable by any visualizer:
 """
 
 import json
-import time
 import threading
+import time
 import urllib.request
-from urllib.parse import urlparse, parse_qs, urlencode, urlunparse
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from datetime import datetime
+from urllib.parse import parse_qs, urlencode, urlparse, urlunparse
+
+from engine.events import NtfyMessageEvent
 
 
 class NtfyPoller:
@@ -26,8 +30,26 @@ class NtfyPoller:
         self.topic_url = topic_url
         self.reconnect_delay = reconnect_delay
         self.display_secs = display_secs
-        self._message = None   # (title, body, monotonic_timestamp) or None
+        self._message = None  # (title, body, monotonic_timestamp) or None
         self._lock = threading.Lock()
+        self._subscribers: list[Callable[[NtfyMessageEvent], None]] = []
+
+    def subscribe(self, callback: Callable[[NtfyMessageEvent], None]) -> None:
+        """Register a callback to be called when a message is received."""
+        self._subscribers.append(callback)
+
+    def unsubscribe(self, callback: Callable[[NtfyMessageEvent], None]) -> None:
+        """Remove a registered callback."""
+        if callback in self._subscribers:
+            self._subscribers.remove(callback)
+
+    def _emit(self, event: NtfyMessageEvent) -> None:
+        """Emit an event to all subscribers."""
+        for cb in self._subscribers:
+            try:
+                cb(event)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
 
     def start(self):
         """Start background stream thread. Returns True."""
@@ -55,7 +77,7 @@ class NtfyPoller:
         """Build the stream URL, substituting since= to avoid message replays on reconnect."""
         parsed = urlparse(self.topic_url)
         params = parse_qs(parsed.query, keep_blank_values=True)
-        params['since'] = [last_id if last_id else '20s']
+        params["since"] = [last_id if last_id else "20s"]
         new_query = urlencode({k: v[0] for k, v in params.items()})
         return urlunparse(parsed._replace(query=new_query))
 
@@ -65,7 +87,8 @@ class NtfyPoller:
             try:
                 url = self._build_url(last_id)
                 req = urllib.request.Request(
-                    url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline/0.1"})
+                    url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline/0.1"}
+                )
                 # timeout=90 keeps the socket alive through ntfy.sh keepalive heartbeats
                 resp = urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=90)
                 while True:
@@ -73,7 +96,7 @@ class NtfyPoller:
                     if not line:
                         break  # server closed connection — reconnect
                     try:
-                        data = json.loads(line.decode('utf-8', errors='replace'))
+                        data = json.loads(line.decode("utf-8", errors="replace"))
                     except json.JSONDecodeError:
                         continue
                     # Advance cursor on every event (message + keepalive) to
@@ -87,6 +110,13 @@ class NtfyPoller:
                                 data.get("message", ""),
                                 time.monotonic(),
                             )
+                        event = NtfyMessageEvent(
+                            title=data.get("title", ""),
+                            body=data.get("message", ""),
+                            message_id=data.get("id"),
+                            timestamp=datetime.now(),
+                        )
+                        self._emit(event)
             except Exception:
                 pass
             time.sleep(self.reconnect_delay)

engine/pipeline/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+"""
+Unified Pipeline Architecture.
+
+This module provides a clean, dependency-managed pipeline system:
+- Stage: Base class for all pipeline components
+- Pipeline: DAG-based execution orchestrator
+- PipelineParams: Runtime configuration for animation
+- PipelinePreset: Pre-configured pipeline configurations
+- StageRegistry: Unified registration for all stage types
+
+The pipeline architecture supports:
+- Sources: Data providers (headlines, poetry, pipeline viz)
+- Effects: Post-processors (noise, fade, glitch, hud)
+- Displays: Output backends (terminal, pygame, websocket)
+- Cameras: Viewport controllers (vertical, horizontal, omni)
+
+Example:
+    from engine.pipeline import Pipeline, PipelineConfig, StageRegistry
+
+    pipeline = Pipeline(PipelineConfig(source="headlines", display="terminal"))
+    pipeline.add_stage("source", StageRegistry.create("source", "headlines"))
+    pipeline.add_stage("display", StageRegistry.create("display", "terminal"))
+    pipeline.build().initialize()
+
+    result = pipeline.execute(initial_data)
+"""
+
+from engine.pipeline.controller import (
+    Pipeline,
+    PipelineConfig,
+    PipelineRunner,
+    create_default_pipeline,
+    create_pipeline_from_params,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.core import (
+    PipelineContext,
+    Stage,
+    StageConfig,
+    StageError,
+    StageResult,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.params import (
+    DEFAULT_HEADLINE_PARAMS,
+    DEFAULT_PIPELINE_PARAMS,
+    DEFAULT_PYGAME_PARAMS,
+    PipelineParams,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.presets import (
+    DEMO_PRESET,
+    FIREHOSE_PRESET,
+    PIPELINE_VIZ_PRESET,
+    POETRY_PRESET,
+    UI_PRESET,
+    WEBSOCKET_PRESET,
+    PipelinePreset,
+    create_preset_from_params,
+    get_preset,
+    list_presets,
+)
+from engine.pipeline.registry import (
+    StageRegistry,
+    discover_stages,
+    register_camera,
+    register_display,
+    register_effect,
+    register_source,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    # Core
+    "Stage",
+    "StageConfig",
+    "StageError",
+    "StageResult",
+    "PipelineContext",
+    # Controller
+    "Pipeline",
+    "PipelineConfig",
+    "PipelineRunner",
+    "create_default_pipeline",
+    "create_pipeline_from_params",
+    # Params
+    "PipelineParams",
+    "DEFAULT_HEADLINE_PARAMS",
+    "DEFAULT_PIPELINE_PARAMS",
+    "DEFAULT_PYGAME_PARAMS",
+    # Presets
+    "PipelinePreset",
+    "PRESETS",
+    "DEMO_PRESET",
+    "POETRY_PRESET",
+    "PIPELINE_VIZ_PRESET",
+    "WEBSOCKET_PRESET",
+    "FIREHOSE_PRESET",
+    "UI_PRESET",
+    "get_preset",
+    "list_presets",
+    "create_preset_from_params",
+    # Registry
+    "StageRegistry",
+    "discover_stages",
+    "register_source",
+    "register_effect",
+    "register_display",
+    "register_camera",
+]

engine/pipeline/adapters.py

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+"""
+Stage adapters - Bridge existing components to the Stage interface.
+
+This module provides adapters that wrap existing components
+(EffectPlugin, Display, DataSource, Camera) as Stage implementations.
+
+DEPRECATED: This file is now a compatibility wrapper.
+Use `engine.pipeline.adapters` package instead.
+"""
+
+# Re-export from the new package structure for backward compatibility
+from engine.pipeline.adapters import (
+    # Adapter classes
+    CameraStage,
+    CanvasStage,
+    DataSourceStage,
+    DisplayStage,
+    EffectPluginStage,
+    FontStage,
+    ImageToTextStage,
+    PassthroughStage,
+    SourceItemsToBufferStage,
+    ViewportFilterStage,
+    # Factory functions
+    create_stage_from_camera,
+    create_stage_from_display,
+    create_stage_from_effect,
+    create_stage_from_font,
+    create_stage_from_source,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    # Adapter classes
+    "EffectPluginStage",
+    "DisplayStage",
+    "DataSourceStage",
+    "PassthroughStage",
+    "SourceItemsToBufferStage",
+    "CameraStage",
+    "ViewportFilterStage",
+    "FontStage",
+    "ImageToTextStage",
+    "CanvasStage",
+    # Factory functions
+    "create_stage_from_display",
+    "create_stage_from_effect",
+    "create_stage_from_source",
+    "create_stage_from_camera",
+    "create_stage_from_font",
+]

engine/pipeline/adapters/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+"""Stage adapters - Bridge existing components to the Stage interface.
+
+This module provides adapters that wrap existing components
+(EffectPlugin, Display, DataSource, Camera) as Stage implementations.
+"""
+
+from .camera import CameraClockStage, CameraStage
+from .data_source import DataSourceStage, PassthroughStage, SourceItemsToBufferStage
+from .display import DisplayStage
+from .effect_plugin import EffectPluginStage
+from .factory import (
+    create_stage_from_camera,
+    create_stage_from_display,
+    create_stage_from_effect,
+    create_stage_from_font,
+    create_stage_from_source,
+)
+from .message_overlay import MessageOverlayConfig, MessageOverlayStage
+from .positioning import (
+    PositioningMode,
+    PositionStage,
+    create_position_stage,
+)
+from .transform import (
+    CanvasStage,
+    FontStage,
+    ImageToTextStage,
+    ViewportFilterStage,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    # Adapter classes
+    "EffectPluginStage",
+    "DisplayStage",
+    "DataSourceStage",
+    "PassthroughStage",
+    "SourceItemsToBufferStage",
+    "CameraStage",
+    "CameraClockStage",
+    "ViewportFilterStage",
+    "FontStage",
+    "ImageToTextStage",
+    "CanvasStage",
+    "MessageOverlayStage",
+    "MessageOverlayConfig",
+    "PositionStage",
+    "PositioningMode",
+    # Factory functions
+    "create_stage_from_display",
+    "create_stage_from_effect",
+    "create_stage_from_source",
+    "create_stage_from_camera",
+    "create_stage_from_font",
+    "create_position_stage",
+]

engine/pipeline/adapters/camera.py

@@ -0,0 +1,219 @@
+"""Adapter for camera stage."""
+
+import time
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class CameraClockStage(Stage):
+    """Per-frame clock stage that updates camera state.
+
+    This stage runs once per frame and updates the camera's internal state
+    (position, time). It makes camera_y/camera_x available to subsequent
+    stages via the pipeline context.
+
+    Unlike other stages, this is a pure clock stage and doesn't process
+    data - it just updates camera state and passes data through unchanged.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, camera, name: str = "camera-clock"):
+        self._camera = camera
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "camera"
+        self.optional = False
+        self._last_frame_time: float | None = None
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "camera"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Provides camera state info only
+        # NOTE: Do NOT provide "source" as it conflicts with viewport_filter's "source.filtered"
+        return {"camera.state"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Clock stage - no dependencies (updates every frame regardless of data flow)
+        return set()
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        # Accept any data type - this is a pass-through stage
+        return {DataType.ANY}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        # Pass through whatever was received
+        return {DataType.ANY}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Update camera state and pass data through.
+
+        This stage updates the camera's internal state (position, time) and
+        makes the updated camera_y/camera_x available to subsequent stages
+        via the pipeline context.
+
+        The data is passed through unchanged - this stage only updates
+        camera state, it doesn't transform the data.
+        """
+        if data is None:
+            return data
+
+        # Update camera speed from params if explicitly set (for dynamic modulation)
+        # Only update if camera_speed in params differs from the default (1.0)
+        # This preserves camera speed set during construction
+        if (
+            ctx.params
+            and hasattr(ctx.params, "camera_speed")
+            and ctx.params.camera_speed != 1.0
+        ):
+            self._camera.set_speed(ctx.params.camera_speed)
+
+        current_time = time.perf_counter()
+        dt = 0.0
+        if self._last_frame_time is not None:
+            dt = current_time - self._last_frame_time
+            self._camera.update(dt)
+        self._last_frame_time = current_time
+
+        # Update context with current camera position
+        ctx.set_state("camera_y", self._camera.y)
+        ctx.set_state("camera_x", self._camera.x)
+
+        # Pass data through unchanged
+        return data
+
+
+class CameraStage(Stage):
+    """Adapter wrapping Camera as a Stage.
+
+    This stage applies camera viewport transformation to the rendered buffer.
+    Camera state updates are handled by CameraClockStage.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, camera, name: str = "vertical"):
+        self._camera = camera
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "camera"
+        self.optional = True
+        self._last_frame_time: float | None = None
+
+    def save_state(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Save camera state for restoration after pipeline rebuild.
+
+        Returns:
+            Dictionary containing camera state that can be restored
+        """
+        state = {
+            "x": self._camera.x,
+            "y": self._camera.y,
+            "mode": self._camera.mode.value
+            if hasattr(self._camera.mode, "value")
+            else self._camera.mode,
+            "speed": self._camera.speed,
+            "zoom": self._camera.zoom,
+            "canvas_width": self._camera.canvas_width,
+            "canvas_height": self._camera.canvas_height,
+            "_x_float": getattr(self._camera, "_x_float", 0.0),
+            "_y_float": getattr(self._camera, "_y_float", 0.0),
+            "_time": getattr(self._camera, "_time", 0.0),
+        }
+        # Save radial camera state if present
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_r_float"):
+            state["_r_float"] = self._camera._r_float
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_theta_float"):
+            state["_theta_float"] = self._camera._theta_float
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_radial_input"):
+            state["_radial_input"] = self._camera._radial_input
+        return state
+
+    def restore_state(self, state: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+        """Restore camera state from saved state.
+
+        Args:
+            state: Dictionary containing camera state from save_state()
+        """
+        from engine.camera import CameraMode
+
+        self._camera.x = state.get("x", 0)
+        self._camera.y = state.get("y", 0)
+
+        # Restore mode - handle both enum value and direct enum
+        mode_value = state.get("mode", 0)
+        if isinstance(mode_value, int):
+            self._camera.mode = CameraMode(mode_value)
+        else:
+            self._camera.mode = mode_value
+
+        self._camera.speed = state.get("speed", 1.0)
+        self._camera.zoom = state.get("zoom", 1.0)
+        self._camera.canvas_width = state.get("canvas_width", 200)
+        self._camera.canvas_height = state.get("canvas_height", 200)
+
+        # Restore internal state
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_x_float"):
+            self._camera._x_float = state.get("_x_float", 0.0)
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_y_float"):
+            self._camera._y_float = state.get("_y_float", 0.0)
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_time"):
+            self._camera._time = state.get("_time", 0.0)
+
+        # Restore radial camera state if present
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_r_float"):
+            self._camera._r_float = state.get("_r_float", 0.0)
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_theta_float"):
+            self._camera._theta_float = state.get("_theta_float", 0.0)
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "_radial_input"):
+            self._camera._radial_input = state.get("_radial_input", 0.0)
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "camera"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"camera"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output", "camera.state"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Apply camera transformation to items."""
+        if data is None:
+            return data
+
+        # Camera state is updated by CameraClockStage
+        # We only apply the viewport transformation here
+
+        if hasattr(self._camera, "apply"):
+            viewport_width = ctx.params.viewport_width if ctx.params else 80
+            viewport_height = ctx.params.viewport_height if ctx.params else 24
+
+            # Use filtered camera position if available (from ViewportFilterStage)
+            # This handles the case where the buffer has been filtered and starts at row 0
+            filtered_camera_y = ctx.get("camera_y", self._camera.y)
+
+            # Temporarily adjust camera position for filtering
+            original_y = self._camera.y
+            self._camera.y = filtered_camera_y
+
+            try:
+                result = self._camera.apply(data, viewport_width, viewport_height)
+            finally:
+                # Restore original camera position
+                self._camera.y = original_y
+
+            return result
+        return data

engine/pipeline/adapters/data_source.py

@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+"""
+Stage adapters - Bridge existing components to the Stage interface.
+
+This module provides adapters that wrap existing components
+(DataSource) as Stage implementations.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.data_sources import SourceItem
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class DataSourceStage(Stage):
+    """Adapter wrapping DataSource as a Stage."""
+
+    def __init__(self, data_source, name: str = "headlines"):
+        self._source = data_source
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "source"
+        self.optional = False
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {f"source.{self.name}"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return set()
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.NONE}  # Sources don't take input
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Fetch data from source."""
+        if hasattr(self._source, "get_items"):
+            return self._source.get_items()
+        return data
+
+
+class PassthroughStage(Stage):
+    """Simple stage that passes data through unchanged.
+
+    Used for sources that already provide the data in the correct format
+    (e.g., pipeline introspection that outputs text directly).
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "passthrough"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = True
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"source"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Pass data through unchanged."""
+        return data
+
+
+class SourceItemsToBufferStage(Stage):
+    """Convert SourceItem objects to text buffer.
+
+    Takes a list of SourceItem objects and extracts their content,
+    splitting on newlines to create a proper text buffer for display.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "items-to-buffer"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = True
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"source"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Convert SourceItem list to text buffer."""
+        if data is None:
+            return []
+
+        # If already a list of strings, return as-is
+        if isinstance(data, list) and data and isinstance(data[0], str):
+            return data
+
+        # If it's a list of SourceItem, extract content
+        if isinstance(data, list):
+            result = []
+            for item in data:
+                if isinstance(item, SourceItem):
+                    # Split content by newline to get individual lines
+                    lines = item.content.split("\n")
+                    result.extend(lines)
+                elif hasattr(item, "content"):  # Has content attribute
+                    lines = str(item.content).split("\n")
+                    result.extend(lines)
+                else:
+                    result.append(str(item))
+            return result
+
+        # Single item
+        if isinstance(data, SourceItem):
+            return data.content.split("\n")
+
+        return [str(data)]

engine/pipeline/adapters/display.py

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+"""Adapter wrapping Display as a Stage."""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.pipeline.core import PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class DisplayStage(Stage):
+    """Adapter wrapping Display as a Stage."""
+
+    def __init__(self, display, name: str = "terminal", positioning: str = "mixed"):
+        self._display = display
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "display"
+        self.optional = False
+        self._initialized = False
+        self._init_width = 80
+        self._init_height = 24
+        self._positioning = positioning
+
+    def save_state(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Save display state for restoration after pipeline rebuild.
+
+        Returns:
+            Dictionary containing display state that can be restored
+        """
+        return {
+            "initialized": self._initialized,
+            "init_width": self._init_width,
+            "init_height": self._init_height,
+            "width": getattr(self._display, "width", 80),
+            "height": getattr(self._display, "height", 24),
+        }
+
+    def restore_state(self, state: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+        """Restore display state from saved state.
+
+        Args:
+            state: Dictionary containing display state from save_state()
+        """
+        self._initialized = state.get("initialized", False)
+        self._init_width = state.get("init_width", 80)
+        self._init_height = state.get("init_height", 24)
+
+        # Restore display dimensions if the display supports it
+        if hasattr(self._display, "width"):
+            self._display.width = state.get("width", 80)
+        if hasattr(self._display, "height"):
+            self._display.height = state.get("height", 24)
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"display.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Display needs rendered content and camera transformation
+        return {"render.output", "camera"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}  # Display consumes rendered text
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.NONE}  # Display is a terminal stage (no output)
+
+    def init(self, ctx: PipelineContext) -> bool:
+        w = ctx.params.viewport_width if ctx.params else 80
+        h = ctx.params.viewport_height if ctx.params else 24
+
+        # Try to reuse display if already initialized
+        reuse = self._initialized
+        result = self._display.init(w, h, reuse=reuse)
+
+        # Update initialization state
+        if result is not False:
+            self._initialized = True
+            self._init_width = w
+            self._init_height = h
+
+        return result is not False
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Output data to display."""
+        if data is not None:
+            # Check if positioning mode is specified in context params
+            positioning = self._positioning
+            if ctx and ctx.params and hasattr(ctx.params, "positioning"):
+                positioning = ctx.params.positioning
+
+            # Pass positioning to display if supported
+            if (
+                hasattr(self._display, "show")
+                and "positioning" in self._display.show.__code__.co_varnames
+            ):
+                self._display.show(data, positioning=positioning)
+            else:
+                # Fallback for displays that don't support positioning parameter
+                self._display.show(data)
+        return data
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        self._display.cleanup()

engine/pipeline/adapters/effect_plugin.py

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+"""Adapter wrapping EffectPlugin as a Stage."""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.pipeline.core import PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class EffectPluginStage(Stage):
+    """Adapter wrapping EffectPlugin as a Stage.
+
+    Supports capability-based dependencies through the dependencies parameter.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        effect_plugin,
+        name: str = "effect",
+        dependencies: set[str] | None = None,
+    ):
+        self._effect = effect_plugin
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "effect"
+        self.optional = False
+        self._dependencies = dependencies or set()
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        """Return stage_type based on effect name.
+
+        Overlay effects have stage_type "overlay".
+        """
+        if self.is_overlay:
+            return "overlay"
+        return self.category
+
+    @property
+    def render_order(self) -> int:
+        """Return render_order based on effect type.
+
+        Overlay effects have high render_order to appear on top.
+        """
+        if self.is_overlay:
+            return 100  # High order for overlays
+        return 0
+
+    @property
+    def is_overlay(self) -> bool:
+        """Return True for overlay effects.
+
+        Overlay effects compose on top of the buffer
+        rather than transforming it for the next stage.
+        """
+        # Check if the effect has an is_overlay attribute that is explicitly True
+        # (not just any truthy value from a mock object)
+        if hasattr(self._effect, "is_overlay"):
+            effect_overlay = self._effect.is_overlay
+            # Only return True if it's explicitly set to True
+            if effect_overlay is True:
+                return True
+        return self.name == "hud"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {f"effect.{self.name}"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return self._dependencies
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        from engine.pipeline.core import DataType
+
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Process data through the effect."""
+        if data is None:
+            return None
+        from engine.effects.types import EffectContext, apply_param_bindings
+
+        w = ctx.params.viewport_width if ctx.params else 80
+        h = ctx.params.viewport_height if ctx.params else 24
+        frame = ctx.params.frame_number if ctx.params else 0
+
+        effect_ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=w,
+            terminal_height=h,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=h,
+            camera_x=0,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=(frame * 0.01) % 1.0,
+            frame_number=frame,
+            has_message=False,
+            items=ctx.get("items", []),
+        )
+
+        # Copy sensor state from PipelineContext to EffectContext
+        for key, value in ctx.state.items():
+            if key.startswith("sensor."):
+                effect_ctx.set_state(key, value)
+
+        # Copy metrics from PipelineContext to EffectContext
+        if "metrics" in ctx.state:
+            effect_ctx.set_state("metrics", ctx.state["metrics"])
+
+        # Copy pipeline_order from PipelineContext services to EffectContext state
+        pipeline_order = ctx.get("pipeline_order")
+        if pipeline_order:
+            effect_ctx.set_state("pipeline_order", pipeline_order)
+
+        # Apply sensor param bindings if effect has them
+        if hasattr(self._effect, "param_bindings") and self._effect.param_bindings:
+            bound_config = apply_param_bindings(self._effect, effect_ctx)
+            self._effect.configure(bound_config)
+
+        return self._effect.process(data, effect_ctx)

engine/pipeline/adapters/factory.py

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+"""Factory functions for creating stage instances."""
+
+from engine.pipeline.adapters.camera import CameraStage
+from engine.pipeline.adapters.data_source import DataSourceStage
+from engine.pipeline.adapters.display import DisplayStage
+from engine.pipeline.adapters.effect_plugin import EffectPluginStage
+from engine.pipeline.adapters.transform import FontStage
+
+
+def create_stage_from_display(display, name: str = "terminal") -> DisplayStage:
+    """Create a DisplayStage from a display instance."""
+    return DisplayStage(display, name=name)
+
+
+def create_stage_from_effect(effect_plugin, name: str) -> EffectPluginStage:
+    """Create an EffectPluginStage from an effect plugin."""
+    return EffectPluginStage(effect_plugin, name=name)
+
+
+def create_stage_from_source(data_source, name: str = "headlines") -> DataSourceStage:
+    """Create a DataSourceStage from a data source."""
+    return DataSourceStage(data_source, name=name)
+
+
+def create_stage_from_camera(camera, name: str = "vertical") -> CameraStage:
+    """Create a CameraStage from a camera instance."""
+    return CameraStage(camera, name=name)
+
+
+def create_stage_from_font(
+    font_path: str | None = None,
+    font_size: int | None = None,
+    font_ref: str | None = "default",
+    name: str = "font",
+) -> FontStage:
+    """Create a FontStage with specified font configuration."""
+    # FontStage currently doesn't use these parameters but keeps them for compatibility
+    return FontStage(name=name)

engine/pipeline/adapters/frame_capture.py

@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+"""
+Frame Capture Stage Adapter
+
+Wraps pipeline stages to capture frames for animation report generation.
+"""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.display.backends.animation_report import AnimationReportDisplay
+from engine.pipeline.core import PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class FrameCaptureStage(Stage):
+    """
+    Wrapper stage that captures frames before and after a wrapped stage.
+
+    This allows generating animation reports showing how each stage
+    transforms the data.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        wrapped_stage: Stage,
+        display: AnimationReportDisplay,
+        name: str | None = None,
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize frame capture stage.
+
+        Args:
+            wrapped_stage: The stage to wrap and capture frames from
+            display: The animation report display to send frames to
+            name: Optional name for this capture stage
+        """
+        self._wrapped_stage = wrapped_stage
+        self._display = display
+        self.name = name or f"capture_{wrapped_stage.name}"
+        self.category = wrapped_stage.category
+        self.optional = wrapped_stage.optional
+
+        # Capture state
+        self._captured_input = False
+        self._captured_output = False
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return self._wrapped_stage.stage_type
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return self._wrapped_stage.capabilities
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return self._wrapped_stage.dependencies
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return self._wrapped_stage.inlet_types
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return self._wrapped_stage.outlet_types
+
+    def init(self, ctx: PipelineContext) -> bool:
+        """Initialize the wrapped stage."""
+        return self._wrapped_stage.init(ctx)
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """
+        Process data through wrapped stage and capture frames.
+
+        Args:
+            data: Input data (typically a text buffer)
+            ctx: Pipeline context
+
+        Returns:
+            Output data from wrapped stage
+        """
+        # Capture input frame (before stage processing)
+        if isinstance(data, list) and all(isinstance(line, str) for line in data):
+            self._display.start_stage(f"{self._wrapped_stage.name}_input")
+            self._display.show(data)
+            self._captured_input = True
+
+        # Process through wrapped stage
+        result = self._wrapped_stage.process(data, ctx)
+
+        # Capture output frame (after stage processing)
+        if isinstance(result, list) and all(isinstance(line, str) for line in result):
+            self._display.start_stage(f"{self._wrapped_stage.name}_output")
+            self._display.show(result)
+            self._captured_output = True
+
+        return result
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Cleanup the wrapped stage."""
+        self._wrapped_stage.cleanup()
+
+
+class FrameCaptureController:
+    """
+    Controller for managing frame capture across the pipeline.
+
+    This class provides an easy way to enable frame capture for
+    specific stages or the entire pipeline.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, display: AnimationReportDisplay):
+        """
+        Initialize frame capture controller.
+
+        Args:
+            display: The animation report display to use for capture
+        """
+        self._display = display
+        self._captured_stages: list[FrameCaptureStage] = []
+
+    def wrap_stage(self, stage: Stage, name: str | None = None) -> FrameCaptureStage:
+        """
+        Wrap a stage with frame capture.
+
+        Args:
+            stage: The stage to wrap
+            name: Optional name for the capture stage
+
+        Returns:
+            Wrapped stage that captures frames
+        """
+        capture_stage = FrameCaptureStage(stage, self._display, name)
+        self._captured_stages.append(capture_stage)
+        return capture_stage
+
+    def wrap_stages(self, stages: dict[str, Stage]) -> dict[str, Stage]:
+        """
+        Wrap multiple stages with frame capture.
+
+        Args:
+            stages: Dictionary of stage names to stages
+
+        Returns:
+            Dictionary of stage names to wrapped stages
+        """
+        wrapped = {}
+        for name, stage in stages.items():
+            wrapped[name] = self.wrap_stage(stage, name)
+        return wrapped
+
+    def get_captured_stages(self) -> list[FrameCaptureStage]:
+        """Get list of all captured stages."""
+        return self._captured_stages
+
+    def generate_report(self, title: str = "Pipeline Animation Report") -> str:
+        """
+        Generate the animation report.
+
+        Args:
+            title: Title for the report
+
+        Returns:
+            Path to the generated HTML file
+        """
+        report_path = self._display.generate_report(title)
+        return str(report_path)

engine/pipeline/adapters/message_overlay.py

@@ -0,0 +1,185 @@
+"""
+Message overlay stage - Renders ntfy messages as an overlay on the buffer.
+
+This stage provides message overlay capability for displaying ntfy.sh messages
+as a centered panel with pink/magenta gradient, matching upstream/main aesthetics.
+"""
+
+import re
+import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.legacy import vis_trunc
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+from engine.render.blocks import big_wrap
+from engine.render.gradient import msg_gradient
+
+
+@dataclass
+class MessageOverlayConfig:
+    """Configuration for MessageOverlayStage."""
+
+    enabled: bool = True
+    display_secs: int = 30  # How long to display messages
+    topic_url: str | None = None  # Ntfy topic URL (None = use config default)
+
+
+class MessageOverlayStage(Stage):
+    """Stage that renders ntfy message overlay on the buffer.
+
+    Provides:
+    - message.overlay capability (optional)
+    - Renders centered panel with pink/magenta gradient
+    - Shows title, body, timestamp, and remaining time
+    """
+
+    name = "message_overlay"
+    category = "overlay"
+
+    def __init__(
+        self, config: MessageOverlayConfig | None = None, name: str = "message_overlay"
+    ):
+        self.config = config or MessageOverlayConfig()
+        self._ntfy_poller = None
+        self._msg_cache = (None, None)  # (cache_key, rendered_rows)
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        """Provides message overlay capability."""
+        return {"message.overlay"} if self.config.enabled else set()
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        """Needs rendered buffer and camera transformation to overlay onto."""
+        return {"render.output", "camera"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def init(self, ctx: PipelineContext) -> bool:
+        """Initialize ntfy poller if topic URL is configured."""
+        if not self.config.enabled:
+            return True
+
+        # Get or create ntfy poller
+        topic_url = self.config.topic_url or config.NTFY_TOPIC
+        if topic_url:
+            from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
+
+            self._ntfy_poller = NtfyPoller(
+                topic_url=topic_url,
+                reconnect_delay=getattr(config, "NTFY_RECONNECT_DELAY", 5),
+                display_secs=self.config.display_secs,
+            )
+            self._ntfy_poller.start()
+            ctx.set("ntfy_poller", self._ntfy_poller)
+
+        return True
+
+    def process(self, data: list[str], ctx: PipelineContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Render message overlay on the buffer."""
+        if not self.config.enabled or not data:
+            return data
+
+        # Get active message from poller
+        msg = None
+        if self._ntfy_poller:
+            msg = self._ntfy_poller.get_active_message()
+
+        if msg is None:
+            return data
+
+        # Render overlay
+        w = ctx.terminal_width if hasattr(ctx, "terminal_width") else 80
+        h = ctx.terminal_height if hasattr(ctx, "terminal_height") else 24
+
+        overlay, self._msg_cache = self._render_message_overlay(
+            msg, w, h, self._msg_cache
+        )
+
+        # Composite overlay onto buffer
+        result = list(data)
+        for line in overlay:
+            # Overlay uses ANSI cursor positioning, just append
+            result.append(line)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _render_message_overlay(
+        self,
+        msg: tuple[str, str, float] | None,
+        w: int,
+        h: int,
+        msg_cache: tuple,
+    ) -> tuple[list[str], tuple]:
+        """Render ntfy message overlay.
+
+        Args:
+            msg: (title, body, timestamp) or None
+            w: terminal width
+            h: terminal height
+            msg_cache: (cache_key, rendered_rows) for caching
+
+        Returns:
+            (list of ANSI strings, updated cache)
+        """
+        overlay = []
+        if msg is None:
+            return overlay, msg_cache
+
+        m_title, m_body, m_ts = msg
+        display_text = m_body or m_title or "(empty)"
+        display_text = re.sub(r"\s+", " ", display_text.upper())
+
+        cache_key = (display_text, w)
+        if msg_cache[0] != cache_key:
+            msg_rows = big_wrap(display_text, w - 4)
+            msg_cache = (cache_key, msg_rows)
+        else:
+            msg_rows = msg_cache[1]
+
+        msg_rows = msg_gradient(msg_rows, (time.monotonic() * config.GRAD_SPEED) % 1.0)
+
+        elapsed_s = int(time.monotonic() - m_ts)
+        remaining = max(0, self.config.display_secs - elapsed_s)
+        ts_str = datetime.now().strftime("%H:%M:%S")
+        panel_h = len(msg_rows) + 2
+        panel_top = max(0, (h - panel_h) // 2)
+
+        row_idx = 0
+        for mr in msg_rows:
+            ln = vis_trunc(mr, w)
+            overlay.append(f"\033[{panel_top + row_idx + 1};1H  {ln}\033[0m\033[K")
+            row_idx += 1
+
+        meta_parts = []
+        if m_title and m_title != m_body:
+            meta_parts.append(m_title)
+        meta_parts.append(f"ntfy \u00b7 {ts_str} \u00b7 {remaining}s")
+        meta = (
+            "  " + " \u00b7 ".join(meta_parts)
+            if len(meta_parts) > 1
+            else "  " + meta_parts[0]
+        )
+        overlay.append(
+            f"\033[{panel_top + row_idx + 1};1H\033[38;5;245m{meta}\033[0m\033[K"
+        )
+        row_idx += 1
+
+        bar = "\u2500" * (w - 4)
+        overlay.append(
+            f"\033[{panel_top + row_idx + 1};1H  \033[2;38;5;37m{bar}\033[0m\033[K"
+        )
+
+        return overlay, msg_cache
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Cleanup resources."""
+        pass

engine/pipeline/adapters/positioning.py

@@ -0,0 +1,185 @@
+"""PositionStage - Configurable positioning mode for terminal rendering.
+
+This module provides positioning stages that allow choosing between
+different ANSI positioning approaches:
+- ABSOLUTE: Use cursor positioning codes (\\033[row;colH) for all lines
+- RELATIVE: Use newlines for all lines
+- MIXED: Base content uses newlines, effects use cursor positioning (default)
+"""
+
+from enum import Enum
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+class PositioningMode(Enum):
+    """Positioning mode for terminal rendering."""
+
+    ABSOLUTE = "absolute"  # All lines have cursor positioning codes
+    RELATIVE = "relative"  # Lines use newlines (no cursor codes)
+    MIXED = "mixed"  # Mixed: newlines for base, cursor codes for overlays (default)
+
+
+class PositionStage(Stage):
+    """Applies positioning mode to buffer before display.
+
+    This stage allows configuring how lines are positioned in the terminal:
+    - ABSOLUTE: Each line has \\033[row;colH prefix (precise control)
+    - RELATIVE: Lines are joined with \\n (natural flow)
+    - MIXED: Leaves buffer as-is (effects add their own positioning)
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self, mode: PositioningMode = PositioningMode.RELATIVE, name: str = "position"
+    ):
+        self.mode = mode
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "position"
+        self._mode_str = mode.value
+
+    def save_state(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Save positioning mode for restoration."""
+        return {"mode": self.mode.value}
+
+    def restore_state(self, state: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+        """Restore positioning mode from saved state."""
+        mode_value = state.get("mode", "relative")
+        self.mode = PositioningMode(mode_value)
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"position.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Position stage typically runs after render but before effects
+        # Effects may add their own positioning codes
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def init(self, ctx: PipelineContext) -> bool:
+        """Initialize the positioning stage."""
+        return True
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Apply positioning mode to the buffer.
+
+        Args:
+            data: List of strings (buffer lines)
+            ctx: Pipeline context
+
+        Returns:
+            Buffer with applied positioning mode
+        """
+        if data is None:
+            return data
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return data
+
+        if self.mode == PositioningMode.ABSOLUTE:
+            return self._to_absolute(data, ctx)
+        elif self.mode == PositioningMode.RELATIVE:
+            return self._to_relative(data, ctx)
+        else:  # MIXED
+            return data  # No transformation
+
+    def _to_absolute(self, data: list[str], ctx: PipelineContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Convert buffer to absolute positioning (all lines have cursor codes).
+
+        This mode prefixes each line with \\033[row;colH to move cursor
+        to the exact position before writing the line.
+
+        Args:
+            data: List of buffer lines
+            ctx: Pipeline context (provides terminal dimensions)
+
+        Returns:
+            Buffer with cursor positioning codes for each line
+        """
+        result = []
+        viewport_height = ctx.params.viewport_height if ctx.params else 24
+
+        for i, line in enumerate(data):
+            if i >= viewport_height:
+                break  # Don't exceed viewport
+
+            # Check if line already has cursor positioning
+            if "\033[" in line and "H" in line:
+                # Already has cursor positioning - leave as-is
+                result.append(line)
+            else:
+                # Add cursor positioning for this line
+                # Row is 1-indexed
+                result.append(f"\033[{i + 1};1H{line}")
+
+        return result
+
+    def _to_relative(self, data: list[str], ctx: PipelineContext) -> list[str]:
+        """Convert buffer to relative positioning (use newlines).
+
+        This mode removes explicit cursor positioning codes from lines
+        (except for effects that specifically add them).
+
+        Note: Effects like HUD add their own cursor positioning codes,
+        so we can't simply remove all of them. We rely on the terminal
+        display to join lines with newlines.
+
+        Args:
+            data: List of buffer lines
+            ctx: Pipeline context (unused)
+
+        Returns:
+            Buffer with minimal cursor positioning (only for overlays)
+        """
+        # For relative mode, we leave the buffer as-is
+        # The terminal display handles joining with newlines
+        # Effects that need absolute positioning will add their own codes
+
+        # Filter out lines that would cause double-positioning
+        result = []
+        for i, line in enumerate(data):
+            # Check if this line looks like base content (no cursor code at start)
+            # vs an effect line (has cursor code at start)
+            if line.startswith("\033[") and "H" in line[:20]:
+                # This is an effect with positioning - keep it
+                result.append(line)
+            else:
+                # Base content - strip any inline cursor codes (rare)
+                # but keep color codes
+                result.append(line)
+
+        return result
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Clean up positioning stage."""
+        pass
+
+
+# Convenience function to create positioning stage
+def create_position_stage(
+    mode: str = "relative", name: str = "position"
+) -> PositionStage:
+    """Create a positioning stage with the specified mode.
+
+    Args:
+        mode: Positioning mode ("absolute", "relative", or "mixed")
+        name: Name for the stage
+
+    Returns:
+        PositionStage instance
+    """
+    try:
+        positioning_mode = PositioningMode(mode)
+    except ValueError:
+        positioning_mode = PositioningMode.RELATIVE
+
+    return PositionStage(mode=positioning_mode, name=name)

engine/pipeline/adapters/transform.py

@@ -0,0 +1,293 @@
+"""Adapters for transform stages (viewport, font, image, canvas)."""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+import engine.render
+from engine.data_sources import SourceItem
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+def estimate_simple_height(text: str, width: int) -> int:
+    """Estimate height in terminal rows using simple word wrap.
+
+    Uses conservative estimation suitable for headlines.
+    Each wrapped line is approximately 6 terminal rows (big block rendering).
+    """
+    words = text.split()
+    if not words:
+        return 6
+
+    lines = 1
+    current_len = 0
+    for word in words:
+        word_len = len(word)
+        if current_len + word_len + 1 > width - 4:  # -4 for margins
+            lines += 1
+            current_len = word_len
+        else:
+            current_len += word_len + 1
+
+    return lines * 6  # 6 rows per line for big block rendering
+
+
+class ViewportFilterStage(Stage):
+    """Filter items to viewport height based on rendered height."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "viewport-filter"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = True
+        self._layout: list[int] = []
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"source.filtered"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Always requires camera.state for viewport filtering
+        # CameraUpdateStage provides this (auto-injected if missing)
+        return {"source", "camera.state"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Filter items to viewport height based on rendered height."""
+        if data is None:
+            return data
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return data
+
+        if not data:
+            return []
+
+        # Get viewport parameters from context
+        viewport_height = ctx.params.viewport_height if ctx.params else 24
+        viewport_width = ctx.params.viewport_width if ctx.params else 80
+        camera_y = ctx.get("camera_y", 0)
+
+        # Estimate height for each item and cache layout
+        self._layout = []
+        cumulative_heights = []
+        current_height = 0
+
+        for item in data:
+            title = item.content if isinstance(item, SourceItem) else str(item)
+            # Use simple height estimation (not PIL-based)
+            estimated_height = estimate_simple_height(title, viewport_width)
+            self._layout.append(estimated_height)
+            current_height += estimated_height
+            cumulative_heights.append(current_height)
+
+        # Find visible range based on camera_y and viewport_height
+        # camera_y is the scroll offset (how many rows are scrolled up)
+        start_y = camera_y
+        end_y = camera_y + viewport_height
+
+        # Find start index (first item that intersects with visible range)
+        start_idx = 0
+        start_item_y = 0  # Y position where the first visible item starts
+        for i, total_h in enumerate(cumulative_heights):
+            if total_h > start_y:
+                start_idx = i
+                # Calculate the Y position of the start of this item
+                if i > 0:
+                    start_item_y = cumulative_heights[i - 1]
+                break
+
+        # Find end index (first item that extends beyond visible range)
+        end_idx = len(data)
+        for i, total_h in enumerate(cumulative_heights):
+            if total_h >= end_y:
+                end_idx = i + 1
+                break
+
+        # Adjust camera_y for the filtered buffer
+        # The filtered buffer starts at row 0, but the camera position
+        # needs to be relative to where the first visible item starts
+        filtered_camera_y = camera_y - start_item_y
+
+        # Update context with the filtered camera position
+        # This ensures CameraStage can correctly slice the filtered buffer
+        ctx.set_state("camera_y", filtered_camera_y)
+        ctx.set_state("camera_x", ctx.get("camera_x", 0))  # Keep camera_x unchanged
+
+        # Return visible items
+        return data[start_idx:end_idx]
+
+
+class FontStage(Stage):
+    """Render items using font."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "font"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = False
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def stage_dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Must connect to viewport_filter stage to get filtered source
+        return {"viewport_filter"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Depend on source.filtered (provided by viewport_filter)
+        # This ensures we get the filtered/processed source, not raw source
+        return {"source.filtered"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Render items to text buffer using font."""
+        if data is None:
+            return []
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return [str(data)]
+
+        import os
+
+        if os.environ.get("DEBUG_CAMERA"):
+            print(f"FontStage: input items={len(data)}")
+
+        viewport_width = ctx.params.viewport_width if ctx.params else 80
+
+        result = []
+        for item in data:
+            if isinstance(item, SourceItem):
+                title = item.content
+                src = item.source
+                ts = item.timestamp
+                content_lines, _, _ = engine.render.make_block(
+                    title, src, ts, viewport_width
+                )
+                result.extend(content_lines)
+            elif hasattr(item, "content"):
+                title = str(item.content)
+                content_lines, _, _ = engine.render.make_block(
+                    title, "", "", viewport_width
+                )
+                result.extend(content_lines)
+            else:
+                result.append(str(item))
+        return result
+
+
+class ImageToTextStage(Stage):
+    """Convert image items to text."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "image-to-text"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = True
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"source"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Convert image items to text representation."""
+        if data is None:
+            return []
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return [str(data)]
+
+        result = []
+        for item in data:
+            # Check if item is an image
+            if hasattr(item, "image_path") or hasattr(item, "image_data"):
+                # Placeholder: would normally render image to ASCII art
+                result.append(f"[Image: {getattr(item, 'image_path', 'data')}]")
+            elif isinstance(item, SourceItem):
+                result.extend(item.content.split("\n"))
+            else:
+                result.append(str(item))
+        return result
+
+
+class CanvasStage(Stage):
+    """Render items to canvas."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str = "canvas"):
+        self.name = name
+        self.category = "render"
+        self.optional = False
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        return "render"
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {"source"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Render items to canvas."""
+        if data is None:
+            return []
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return [str(data)]
+
+        # Simple canvas rendering
+        result = []
+        for item in data:
+            if isinstance(item, SourceItem):
+                result.extend(item.content.split("\n"))
+            else:
+                result.append(str(item))
+        return result

engine/pipeline/core.py

@@ -0,0 +1,321 @@
+"""
+Pipeline core - Unified Stage abstraction and PipelineContext.
+
+This module provides the foundation for a clean, dependency-managed pipeline:
+- Stage: Base class for all pipeline components (sources, effects, displays, cameras)
+- PipelineContext: Dependency injection context for runtime data exchange
+- Capability system: Explicit capability declarations with duck-typing support
+- DataType: PureData-style inlet/outlet typing for validation
+"""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from engine.pipeline.params import PipelineParams
+
+
+class DataType(Enum):
+    """PureData-style data types for inlet/outlet validation.
+
+    Each type represents a specific data format that flows through the pipeline.
+    This enables compile-time-like validation of connections.
+
+    Examples:
+        SOURCE_ITEMS: List[SourceItem] - raw items from sources
+        ITEM_TUPLES: List[tuple] - (title, source, timestamp) tuples
+        TEXT_BUFFER: List[str] - rendered ANSI buffer for display
+        RAW_TEXT: str - raw text strings
+        PIL_IMAGE: PIL Image object
+    """
+
+    SOURCE_ITEMS = auto()  # List[SourceItem] - from DataSource
+    ITEM_TUPLES = auto()  # List[tuple] - (title, source, ts)
+    TEXT_BUFFER = auto()  # List[str] - ANSI buffer
+    RAW_TEXT = auto()  # str - raw text
+    PIL_IMAGE = auto()  # PIL Image object
+    ANY = auto()  # Accepts any type
+    NONE = auto()  # No data (terminator)
+
+
+@dataclass
+class StageConfig:
+    """Configuration for a single stage."""
+
+    name: str
+    category: str
+    enabled: bool = True
+    optional: bool = False
+    params: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+
+class Stage(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for all pipeline stages.
+
+    A Stage is a single component in the rendering pipeline. Stages can be:
+    - Sources: Data providers (headlines, poetry, pipeline viz)
+    - Effects: Post-processors (noise, fade, glitch, hud)
+    - Displays: Output backends (terminal, pygame, websocket)
+    - Cameras: Viewport controllers (vertical, horizontal, omni)
+    - Overlays: UI elements that compose on top (HUD)
+
+    Stages declare:
+    - capabilities: What they provide to other stages
+    - dependencies: What they need from other stages
+    - stage_type: Category of stage (source, effect, overlay, display)
+    - render_order: Execution order within category
+    - is_overlay: If True, output is composited on top, not passed downstream
+
+    Duck-typing is supported: any class with the required methods can act as a Stage.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    category: str  # "source", "effect", "overlay", "display", "camera"
+    optional: bool = False  # If True, pipeline continues even if stage fails
+
+    @property
+    def stage_type(self) -> str:
+        """Category of stage for ordering.
+
+        Valid values: "source", "effect", "overlay", "display", "camera"
+        Defaults to category for backwards compatibility.
+        """
+        return self.category
+
+    @property
+    def render_order(self) -> int:
+        """Execution order within stage_type group.
+
+        Higher values execute later. Useful for ordering overlays
+        or effects that need specific execution order.
+        """
+        return 0
+
+    @property
+    def is_overlay(self) -> bool:
+        """If True, this stage's output is composited on top of the buffer.
+
+        Overlay stages don't pass their output to the next stage.
+        Instead, their output is layered on top of the final buffer.
+        Use this for HUD, status displays, and similar UI elements.
+        """
+        return False
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set[DataType]:
+        """Return set of data types this stage accepts.
+
+        PureData-style inlet typing. If the connected upstream stage's
+        outlet_type is not in this set, the pipeline will raise an error.
+
+        Examples:
+            - Source stages: {DataType.NONE} (no input needed)
+            - Transform stages: {DataType.ITEM_TUPLES, DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+            - Display stages: {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+        """
+        return {DataType.ANY}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set[DataType]:
+        """Return set of data types this stage produces.
+
+        PureData-style outlet typing. Downstream stages must accept
+        this type in their inlet_types.
+
+        Examples:
+            - Source stages: {DataType.SOURCE_ITEMS}
+            - Transform stages: {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+            - Display stages: {DataType.NONE} (consumes data)
+        """
+        return {DataType.ANY}
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        """Return set of capabilities this stage provides.
+
+        Examples:
+            - "source.headlines"
+            - "effect.noise"
+            - "display.output"
+            - "camera"
+        """
+        return {f"{self.category}.{self.name}"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        """Return set of capability names this stage needs.
+
+        Examples:
+            - {"display.output"}
+            - {"source.headlines"}
+            - {"camera"}
+        """
+        return set()
+
+    @property
+    def stage_dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        """Return set of stage names this stage must connect to directly.
+
+        This allows explicit stage-to-stage dependencies, useful for enforcing
+        pipeline structure when capability matching alone is insufficient.
+
+        Examples:
+            - {"viewport_filter"}  # Must connect to viewport_filter stage
+            - {"camera_update"}    # Must connect to camera_update stage
+
+        NOTE: These are stage names (as added to pipeline), not capabilities.
+        """
+        return set()
+
+    def init(self, ctx: "PipelineContext") -> bool:
+        """Initialize stage with pipeline context.
+
+        Args:
+            ctx: PipelineContext for accessing services
+
+        Returns:
+            True if initialization succeeded, False otherwise
+        """
+        return True
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: "PipelineContext") -> Any:
+        """Process input data and return output.
+
+        Args:
+            data: Input data from previous stage (or initial data for first stage)
+            ctx: PipelineContext for accessing services and state
+
+        Returns:
+            Processed data for next stage
+        """
+        ...
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:  # noqa: B027
+        """Clean up resources when pipeline shuts down."""
+        pass
+
+    def get_config(self) -> StageConfig:
+        """Return current configuration of this stage."""
+        return StageConfig(
+            name=self.name,
+            category=self.category,
+            optional=self.optional,
+        )
+
+    def set_enabled(self, enabled: bool) -> None:
+        """Enable or disable this stage."""
+        self._enabled = enabled  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+
+    def is_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if stage is enabled."""
+        return getattr(self, "_enabled", True)
+
+
+@dataclass
+class StageResult:
+    """Result of stage processing, including success/failure info."""
+
+    success: bool
+    data: Any
+    error: str | None = None
+    stage_name: str = ""
+
+
+class PipelineContext:
+    """Dependency injection context passed through the pipeline.
+
+    Provides:
+    - services: Named services (display, config, event_bus, etc.)
+    - state: Runtime state shared between stages
+    - params: PipelineParams for animation-driven config
+
+    Services can be injected at construction time or lazily resolved.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        services: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+        initial_state: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+    ):
+        self.services: dict[str, Any] = services or {}
+        self.state: dict[str, Any] = initial_state or {}
+        self._params: PipelineParams | None = None
+
+        # Lazy resolvers for common services
+        self._lazy_resolvers: dict[str, Callable[[], Any]] = {
+            "config": self._resolve_config,
+            "event_bus": self._resolve_event_bus,
+        }
+
+    def _resolve_config(self) -> Any:
+        from engine.config import get_config
+
+        return get_config()
+
+    def _resolve_event_bus(self) -> Any:
+        from engine.eventbus import get_event_bus
+
+        return get_event_bus()
+
+    def get(self, key: str, default: Any = None) -> Any:
+        """Get a service or state value by key.
+
+        First checks services, then state, then lazy resolution.
+        """
+        if key in self.services:
+            return self.services[key]
+        if key in self.state:
+            return self.state[key]
+        if key in self._lazy_resolvers:
+            try:
+                return self._lazy_resolvers[key]()
+            except Exception:
+                return default
+        return default
+
+    def set(self, key: str, value: Any) -> None:
+        """Set a service or state value."""
+        self.services[key] = value
+
+    def set_state(self, key: str, value: Any) -> None:
+        """Set a runtime state value."""
+        self.state[key] = value
+
+    def get_state(self, key: str, default: Any = None) -> Any:
+        """Get a runtime state value."""
+        return self.state.get(key, default)
+
+    @property
+    def params(self) -> "PipelineParams | None":
+        """Get current pipeline params (for animation)."""
+        return self._params
+
+    @params.setter
+    def params(self, value: "PipelineParams") -> None:
+        """Set pipeline params (from animation controller)."""
+        self._params = value
+
+    def has_capability(self, capability: str) -> bool:
+        """Check if a capability is available."""
+        return capability in self.services or capability in self._lazy_resolvers
+
+
+class StageError(Exception):
+    """Raised when a stage fails to process."""
+
+    def __init__(self, stage_name: str, message: str, is_optional: bool = False):
+        self.stage_name = stage_name
+        self.message = message
+        self.is_optional = is_optional
+        super().__init__(f"Stage '{stage_name}' failed: {message}")
+
+
+def create_stage_error(
+    stage_name: str, error: Exception, is_optional: bool = False
+) -> StageError:
+    """Helper to create a StageError from an exception."""
+    return StageError(stage_name, str(error), is_optional)

engine/pipeline/params.py

@@ -0,0 +1,152 @@
+"""
+Pipeline parameters - Runtime configuration layer for animation control.
+
+PipelineParams is the target for AnimationController - animation events
+modify these params, which the pipeline then applies to its stages.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+try:
+    from engine.display import BorderMode
+except ImportError:
+    BorderMode = object  # Fallback for type checking
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PipelineParams:
+    """Runtime configuration for the pipeline.
+
+    This is the canonical config object that AnimationController modifies.
+    Stages read from these params to adjust their behavior.
+    """
+
+    # Source config
+    source: str = "headlines"
+    source_refresh_interval: float = 60.0
+
+    # Display config
+    display: str = "terminal"
+    border: bool | BorderMode = False
+    positioning: str = "mixed"  # Positioning mode: "absolute", "relative", "mixed"
+
+    # Camera config
+    camera_mode: str = "vertical"
+    camera_speed: float = 1.0  # Default speed
+    camera_x: int = 0  # For horizontal scrolling
+
+    # Effect config
+    effect_order: list[str] = field(
+        default_factory=lambda: ["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"]
+    )
+    effect_enabled: dict[str, bool] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    effect_intensity: dict[str, float] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+    # Animation-driven state (set by AnimationController)
+    pulse: float = 0.0
+    current_effect: str | None = None
+    path_progress: float = 0.0
+
+    # Viewport
+    viewport_width: int = 80
+    viewport_height: int = 24
+
+    # Firehose
+    firehose_enabled: bool = False
+
+    # Runtime state
+    frame_number: int = 0
+    fps: float = 60.0
+
+    def get_effect_config(self, name: str) -> tuple[bool, float]:
+        """Get (enabled, intensity) for an effect."""
+        enabled = self.effect_enabled.get(name, True)
+        intensity = self.effect_intensity.get(name, 1.0)
+        return enabled, intensity
+
+    def set_effect_config(self, name: str, enabled: bool, intensity: float) -> None:
+        """Set effect configuration."""
+        self.effect_enabled[name] = enabled
+        self.effect_intensity[name] = intensity
+
+    def is_effect_enabled(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        """Check if an effect is enabled."""
+        if name not in self.effect_enabled:
+            return True  # Default to enabled
+        return self.effect_enabled.get(name, True)
+
+    def get_effect_intensity(self, name: str) -> float:
+        """Get effect intensity (0.0 to 1.0)."""
+        return self.effect_intensity.get(name, 1.0)
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert to dictionary for serialization."""
+        return {
+            "source": self.source,
+            "display": self.display,
+            "positioning": self.positioning,
+            "camera_mode": self.camera_mode,
+            "camera_speed": self.camera_speed,
+            "effect_order": self.effect_order,
+            "effect_enabled": self.effect_enabled.copy(),
+            "effect_intensity": self.effect_intensity.copy(),
+            "pulse": self.pulse,
+            "current_effect": self.current_effect,
+            "viewport_width": self.viewport_width,
+            "viewport_height": self.viewport_height,
+            "firehose_enabled": self.firehose_enabled,
+        }
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_dict(cls, data: dict[str, Any]) -> "PipelineParams":
+        """Create from dictionary."""
+        params = cls()
+        for key, value in data.items():
+            if hasattr(params, key):
+                setattr(params, key, value)
+        return params
+
+    def copy(self) -> "PipelineParams":
+        """Create a copy of this params object."""
+        params = PipelineParams()
+        params.source = self.source
+        params.display = self.display
+        params.camera_mode = self.camera_mode
+        params.camera_speed = self.camera_speed
+        params.camera_x = self.camera_x
+        params.effect_order = self.effect_order.copy()
+        params.effect_enabled = self.effect_enabled.copy()
+        params.effect_intensity = self.effect_intensity.copy()
+        params.pulse = self.pulse
+        params.current_effect = self.current_effect
+        params.path_progress = self.path_progress
+        params.viewport_width = self.viewport_width
+        params.viewport_height = self.viewport_height
+        params.firehose_enabled = self.firehose_enabled
+        params.frame_number = self.frame_number
+        params.fps = self.fps
+        return params
+
+
+# Default params for different modes
+DEFAULT_HEADLINE_PARAMS = PipelineParams(
+    source="headlines",
+    display="terminal",
+    camera_mode="vertical",
+    effect_order=["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"],
+)
+
+DEFAULT_PYGAME_PARAMS = PipelineParams(
+    source="headlines",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera_mode="vertical",
+    effect_order=["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"],
+)
+
+DEFAULT_PIPELINE_PARAMS = PipelineParams(
+    source="pipeline",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera_mode="trace",
+    effect_order=[],  # No effects for pipeline viz
+)

engine/pipeline/pipeline_introspection_demo.py

@@ -0,0 +1,300 @@
+"""
+Pipeline introspection demo controller - 3-phase animation system.
+
+Phase 1: Toggle each effect on/off one at a time (3s each, 1s gap)
+Phase 2: LFO drives intensity default → max → min → default for each effect
+Phase 3: All effects with shared LFO driving full waveform
+
+This controller manages the animation and updates the pipeline accordingly.
+"""
+
+import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.effects import get_registry
+from engine.sensors.oscillator import OscillatorSensor
+
+
+class DemoPhase(Enum):
+    """The three phases of the pipeline introspection demo."""
+
+    PHASE_1_TOGGLE = auto()  # Toggle each effect on/off
+    PHASE_2_LFO = auto()  # LFO drives intensity up/down
+    PHASE_3_SHARED_LFO = auto()  # All effects with shared LFO
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PhaseState:
+    """State for a single phase of the demo."""
+
+    phase: DemoPhase
+    start_time: float
+    current_effect_index: int = 0
+    effect_start_time: float = 0.0
+    lfo_phase: float = 0.0  # 0.0 to 1.0
+
+
+@dataclass
+class DemoConfig:
+    """Configuration for the demo animation."""
+
+    effect_cycle_duration: float = 3.0  # seconds per effect
+    gap_duration: float = 1.0  # seconds between effects
+    lfo_duration: float = (
+        4.0  # seconds for full LFO cycle (default → max → min → default)
+    )
+    phase_2_effect_duration: float = 4.0  # seconds per effect in phase 2
+    phase_3_lfo_duration: float = 6.0  # seconds for full waveform in phase 3
+
+
+class PipelineIntrospectionDemo:
+    """Controller for the 3-phase pipeline introspection demo.
+
+    Manages effect toggling and LFO modulation across the pipeline.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        pipeline: Any,
+        effect_names: list[str] | None = None,
+        config: DemoConfig | None = None,
+    ):
+        self._pipeline = pipeline
+        self._config = config or DemoConfig()
+        self._effect_names = effect_names or ["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"]
+        self._phase = DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE
+        self._phase_state = PhaseState(
+            phase=DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE,
+            start_time=time.time(),
+        )
+        self._shared_oscillator: OscillatorSensor | None = None
+        self._frame = 0
+
+        # Register shared oscillator for phase 3
+        self._shared_oscillator = OscillatorSensor(
+            name="demo-lfo",
+            waveform="sine",
+            frequency=1.0 / self._config.phase_3_lfo_duration,
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def phase(self) -> DemoPhase:
+        return self._phase
+
+    @property
+    def phase_display(self) -> str:
+        """Get a human-readable phase description."""
+        phase_num = {
+            DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE: 1,
+            DemoPhase.PHASE_2_LFO: 2,
+            DemoPhase.PHASE_3_SHARED_LFO: 3,
+        }
+        return f"Phase {phase_num[self._phase]}"
+
+    @property
+    def effect_names(self) -> list[str]:
+        return self._effect_names
+
+    @property
+    def shared_oscillator(self) -> OscillatorSensor | None:
+        return self._shared_oscillator
+
+    def update(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Update the demo state and return current parameters.
+
+        Returns:
+            dict with current effect settings for the pipeline
+        """
+        self._frame += 1
+        current_time = time.time()
+        elapsed = current_time - self._phase_state.start_time
+
+        # Phase transition logic
+        phase_duration = self._get_phase_duration()
+        if elapsed >= phase_duration:
+            self._advance_phase()
+
+        # Update based on current phase
+        if self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE:
+            return self._update_phase_1(current_time)
+        elif self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_2_LFO:
+            return self._update_phase_2(current_time)
+        else:
+            return self._update_phase_3(current_time)
+
+    def _get_phase_duration(self) -> float:
+        """Get duration of current phase in seconds."""
+        if self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE:
+            # Duration = (effect_time + gap) * num_effects + final_gap
+            return (
+                self._config.effect_cycle_duration + self._config.gap_duration
+            ) * len(self._effect_names) + self._config.gap_duration
+        elif self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_2_LFO:
+            return self._config.phase_2_effect_duration * len(self._effect_names)
+        else:
+            # Phase 3 runs indefinitely
+            return float("inf")
+
+    def _advance_phase(self) -> None:
+        """Advance to the next phase."""
+        if self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE:
+            self._phase = DemoPhase.PHASE_2_LFO
+        elif self._phase == DemoPhase.PHASE_2_LFO:
+            self._phase = DemoPhase.PHASE_3_SHARED_LFO
+            # Start the shared oscillator
+            if self._shared_oscillator:
+                self._shared_oscillator.start()
+        else:
+            # Phase 3 loops indefinitely - reset for demo replay after long time
+            self._phase = DemoPhase.PHASE_1_TOGGLE
+
+        self._phase_state = PhaseState(
+            phase=self._phase,
+            start_time=time.time(),
+        )
+
+    def _update_phase_1(self, current_time: float) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Phase 1: Toggle each effect on/off one at a time."""
+        effect_time = current_time - self._phase_state.effect_start_time
+
+        # Check if we should move to next effect
+        cycle_time = self._config.effect_cycle_duration + self._config.gap_duration
+        effect_index = int((current_time - self._phase_state.start_time) / cycle_time)
+
+        # Clamp to valid range
+        if effect_index >= len(self._effect_names):
+            effect_index = len(self._effect_names) - 1
+
+        # Calculate current effect state
+        in_gap = effect_time >= self._config.effect_cycle_duration
+
+        # Build effect states
+        effect_states: dict[str, dict[str, Any]] = {}
+        for i, name in enumerate(self._effect_names):
+            if i < effect_index:
+                # Past effects - leave at default
+                effect_states[name] = {"enabled": False, "intensity": 0.5}
+            elif i == effect_index:
+                # Current effect - toggle on/off
+                if in_gap:
+                    effect_states[name] = {"enabled": False, "intensity": 0.5}
+                else:
+                    effect_states[name] = {"enabled": True, "intensity": 1.0}
+            else:
+                # Future effects - off
+                effect_states[name] = {"enabled": False, "intensity": 0.5}
+
+        # Apply to effect registry
+        self._apply_effect_states(effect_states)
+
+        return {
+            "phase": "PHASE_1_TOGGLE",
+            "phase_display": self.phase_display,
+            "current_effect": self._effect_names[effect_index]
+            if effect_index < len(self._effect_names)
+            else None,
+            "effect_states": effect_states,
+            "frame": self._frame,
+        }
+
+    def _update_phase_2(self, current_time: float) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Phase 2: LFO drives intensity default → max → min → default."""
+        elapsed = current_time - self._phase_state.start_time
+        effect_index = int(elapsed / self._config.phase_2_effect_duration)
+        effect_index = min(effect_index, len(self._effect_names) - 1)
+
+        # Calculate LFO position (0 → 1 → 0)
+        effect_elapsed = elapsed % self._config.phase_2_effect_duration
+        lfo_position = effect_elapsed / self._config.phase_2_effect_duration
+
+        # LFO: 0 → 1 → 0 (triangle wave)
+        if lfo_position < 0.5:
+            lfo_value = lfo_position * 2  # 0 → 1
+        else:
+            lfo_value = 2 - lfo_position * 2  # 1 → 0
+
+        # Map to intensity: 0.3 (default) → 1.0 (max) → 0.0 (min) → 0.3 (default)
+        if lfo_position < 0.25:
+            # 0.3 → 1.0
+            intensity = 0.3 + (lfo_position / 0.25) * 0.7
+        elif lfo_position < 0.75:
+            # 1.0 → 0.0
+            intensity = 1.0 - ((lfo_position - 0.25) / 0.5) * 1.0
+        else:
+            # 0.0 → 0.3
+            intensity = ((lfo_position - 0.75) / 0.25) * 0.3
+
+        # Build effect states
+        effect_states: dict[str, dict[str, Any]] = {}
+        for i, name in enumerate(self._effect_names):
+            if i < effect_index:
+                # Past effects - default
+                effect_states[name] = {"enabled": True, "intensity": 0.5}
+            elif i == effect_index:
+                # Current effect - LFO modulated
+                effect_states[name] = {"enabled": True, "intensity": intensity}
+            else:
+                # Future effects - off
+                effect_states[name] = {"enabled": False, "intensity": 0.5}
+
+        # Apply to effect registry
+        self._apply_effect_states(effect_states)
+
+        return {
+            "phase": "PHASE_2_LFO",
+            "phase_display": self.phase_display,
+            "current_effect": self._effect_names[effect_index],
+            "lfo_value": lfo_value,
+            "intensity": intensity,
+            "effect_states": effect_states,
+            "frame": self._frame,
+        }
+
+    def _update_phase_3(self, current_time: float) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Phase 3: All effects with shared LFO driving full waveform."""
+        # Read shared oscillator
+        lfo_value = 0.5  # Default
+        if self._shared_oscillator:
+            sensor_val = self._shared_oscillator.read()
+            if sensor_val:
+                lfo_value = sensor_val.value
+
+        # All effects enabled with shared LFO
+        effect_states: dict[str, dict[str, Any]] = {}
+        for name in self._effect_names:
+            effect_states[name] = {"enabled": True, "intensity": lfo_value}
+
+        # Apply to effect registry
+        self._apply_effect_states(effect_states)
+
+        return {
+            "phase": "PHASE_3_SHARED_LFO",
+            "phase_display": self.phase_display,
+            "lfo_value": lfo_value,
+            "effect_states": effect_states,
+            "frame": self._frame,
+        }
+
+    def _apply_effect_states(self, effect_states: dict[str, dict[str, Any]]) -> None:
+        """Apply effect states to the effect registry."""
+        try:
+            registry = get_registry()
+            for name, state in effect_states.items():
+                effect = registry.get(name)
+                if effect:
+                    effect.config.enabled = state["enabled"]
+                    effect.config.intensity = state["intensity"]
+        except Exception:
+            pass  # Silently fail if registry not available
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Clean up resources."""
+        if self._shared_oscillator:
+            self._shared_oscillator.stop()
+
+        # Reset all effects to default
+        self._apply_effect_states(
+            {name: {"enabled": False, "intensity": 0.5} for name in self._effect_names}
+        )

engine/pipeline/preset_loader.py

@@ -0,0 +1,280 @@
+"""
+Preset loader - Loads presets from TOML files.
+
+Supports:
+- Built-in presets.toml in the package
+- User overrides in ~/.config/mainline/presets.toml
+- Local override in ./presets.toml
+- Fallback DEFAULT_PRESET when loading fails
+"""
+
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
+import tomllib
+
+DEFAULT_PRESET: dict[str, Any] = {
+    "description": "Default fallback preset",
+    "source": "headlines",
+    "display": "terminal",
+    "camera": "vertical",
+    "effects": [],
+    "viewport": {"width": 80, "height": 24},
+    "camera_speed": 1.0,
+    "firehose_enabled": False,
+}
+
+
+def get_preset_paths() -> list[Path]:
+    """Get list of preset file paths in load order (later overrides earlier)."""
+    paths = []
+
+    builtin = Path(__file__).parent.parent / "presets.toml"
+    if builtin.exists():
+        paths.append(builtin)
+
+    user_config = Path(os.path.expanduser("~/.config/mainline/presets.toml"))
+    if user_config.exists():
+        paths.append(user_config)
+
+    local = Path("presets.toml")
+    if local.exists():
+        paths.append(local)
+
+    return paths
+
+
+def load_presets() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Load all presets, merging from multiple sources."""
+    merged: dict[str, Any] = {"presets": {}, "sensors": {}, "effect_configs": {}}
+
+    for path in get_preset_paths():
+        try:
+            with open(path, "rb") as f:
+                data = tomllib.load(f)
+
+            if "presets" in data:
+                merged["presets"].update(data["presets"])
+
+            if "sensors" in data:
+                merged["sensors"].update(data["sensors"])
+
+            if "effect_configs" in data:
+                merged["effect_configs"].update(data["effect_configs"])
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Warning: Failed to load presets from {path}: {e}")
+
+    return merged
+
+
+def get_preset(name: str) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Get a preset by name."""
+    presets = load_presets()
+    return presets.get("presets", {}).get(name)
+
+
+def list_preset_names() -> list[str]:
+    """List all available preset names."""
+    presets = load_presets()
+    return list(presets.get("presets", {}).keys())
+
+
+def get_sensor_config(name: str) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Get sensor configuration by name."""
+    sensors = load_presets()
+    return sensors.get("sensors", {}).get(name)
+
+
+def get_effect_config(name: str) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Get effect configuration by name."""
+    configs = load_presets()
+    return configs.get("effect_configs", {}).get(name)
+
+
+def get_all_effect_configs() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Get all effect configurations."""
+    configs = load_presets()
+    return configs.get("effect_configs", {})
+
+
+def get_preset_or_default(name: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Get a preset by name, or return DEFAULT_PRESET if not found."""
+    preset = get_preset(name)
+    if preset is not None:
+        return preset
+    return DEFAULT_PRESET.copy()
+
+
+def ensure_preset_available(name: str | None) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Ensure a preset is available, falling back to DEFAULT_PRESET."""
+    if name is None:
+        return DEFAULT_PRESET.copy()
+    return get_preset_or_default(name)
+
+
+class PresetValidationError(Exception):
+    """Raised when preset validation fails."""
+
+
+def validate_preset(preset: dict[str, Any]) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate a preset and return list of errors (empty if valid)."""
+    errors: list[str] = []
+
+    required_fields = ["source", "display", "effects"]
+    for field in required_fields:
+        if field not in preset:
+            errors.append(f"Missing required field: {field}")
+
+    if "effects" in preset:
+        if not isinstance(preset["effects"], list):
+            errors.append("'effects' must be a list")
+        else:
+            for effect in preset["effects"]:
+                if not isinstance(effect, str):
+                    errors.append(
+                        f"Effect must be string, got {type(effect)}: {effect}"
+                    )
+
+    if "viewport" in preset:
+        viewport = preset["viewport"]
+        if not isinstance(viewport, dict):
+            errors.append("'viewport' must be a dict")
+        else:
+            if "width" in viewport and not isinstance(viewport["width"], int):
+                errors.append("'viewport.width' must be an int")
+            if "height" in viewport and not isinstance(viewport["height"], int):
+                errors.append("'viewport.height' must be an int")
+
+    return errors
+
+
+def validate_signal_flow(stages: list[dict]) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate signal flow based on inlet/outlet types.
+
+    This validates that the preset's stage configuration produces valid
+    data flow using the PureData-style type system.
+
+    Args:
+        stages: List of stage configs with 'name', 'category', 'inlet_types', 'outlet_types'
+
+    Returns:
+        List of errors (empty if valid)
+    """
+    errors: list[str] = []
+
+    if not stages:
+        errors.append("Signal flow is empty")
+        return errors
+
+    # Define expected types for each category
+    type_map = {
+        "source": {"inlet": "NONE", "outlet": "SOURCE_ITEMS"},
+        "data": {"inlet": "ANY", "outlet": "SOURCE_ITEMS"},
+        "transform": {"inlet": "SOURCE_ITEMS", "outlet": "TEXT_BUFFER"},
+        "effect": {"inlet": "TEXT_BUFFER", "outlet": "TEXT_BUFFER"},
+        "overlay": {"inlet": "TEXT_BUFFER", "outlet": "TEXT_BUFFER"},
+        "camera": {"inlet": "TEXT_BUFFER", "outlet": "TEXT_BUFFER"},
+        "display": {"inlet": "TEXT_BUFFER", "outlet": "NONE"},
+        "render": {"inlet": "SOURCE_ITEMS", "outlet": "TEXT_BUFFER"},
+    }
+
+    # Check stage order and type compatibility
+    for i, stage in enumerate(stages):
+        category = stage.get("category", "unknown")
+        name = stage.get("name", f"stage_{i}")
+
+        if category not in type_map:
+            continue  # Skip unknown categories
+
+        expected = type_map[category]
+
+        # Check against previous stage
+        if i > 0:
+            prev = stages[i - 1]
+            prev_category = prev.get("category", "unknown")
+            if prev_category in type_map:
+                prev_outlet = type_map[prev_category]["outlet"]
+                inlet = expected["inlet"]
+
+                # Validate type compatibility
+                if inlet != "ANY" and prev_outlet != "ANY" and inlet != prev_outlet:
+                    errors.append(
+                        f"Type mismatch at '{name}': "
+                        f"expects {inlet} but previous stage outputs {prev_outlet}"
+                    )
+
+    return errors
+
+
+def validate_signal_path(stages: list[str]) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate signal path for circular dependencies and connectivity.
+
+    Args:
+        stages: List of stage names in execution order
+
+    Returns:
+        List of errors (empty if valid)
+    """
+    errors: list[str] = []
+
+    if not stages:
+        errors.append("Signal path is empty")
+        return errors
+
+    seen: set[str] = set()
+    for i, stage in enumerate(stages):
+        if stage in seen:
+            errors.append(
+                f"Circular dependency: '{stage}' appears multiple times at index {i}"
+            )
+        seen.add(stage)
+
+    return errors
+
+
+def generate_preset_toml(
+    name: str,
+    source: str = "headlines",
+    display: str = "terminal",
+    effects: list[str] | None = None,
+    viewport_width: int = 80,
+    viewport_height: int = 24,
+    camera: str = "vertical",
+    camera_speed: float = 1.0,
+    firehose_enabled: bool = False,
+) -> str:
+    """Generate a TOML preset skeleton with default values.
+
+    Args:
+        name: Preset name
+        source: Data source name
+        display: Display backend
+        effects: List of effect names
+        viewport_width: Viewport width in columns
+        viewport_height: Viewport height in rows
+        camera: Camera mode
+        camera_speed: Camera scroll speed
+        firehose_enabled: Enable firehose mode
+
+    Returns:
+        TOML string for the preset
+    """
+
+    if effects is None:
+        effects = ["fade"]
+
+    output = []
+    output.append(f"[presets.{name}]")
+    output.append(f'description = "Auto-generated preset: {name}"')
+    output.append(f'source = "{source}"')
+    output.append(f'display = "{display}"')
+    output.append(f'camera = "{camera}"')
+    output.append(f"effects = {effects}")
+    output.append(f"viewport_width = {viewport_width}")
+    output.append(f"viewport_height = {viewport_height}")
+    output.append(f"camera_speed = {camera_speed}")
+    output.append(f"firehose_enabled = {str(firehose_enabled).lower()}")
+
+    return "\n".join(output)

engine/pipeline/presets.py

@@ -0,0 +1,265 @@
+"""
+Pipeline presets - Pre-configured pipeline configurations.
+
+Provides PipelinePreset as a unified preset system.
+Presets can be loaded from TOML files (presets.toml) or defined in code.
+
+Loading order:
+1. Built-in presets.toml in the package
+2. User config ~/.config/mainline/presets.toml
+3. Local ./presets.toml (overrides earlier)
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
+
+from engine.display import BorderMode
+from engine.pipeline.params import PipelineParams
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from engine.pipeline.controller import PipelineConfig
+
+
+def _load_toml_presets() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Load presets from TOML file."""
+    try:
+        from engine.pipeline.preset_loader import load_presets
+
+        return load_presets()
+    except Exception:
+        return {}
+
+
+_YAML_PRESETS = _load_toml_presets()
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PipelinePreset:
+    """Pre-configured pipeline with stages and animation.
+
+    A PipelinePreset packages:
+    - Initial params: Starting configuration
+    - Stages: List of stage configurations to create
+
+    This is the new unified preset that works with the Pipeline class.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    description: str = ""
+    source: str = "headlines"
+    display: str = "terminal"
+    camera: str = "scroll"
+    effects: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    border: bool | BorderMode = (
+        False  # Border mode: False=off, True=simple, BorderMode.UI for panel
+    )
+    # Extended fields for fine-tuning
+    camera_speed: float = 1.0  # Camera movement speed
+    viewport_width: int = 80  # Viewport width in columns
+    viewport_height: int = 24  # Viewport height in rows
+    source_items: list[dict[str, Any]] | None = None  # For ListDataSource
+    enable_metrics: bool = True  # Enable performance metrics collection
+    enable_message_overlay: bool = False  # Enable ntfy message overlay
+    positioning: str = "mixed"  # Positioning mode: "absolute", "relative", "mixed"
+
+    def to_params(self) -> PipelineParams:
+        """Convert to PipelineParams (runtime configuration)."""
+        from engine.display import BorderMode
+
+        params = PipelineParams()
+        params.source = self.source
+        params.display = self.display
+        params.positioning = self.positioning
+        params.border = (
+            self.border
+            if isinstance(self.border, bool)
+            else BorderMode.UI
+            if self.border == BorderMode.UI
+            else False
+        )
+        params.camera_mode = self.camera
+        params.effect_order = self.effects.copy()
+        params.camera_speed = self.camera_speed
+        # Note: viewport_width/height are read from PipelinePreset directly
+        # in pipeline_runner.py, not from PipelineParams
+        return params
+
+    def to_config(self) -> "PipelineConfig":
+        """Convert to PipelineConfig (static pipeline construction config).
+
+        PipelineConfig is used once at pipeline initialization and contains
+        the core settings that don't change during execution.
+        """
+        from engine.pipeline.controller import PipelineConfig
+
+        return PipelineConfig(
+            source=self.source,
+            display=self.display,
+            camera=self.camera,
+            effects=self.effects.copy(),
+            enable_metrics=self.enable_metrics,
+        )
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_yaml(cls, name: str, data: dict[str, Any]) -> "PipelinePreset":
+        """Create a PipelinePreset from YAML data."""
+        return cls(
+            name=name,
+            description=data.get("description", ""),
+            source=data.get("source", "headlines"),
+            display=data.get("display", "terminal"),
+            camera=data.get("camera", "vertical"),
+            effects=data.get("effects", []),
+            border=data.get("border", False),
+            camera_speed=data.get("camera_speed", 1.0),
+            viewport_width=data.get("viewport_width", 80),
+            viewport_height=data.get("viewport_height", 24),
+            source_items=data.get("source_items"),
+            enable_metrics=data.get("enable_metrics", True),
+            enable_message_overlay=data.get("enable_message_overlay", False),
+            positioning=data.get("positioning", "mixed"),
+        )
+
+
+# Built-in presets
+# Upstream-default preset: Matches the default upstream Mainline operation
+UPSTREAM_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="upstream-default",
+    description="Upstream default operation (terminal display, legacy behavior)",
+    source="headlines",
+    display="terminal",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"],
+    enable_message_overlay=False,
+    positioning="mixed",
+)
+
+# Demo preset: Showcases hotswappable effects and sensors
+# This preset demonstrates the sideline features:
+# - Hotswappable effects via effect plugins
+# - Sensor integration (oscillator LFO for modulation)
+# - Mixed positioning mode
+# - Message overlay with ntfy integration
+DEMO_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="demo",
+    description="Demo: Hotswappable effects, LFO sensor modulation, mixed positioning",
+    source="headlines",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose", "hud"],
+    enable_message_overlay=True,
+    positioning="mixed",
+)
+
+UI_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="ui",
+    description="Interactive UI mode with right-side control panel",
+    source="fixture",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade", "glitch"],
+    border=BorderMode.UI,
+    enable_message_overlay=True,
+)
+
+POETRY_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="poetry",
+    description="Poetry feed with subtle effects",
+    source="poetry",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["fade"],
+)
+
+PIPELINE_VIZ_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="pipeline",
+    description="Pipeline visualization mode",
+    source="pipeline",
+    display="terminal",
+    camera="trace",
+    effects=[],
+)
+
+WEBSOCKET_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="websocket",
+    description="WebSocket display mode",
+    source="headlines",
+    display="websocket",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade", "glitch"],
+)
+
+FIREHOSE_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="firehose",
+    description="High-speed firehose mode",
+    source="headlines",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"],
+    enable_message_overlay=True,
+)
+
+FIXTURE_PRESET = PipelinePreset(
+    name="fixture",
+    description="Use cached headline fixtures",
+    source="fixture",
+    display="pygame",
+    camera="scroll",
+    effects=["noise", "fade"],
+    border=False,
+)
+
+
+# Build presets from YAML data
+def _build_presets() -> dict[str, PipelinePreset]:
+    """Build preset dictionary from all sources."""
+    result = {}
+
+    # Add YAML presets
+    yaml_presets = _YAML_PRESETS.get("presets", {})
+    for name, data in yaml_presets.items():
+        result[name] = PipelinePreset.from_yaml(name, data)
+
+    # Add built-in presets as fallback (if not in YAML)
+    builtins = {
+        "demo": DEMO_PRESET,
+        "upstream-default": UPSTREAM_PRESET,
+        "poetry": POETRY_PRESET,
+        "pipeline": PIPELINE_VIZ_PRESET,
+        "websocket": WEBSOCKET_PRESET,
+        "firehose": FIREHOSE_PRESET,
+        "ui": UI_PRESET,
+        "fixture": FIXTURE_PRESET,
+    }
+
+    for name, preset in builtins.items():
+        if name not in result:
+            result[name] = preset
+
+    return result
+
+
+PRESETS: dict[str, PipelinePreset] = _build_presets()
+
+
+def get_preset(name: str) -> PipelinePreset | None:
+    """Get a preset by name."""
+    return PRESETS.get(name)
+
+
+def list_presets() -> list[str]:
+    """List all available preset names."""
+    return list(PRESETS.keys())
+
+
+def create_preset_from_params(
+    params: PipelineParams, name: str = "custom"
+) -> PipelinePreset:
+    """Create a preset from PipelineParams."""
+    return PipelinePreset(
+        name=name,
+        source=params.source,
+        display=params.display,
+        camera=params.camera_mode,
+        effects=params.effect_order.copy() if hasattr(params, "effect_order") else [],
+    )

engine/pipeline/registry.py

@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+"""
+Stage registry - Unified registration for all pipeline stages.
+
+Provides a single registry for sources, effects, displays, and cameras.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any, TypeVar
+
+from engine.pipeline.core import Stage
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from engine.pipeline.core import Stage
+
+T = TypeVar("T")
+
+
+class StageRegistry:
+    """Unified registry for all pipeline stage types."""
+
+    _categories: dict[str, dict[str, type[Any]]] = {}
+    _discovered: bool = False
+    _instances: dict[str, Stage] = {}
+
+    @classmethod
+    def register(cls, category: str, stage_class: type[Any]) -> None:
+        """Register a stage class in a category.
+
+        Args:
+            category: Category name (source, effect, display, camera)
+            stage_class: Stage subclass to register
+        """
+        if category not in cls._categories:
+            cls._categories[category] = {}
+
+        key = getattr(stage_class, "__name__", stage_class.__class__.__name__)
+        cls._categories[category][key] = stage_class
+
+    @classmethod
+    def get(cls, category: str, name: str) -> type[Any] | None:
+        """Get a stage class by category and name."""
+        return cls._categories.get(category, {}).get(name)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def list(cls, category: str) -> list[str]:
+        """List all stage names in a category."""
+        return list(cls._categories.get(category, {}).keys())
+
+    @classmethod
+    def list_categories(cls) -> list[str]:
+        """List all registered categories."""
+        return list(cls._categories.keys())
+
+    @classmethod
+    def create(cls, category: str, name: str, **kwargs) -> Stage | None:
+        """Create a stage instance by category and name."""
+        stage_class = cls.get(category, name)
+        if stage_class:
+            return stage_class(**kwargs)
+        return None
+
+    @classmethod
+    def create_instance(cls, stage: Stage | type[Stage], **kwargs) -> Stage:
+        """Create an instance from a stage class or return as-is."""
+        if isinstance(stage, Stage):
+            return stage
+        if isinstance(stage, type) and issubclass(stage, Stage):
+            return stage(**kwargs)
+        raise TypeError(f"Expected Stage class or instance, got {type(stage)}")
+
+    @classmethod
+    def register_instance(cls, name: str, stage: Stage) -> None:
+        """Register a stage instance by name."""
+        cls._instances[name] = stage
+
+    @classmethod
+    def get_instance(cls, name: str) -> Stage | None:
+        """Get a registered stage instance by name."""
+        return cls._instances.get(name)
+
+
+def discover_stages() -> None:
+    """Auto-discover and register all stage implementations."""
+    if StageRegistry._discovered:
+        return
+
+    # Import and register all stage implementations
+    try:
+        from engine.data_sources.sources import (
+            HeadlinesDataSource,
+            PoetryDataSource,
+        )
+
+        StageRegistry.register("source", HeadlinesDataSource)
+        StageRegistry.register("source", PoetryDataSource)
+
+        StageRegistry._categories["source"]["headlines"] = HeadlinesDataSource
+        StageRegistry._categories["source"]["poetry"] = PoetryDataSource
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    # Register pipeline introspection source
+    try:
+        from engine.data_sources.pipeline_introspection import (
+            PipelineIntrospectionSource,
+        )
+
+        StageRegistry.register("source", PipelineIntrospectionSource)
+        StageRegistry._categories["source"]["pipeline-inspect"] = (
+            PipelineIntrospectionSource
+        )
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    try:
+        from engine.effects.types import EffectPlugin  # noqa: F401
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    # Register buffer stages (framebuffer, etc.)
+    try:
+        from engine.pipeline.stages.framebuffer import FrameBufferStage
+
+        StageRegistry.register("effect", FrameBufferStage)
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
+
+    # Register display stages
+    _register_display_stages()
+
+    StageRegistry._discovered = True
+
+
+def _register_display_stages() -> None:
+    """Register display backends as stages."""
+    try:
+        from engine.display import DisplayRegistry
+    except ImportError:
+        return
+
+    DisplayRegistry.initialize()
+
+    for backend_name in DisplayRegistry.list_backends():
+        factory = _DisplayStageFactory(backend_name)
+        StageRegistry._categories.setdefault("display", {})[backend_name] = factory
+
+
+class _DisplayStageFactory:
+    """Factory that creates DisplayStage instances for a specific backend."""
+
+    def __init__(self, backend_name: str):
+        self._backend_name = backend_name
+
+    def __call__(self):
+        from engine.display import DisplayRegistry
+        from engine.pipeline.adapters import DisplayStage
+
+        display = DisplayRegistry.create(self._backend_name)
+        if display is None:
+            raise RuntimeError(
+                f"Failed to create display backend: {self._backend_name}"
+            )
+        return DisplayStage(display, name=self._backend_name)
+
+    @property
+    def __name__(self) -> str:
+        return self._backend_name.capitalize() + "Stage"
+
+
+# Convenience functions
+def register_source(stage_class: type[Stage]) -> None:
+    """Register a source stage."""
+    StageRegistry.register("source", stage_class)
+
+
+def register_effect(stage_class: type[Stage]) -> None:
+    """Register an effect stage."""
+    StageRegistry.register("effect", stage_class)
+
+
+def register_display(stage_class: type[Stage]) -> None:
+    """Register a display stage."""
+    StageRegistry.register("display", stage_class)
+
+
+def register_camera(stage_class: type[Stage]) -> None:
+    """Register a camera stage."""
+    StageRegistry.register("camera", stage_class)

engine/pipeline/stages/framebuffer.py

@@ -0,0 +1,174 @@
+"""
+Frame buffer stage - stores previous frames for temporal effects.
+
+Provides (per-instance, using instance name):
+- framebuffer.{name}.history: list of previous buffers (most recent first)
+- framebuffer.{name}.intensity_history: list of corresponding intensity maps
+- framebuffer.{name}.current_intensity: intensity map for current frame
+
+Capability: "framebuffer.history.{name}"
+"""
+
+import threading
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.display import _strip_ansi
+from engine.pipeline.core import DataType, PipelineContext, Stage
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FrameBufferConfig:
+    """Configuration for FrameBufferStage."""
+
+    history_depth: int = 2  # Number of previous frames to keep
+    name: str = "default"  # Unique instance name for capability and context keys
+
+
+class FrameBufferStage(Stage):
+    """Stores frame history and computes intensity maps.
+
+    Supports multiple instances with unique capabilities and context keys.
+    """
+
+    name = "framebuffer"
+    category = "effect"  # It's an effect that enriches context with frame history
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        config: FrameBufferConfig | None = None,
+        history_depth: int = 2,
+        name: str = "default",
+    ):
+        self.config = config or FrameBufferConfig(
+            history_depth=history_depth, name=name
+        )
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    @property
+    def capabilities(self) -> set[str]:
+        return {f"framebuffer.history.{self.config.name}"}
+
+    @property
+    def dependencies(self) -> set[str]:
+        # Depends on rendered output (since we want to capture final buffer)
+        return {"render.output"}
+
+    @property
+    def inlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}
+
+    @property
+    def outlet_types(self) -> set:
+        return {DataType.TEXT_BUFFER}  # Pass through unchanged
+
+    def init(self, ctx: PipelineContext) -> bool:
+        """Initialize framebuffer state in context."""
+        prefix = f"framebuffer.{self.config.name}"
+        ctx.set(f"{prefix}.history", [])
+        ctx.set(f"{prefix}.intensity_history", [])
+        return True
+
+    def process(self, data: Any, ctx: PipelineContext) -> Any:
+        """Store frame in history and compute intensity.
+
+        Args:
+            data: Current text buffer (list[str])
+            ctx: Pipeline context
+
+        Returns:
+            Same buffer (pass-through)
+        """
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return data
+
+        prefix = f"framebuffer.{self.config.name}"
+
+        # Compute intensity map for current buffer (per-row, length = buffer rows)
+        intensity_map = self._compute_buffer_intensity(data, len(data))
+
+        # Store in context
+        ctx.set(f"{prefix}.current_intensity", intensity_map)
+
+        with self._lock:
+            # Get existing histories
+            history = ctx.get(f"{prefix}.history", [])
+            intensity_hist = ctx.get(f"{prefix}.intensity_history", [])
+
+            # Prepend current frame to history
+            history.insert(0, data.copy())
+            intensity_hist.insert(0, intensity_map)
+
+            # Trim to configured depth
+            max_depth = self.config.history_depth
+            ctx.set(f"{prefix}.history", history[:max_depth])
+            ctx.set(f"{prefix}.intensity_history", intensity_hist[:max_depth])
+
+        return data
+
+    def _compute_buffer_intensity(
+        self, buf: list[str], max_rows: int = 24
+    ) -> list[float]:
+        """Compute average intensity per row in buffer.
+
+        Uses ANSI color if available; falls back to character density.
+
+        Args:
+            buf: Text buffer (list of strings)
+            max_rows: Maximum number of rows to process
+
+        Returns:
+            List of intensity values (0.0-1.0) per row
+        """
+        intensities = []
+        # Limit to viewport height
+        lines = buf[:max_rows]
+
+        for line in lines:
+            # Strip ANSI codes for length calc
+
+            plain = _strip_ansi(line)
+            if not plain:
+                intensities.append(0.0)
+                continue
+
+            # Simple heuristic: ratio of non-space characters
+            # More sophisticated version could parse ANSI RGB brightness
+            filled = sum(1 for c in plain if c not in (" ", "\t"))
+            total = len(plain)
+            intensity = filled / total if total > 0 else 0.0
+            intensities.append(max(0.0, min(1.0, intensity)))
+
+        # Pad to max_rows if needed
+        while len(intensities) < max_rows:
+            intensities.append(0.0)
+
+        return intensities
+
+    def get_frame(
+        self, index: int = 0, ctx: PipelineContext | None = None
+    ) -> list[str] | None:
+        """Get frame from history by index (0 = current, 1 = previous, etc)."""
+        if ctx is None:
+            return None
+        prefix = f"framebuffer.{self.config.name}"
+        history = ctx.get(f"{prefix}.history", [])
+        if 0 <= index < len(history):
+            return history[index]
+        return None
+
+    def get_intensity(
+        self, index: int = 0, ctx: PipelineContext | None = None
+    ) -> list[float] | None:
+        """Get intensity map from history by index."""
+        if ctx is None:
+            return None
+        prefix = f"framebuffer.{self.config.name}"
+        intensity_hist = ctx.get(f"{prefix}.intensity_history", [])
+        if 0 <= index < len(intensity_hist):
+            return intensity_hist[index]
+        return None
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Cleanup resources."""
+        pass

engine/pipeline/ui.py

@@ -0,0 +1,674 @@
+"""
+Pipeline UI panel - Interactive controls for pipeline configuration.
+
+Provides:
+- Stage list with enable/disable toggles
+- Parameter sliders for selected effect
+- Keyboard/mouse interaction
+
+This module implements the right-side UI panel that appears in border="ui" mode.
+"""
+
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass
+class UIConfig:
+    """Configuration for the UI panel."""
+
+    panel_width: int = 24  # Characters wide
+    stage_list_height: int = 12  # Number of stages to show at once
+    param_height: int = 8  # Space for parameter controls
+    scroll_offset: int = 0  # Scroll position in stage list
+    start_with_preset_picker: bool = False  # Show preset picker immediately
+
+
+@dataclass
+class StageControl:
+    """Represents a stage in the UI panel with its toggle state."""
+
+    name: str
+    stage_name: str  # Actual pipeline stage name
+    category: str
+    enabled: bool = True
+    selected: bool = False
+    params: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)  # Current param values
+    param_schema: dict[str, dict] = field(default_factory=dict)  # Param metadata
+
+    def toggle(self) -> None:
+        """Toggle enabled state."""
+        self.enabled = not self.enabled
+
+    def get_param(self, name: str) -> Any:
+        """Get current parameter value."""
+        return self.params.get(name)
+
+    def set_param(self, name: str, value: Any) -> None:
+        """Set parameter value."""
+        self.params[name] = value
+
+
+class UIPanel:
+    """Interactive UI panel for pipeline configuration.
+
+    Manages:
+    - Stage list with enable/disable checkboxes
+    - Parameter sliders for selected stage
+    - Keyboard/mouse event handling
+    - Scroll state for long stage lists
+
+    The panel is rendered as a right border (panel_width characters wide)
+    alongside the main viewport.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, config: UIConfig | None = None):
+        self.config = config or UIConfig()
+        self.stages: dict[str, StageControl] = {}  # stage_name -> StageControl
+        self.scroll_offset = 0
+        self.selected_stage: str | None = None
+        self._focused_param: str | None = None  # For slider adjustment
+        self._callbacks: dict[str, Callable] = {}  # Event callbacks
+        self._presets: list[str] = []  # Available preset names
+        self._current_preset: str = ""  # Current preset name
+        self._show_preset_picker: bool = (
+            config.start_with_preset_picker if config else False
+        )  # Picker overlay visible
+        self._show_panel: bool = True  # UI panel visibility
+        self._preset_scroll_offset: int = 0  # Scroll in preset list
+
+    def save_state(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Save UI panel state for restoration after pipeline rebuild.
+
+        Returns:
+            Dictionary containing UI panel state that can be restored
+        """
+        # Save stage control states (enabled, params, etc.)
+        stage_states = {}
+        for name, ctrl in self.stages.items():
+            stage_states[name] = {
+                "enabled": ctrl.enabled,
+                "selected": ctrl.selected,
+                "params": dict(ctrl.params),  # Copy params dict
+            }
+
+        return {
+            "stage_states": stage_states,
+            "scroll_offset": self.scroll_offset,
+            "selected_stage": self.selected_stage,
+            "_focused_param": self._focused_param,
+            "_show_panel": self._show_panel,
+            "_show_preset_picker": self._show_preset_picker,
+            "_preset_scroll_offset": self._preset_scroll_offset,
+        }
+
+    def restore_state(self, state: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+        """Restore UI panel state from saved state.
+
+        Args:
+            state: Dictionary containing UI panel state from save_state()
+        """
+        # Restore stage control states
+        stage_states = state.get("stage_states", {})
+        for name, stage_state in stage_states.items():
+            if name in self.stages:
+                ctrl = self.stages[name]
+                ctrl.enabled = stage_state.get("enabled", True)
+                ctrl.selected = stage_state.get("selected", False)
+                # Restore params
+                saved_params = stage_state.get("params", {})
+                for param_name, param_value in saved_params.items():
+                    if param_name in ctrl.params:
+                        ctrl.params[param_name] = param_value
+
+        # Restore UI panel state
+        self.scroll_offset = state.get("scroll_offset", 0)
+        self.selected_stage = state.get("selected_stage")
+        self._focused_param = state.get("_focused_param")
+        self._show_panel = state.get("_show_panel", True)
+        self._show_preset_picker = state.get("_show_preset_picker", False)
+        self._preset_scroll_offset = state.get("_preset_scroll_offset", 0)
+
+    def register_stage(self, stage: Any, enabled: bool = True) -> StageControl:
+        """Register a stage for UI control.
+
+        Args:
+            stage: Stage instance (must have .name, .category attributes)
+            enabled: Initial enabled state
+
+        Returns:
+            The created StageControl instance
+        """
+        control = StageControl(
+            name=stage.name,
+            stage_name=stage.name,
+            category=stage.category,
+            enabled=enabled,
+        )
+        self.stages[stage.name] = control
+        return control
+
+    def unregister_stage(self, stage_name: str) -> None:
+        """Remove a stage from UI control."""
+        if stage_name in self.stages:
+            del self.stages[stage_name]
+
+    def get_enabled_stages(self) -> list[str]:
+        """Get list of stage names that are currently enabled."""
+        return [name for name, ctrl in self.stages.items() if ctrl.enabled]
+
+    def select_stage(self, stage_name: str | None = None) -> None:
+        """Select a stage (for parameter editing)."""
+        if stage_name in self.stages:
+            self.selected_stage = stage_name
+            self.stages[stage_name].selected = True
+            # Deselect others
+            for name, ctrl in self.stages.items():
+                if name != stage_name:
+                    ctrl.selected = False
+            # Auto-focus first parameter when stage selected
+            if self.stages[stage_name].params:
+                self._focused_param = next(iter(self.stages[stage_name].params.keys()))
+            else:
+                self._focused_param = None
+
+    def toggle_stage(self, stage_name: str) -> bool:
+        """Toggle a stage's enabled state.
+
+        Returns:
+            New enabled state
+        """
+        if stage_name in self.stages:
+            ctrl = self.stages[stage_name]
+            ctrl.enabled = not ctrl.enabled
+            return ctrl.enabled
+        return False
+
+    def adjust_selected_param(self, delta: float) -> None:
+        """Adjust the currently focused parameter of selected stage.
+
+        Args:
+            delta: Amount to add (positive or negative)
+        """
+        if self.selected_stage and self._focused_param:
+            ctrl = self.stages[self.selected_stage]
+            if self._focused_param in ctrl.params:
+                current = ctrl.params[self._focused_param]
+                # Determine step size from schema
+                schema = ctrl.param_schema.get(self._focused_param, {})
+                step = schema.get("step", 0.1 if isinstance(current, float) else 1)
+                new_val = current + delta * step
+                # Clamp to min/max if specified
+                if "min" in schema:
+                    new_val = max(schema["min"], new_val)
+                if "max" in schema:
+                    new_val = min(schema["max"], new_val)
+                # Only emit if value actually changed
+                if new_val != current:
+                    ctrl.params[self._focused_param] = new_val
+                    self._emit_event(
+                        "param_changed",
+                        stage_name=self.selected_stage,
+                        param_name=self._focused_param,
+                        value=new_val,
+                    )
+
+    def scroll_stages(self, delta: int) -> None:
+        """Scroll the stage list."""
+        max_offset = max(0, len(self.stages) - self.config.stage_list_height)
+        self.scroll_offset = max(0, min(max_offset, self.scroll_offset + delta))
+
+    def render(self, width: int, height: int) -> list[str]:
+        """Render the UI panel.
+
+        Args:
+            width: Total display width (panel uses last `panel_width` cols)
+            height: Total display height
+
+        Returns:
+            List of strings, each of length `panel_width`, to overlay on right side
+        """
+        panel_width = min(
+            self.config.panel_width, width - 4
+        )  # Reserve at least 2 for main
+        lines = []
+
+        # If panel is hidden, render empty space
+        if not self._show_panel:
+            return [" " * panel_width for _ in range(height)]
+
+        # If preset picker is active, render that overlay instead of normal panel
+        if self._show_preset_picker:
+            picker_lines = self._render_preset_picker(panel_width)
+            # Pad to full panel height if needed
+            while len(picker_lines) < height:
+                picker_lines.append(" " * panel_width)
+            return [
+                line.ljust(panel_width)[:panel_width] for line in picker_lines[:height]
+            ]
+
+        # Header
+        title_line = "┌" + "─" * (panel_width - 2) + "┐"
+        lines.append(title_line)
+
+        # Stage list section (occupies most of the panel)
+        list_height = self.config.stage_list_height
+        stage_names = list(self.stages.keys())
+        for i in range(list_height):
+            idx = i + self.scroll_offset
+            if idx < len(stage_names):
+                stage_name = stage_names[idx]
+                ctrl = self.stages[stage_name]
+                status = "✓" if ctrl.enabled else "✗"
+                sel = ">" if ctrl.selected else " "
+                # Truncate to fit panel (leave room for ">✓ " prefix and padding)
+                max_name_len = panel_width - 5
+                display_name = ctrl.name[:max_name_len]
+                line = f"│{sel}{status} {display_name:<{max_name_len}}"
+                lines.append(line[:panel_width])
+            else:
+                lines.append("│" + " " * (panel_width - 2) + "│")
+
+        # Separator
+        lines.append("├" + "─" * (panel_width - 2) + "┤")
+
+        # Parameter section (if stage selected)
+        if self.selected_stage and self.selected_stage in self.stages:
+            ctrl = self.stages[self.selected_stage]
+            if ctrl.params:
+                # Render each parameter as "name: [=====] value" with focus indicator
+                for param_name, param_value in ctrl.params.items():
+                    schema = ctrl.param_schema.get(param_name, {})
+                    is_focused = param_name == self._focused_param
+                    # Format value based on type
+                    if isinstance(param_value, float):
+                        val_str = f"{param_value:.2f}"
+                    elif isinstance(param_value, int):
+                        val_str = f"{param_value}"
+                    elif isinstance(param_value, bool):
+                        val_str = str(param_value)
+                    else:
+                        val_str = str(param_value)
+
+                    # Build parameter line
+                    if (
+                        isinstance(param_value, (int, float))
+                        and "min" in schema
+                        and "max" in schema
+                    ):
+                        # Render as slider
+                        min_val = schema["min"]
+                        max_val = schema["max"]
+                        # Normalize to 0-1 for bar length
+                        if max_val != min_val:
+                            ratio = (param_value - min_val) / (max_val - min_val)
+                        else:
+                            ratio = 0
+                        bar_width = (
+                            panel_width - len(param_name) - len(val_str) - 10
+                        )  # approx space for "[] : ="
+                        if bar_width < 1:
+                            bar_width = 1
+                        filled = int(round(ratio * bar_width))
+                        bar = "[" + "=" * filled + " " * (bar_width - filled) + "]"
+                        param_line = f"│ {param_name}: {bar} {val_str}"
+                    else:
+                        # Simple name=value
+                        param_line = f"│ {param_name}={val_str}"
+
+                    # Highlight focused parameter
+                    if is_focused:
+                        # Invert colors conceptually - for now use > prefix
+                        param_line = "│> " + param_line[2:]
+
+                    # Truncate to fit panel width
+                    if len(param_line) > panel_width - 1:
+                        param_line = param_line[: panel_width - 1]
+                    lines.append(param_line + "│")
+            else:
+                lines.append("│ (no params)".ljust(panel_width - 1) + "│")
+        else:
+            lines.append("│ (select a stage)".ljust(panel_width - 1) + "│")
+
+        # Info line before footer
+        info_parts = []
+        if self._current_preset:
+            info_parts.append(f"Preset: {self._current_preset}")
+        if self._presets:
+            info_parts.append("[P] presets")
+        info_str = " | ".join(info_parts) if info_parts else ""
+        if info_str:
+            padded = info_str.ljust(panel_width - 2)
+            lines.append("│" + padded + "│")
+
+        # Footer with instructions
+        footer_line = self._render_footer(panel_width)
+        lines.append(footer_line)
+
+        # Ensure all lines are exactly panel_width
+        return [line.ljust(panel_width)[:panel_width] for line in lines]
+
+    def _render_footer(self, width: int) -> str:
+        """Render footer with key hints."""
+        if width >= 40:
+            # Show preset name and key hints
+            preset_info = (
+                f"Preset: {self._current_preset}" if self._current_preset else ""
+            )
+            hints = " [S]elect [Space]UI [Tab]Params [Arrows/HJKL]Adjust "
+            if self._presets:
+                hints += "[P]Preset "
+            combined = f"{preset_info}{hints}"
+            if len(combined) > width - 4:
+                combined = combined[: width - 4]
+            footer = "└" + "─" * (width - 2) + "┘"
+            return footer  # Just the line, we'll add info above in render
+        else:
+            return "└" + "─" * (width - 2) + "┘"
+
+    def execute_command(self, command: dict) -> bool:
+        """Execute a command from external control (e.g., WebSocket).
+
+        Supported UI commands:
+        - {"action": "toggle_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "select_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "adjust_param", "stage": "stage_name", "param": "param_name", "delta": 0.1}
+        - {"action": "change_preset", "preset": "preset_name"}
+        - {"action": "cycle_preset", "direction": 1}
+
+        Pipeline Mutation commands are handled by the WebSocket/runner handler:
+        - {"action": "add_stage", "stage": "stage_name", "type": "source|display|camera|effect"}
+        - {"action": "remove_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "replace_stage", "stage": "old_stage_name", "with": "new_stage_type"}
+        - {"action": "swap_stages", "stage1": "name1", "stage2": "name2"}
+        - {"action": "move_stage", "stage": "stage_name", "after": "other_stage"|"before": "other_stage"}
+        - {"action": "enable_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "disable_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "cleanup_stage", "stage": "stage_name"}
+        - {"action": "can_hot_swap", "stage": "stage_name"}
+
+        Returns:
+            True if command was handled, False if not
+        """
+        action = command.get("action")
+
+        if action == "toggle_stage":
+            stage_name = command.get("stage")
+            if stage_name in self.stages:
+                self.toggle_stage(stage_name)
+                self._emit_event(
+                    "stage_toggled",
+                    stage_name=stage_name,
+                    enabled=self.stages[stage_name].enabled,
+                )
+                return True
+
+        elif action == "select_stage":
+            stage_name = command.get("stage")
+            if stage_name in self.stages:
+                self.select_stage(stage_name)
+                self._emit_event("stage_selected", stage_name=stage_name)
+                return True
+
+        elif action == "adjust_param":
+            stage_name = command.get("stage")
+            param_name = command.get("param")
+            delta = command.get("delta", 0.1)
+            if stage_name == self.selected_stage and param_name:
+                self._focused_param = param_name
+                self.adjust_selected_param(delta)
+                self._emit_event(
+                    "param_changed",
+                    stage_name=stage_name,
+                    param_name=param_name,
+                    value=self.stages[stage_name].params.get(param_name),
+                )
+                return True
+
+        elif action == "change_preset":
+            preset_name = command.get("preset")
+            if preset_name in self._presets:
+                self._current_preset = preset_name
+                self._emit_event("preset_changed", preset_name=preset_name)
+                return True
+
+        elif action == "cycle_preset":
+            direction = command.get("direction", 1)
+            self.cycle_preset(direction)
+            return True
+
+        return False
+
+    def process_key_event(self, key: str | int, modifiers: int = 0) -> bool:
+        """Process a keyboard event.
+
+        Args:
+            key: Key symbol (e.g., ' ', 's', pygame.K_UP, etc.)
+            modifiers: Modifier bits (Shift, Ctrl, Alt)
+
+        Returns:
+            True if event was handled, False if not
+        """
+        # Normalize to string for simplicity
+        key_str = self._normalize_key(key, modifiers)
+
+        # Space: toggle UI panel visibility (only when preset picker not active)
+        if key_str == " " and not self._show_preset_picker:
+            self._show_panel = not getattr(self, "_show_panel", True)
+            return True
+
+        # Space: toggle UI panel visibility (only when preset picker not active)
+        if key_str == " " and not self._show_preset_picker:
+            self._show_panel = not getattr(self, "_show_panel", True)
+            return True
+
+        # S: select stage (cycle)
+        if key_str == "s" and modifiers == 0:
+            stages = list(self.stages.keys())
+            if not stages:
+                return False
+            if self.selected_stage:
+                current_idx = stages.index(self.selected_stage)
+                next_idx = (current_idx + 1) % len(stages)
+            else:
+                next_idx = 0
+            self.select_stage(stages[next_idx])
+            return True
+
+        # P: toggle preset picker (only when panel is visible)
+        if key_str == "p" and self._show_panel:
+            self._show_preset_picker = not self._show_preset_picker
+            if self._show_preset_picker:
+                self._preset_scroll_offset = 0
+            return True
+
+        # HJKL or Arrow Keys: scroll stage list, preset list, or adjust param
+        # vi-style: K=up, J=down (J is actually next line in vi, but we use for down)
+        # We'll use J for down, K for up, H for left, L for right
+        elif key_str in ("up", "down", "kp8", "kp2", "j", "k"):
+            # If preset picker is open, scroll preset list
+            if self._show_preset_picker:
+                delta = -1 if key_str in ("up", "kp8", "k") else 1
+                self._preset_scroll_offset = max(0, self._preset_scroll_offset + delta)
+                # Ensure scroll doesn't go past end
+                max_offset = max(0, len(self._presets) - 1)
+                self._preset_scroll_offset = min(max_offset, self._preset_scroll_offset)
+                return True
+            # If param is focused, adjust param value
+            elif self.selected_stage and self._focused_param:
+                delta = -1.0 if key_str in ("up", "kp8", "k") else 1.0
+                self.adjust_selected_param(delta)
+                return True
+            # Otherwise scroll stages
+            else:
+                delta = -1 if key_str in ("up", "kp8", "k") else 1
+                self.scroll_stages(delta)
+                return True
+
+        # Left/Right or H/L: adjust param (if param selected)
+        elif key_str in ("left", "right", "kp4", "kp6", "h", "l"):
+            if self.selected_stage:
+                delta = -0.1 if key_str in ("left", "kp4", "h") else 0.1
+                self.adjust_selected_param(delta)
+                return True
+
+        # Tab: cycle through parameters
+        if key_str == "tab" and self.selected_stage:
+            ctrl = self.stages[self.selected_stage]
+            param_names = list(ctrl.params.keys())
+            if param_names:
+                if self._focused_param in param_names:
+                    current_idx = param_names.index(self._focused_param)
+                    next_idx = (current_idx + 1) % len(param_names)
+                else:
+                    next_idx = 0
+                self._focused_param = param_names[next_idx]
+                return True
+
+        # Preset picker navigation
+        if self._show_preset_picker:
+            # Enter: select currently highlighted preset
+            if key_str == "return":
+                if self._presets:
+                    idx = self._preset_scroll_offset
+                    if idx < len(self._presets):
+                        self._current_preset = self._presets[idx]
+                        self._emit_event(
+                            "preset_changed", preset_name=self._current_preset
+                        )
+                        self._show_preset_picker = False
+                        return True
+            # Escape: close picker without changing
+            elif key_str == "escape":
+                self._show_preset_picker = False
+                return True
+
+        # Escape: deselect stage (only when picker not active)
+        elif key_str == "escape" and self.selected_stage:
+            self.selected_stage = None
+            for ctrl in self.stages.values():
+                ctrl.selected = False
+            self._focused_param = None
+            return True
+
+        return False
+
+    def _normalize_key(self, key: str | int, modifiers: int) -> str:
+        """Normalize key to a string identifier."""
+        # Handle pygame keysyms if imported
+        try:
+            import pygame
+
+            if isinstance(key, int):
+                # Map pygame constants to strings
+                key_map = {
+                    pygame.K_UP: "up",
+                    pygame.K_DOWN: "down",
+                    pygame.K_LEFT: "left",
+                    pygame.K_RIGHT: "right",
+                    pygame.K_SPACE: " ",
+                    pygame.K_ESCAPE: "escape",
+                    pygame.K_s: "s",
+                    pygame.K_w: "w",
+                    # HJKL navigation (vi-style)
+                    pygame.K_h: "h",
+                    pygame.K_j: "j",
+                    pygame.K_k: "k",
+                    pygame.K_l: "l",
+                }
+                # Check for keypad keys with KP prefix
+                if hasattr(pygame, "K_KP8") and key == pygame.K_KP8:
+                    return "kp8"
+                if hasattr(pygame, "K_KP2") and key == pygame.K_KP2:
+                    return "kp2"
+                if hasattr(pygame, "K_KP4") and key == pygame.K_KP4:
+                    return "kp4"
+                if hasattr(pygame, "K_KP6") and key == pygame.K_KP6:
+                    return "kp6"
+                return key_map.get(key, f"pygame_{key}")
+        except ImportError:
+            pass
+
+        # Already a string?
+        if isinstance(key, str):
+            return key.lower()
+
+        return str(key)
+
+    def set_event_callback(self, event_type: str, callback: Callable) -> None:
+        """Register a callback for UI events.
+
+        Args:
+            event_type: Event type ("stage_toggled", "param_changed", "stage_selected", "preset_changed")
+            callback: Function to call when event occurs
+        """
+        self._callbacks[event_type] = callback
+
+    def _emit_event(self, event_type: str, **data) -> None:
+        """Emit an event to registered callbacks."""
+        callback = self._callbacks.get(event_type)
+        if callback:
+            try:
+                callback(**data)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+    def set_presets(self, presets: list[str], current: str) -> None:
+        """Set available presets and current selection.
+
+        Args:
+            presets: List of preset names
+            current: Currently active preset name
+        """
+        self._presets = presets
+        self._current_preset = current
+
+    def cycle_preset(self, direction: int = 1) -> str:
+        """Cycle to next/previous preset.
+
+        Args:
+            direction: 1 for next, -1 for previous
+
+        Returns:
+            New preset name
+        """
+        if not self._presets:
+            return self._current_preset
+        try:
+            current_idx = self._presets.index(self._current_preset)
+        except ValueError:
+            current_idx = 0
+        next_idx = (current_idx + direction) % len(self._presets)
+        self._current_preset = self._presets[next_idx]
+        self._emit_event("preset_changed", preset_name=self._current_preset)
+        return self._current_preset
+
+    def _render_preset_picker(self, panel_width: int) -> list[str]:
+        """Render a full-screen preset picker overlay."""
+        lines = []
+        picker_height = min(len(self._presets) + 2, self.config.stage_list_height)
+        # Create a centered box
+        title = " Select Preset "
+        box_width = min(40, panel_width - 2)
+        lines.append("┌" + "─" * (box_width - 2) + "┐")
+        lines.append("│" + title.center(box_width - 2) + "│")
+        lines.append("├" + "─" * (box_width - 2) + "┤")
+        # List presets with selection
+        visible_start = self._preset_scroll_offset
+        visible_end = visible_start + picker_height - 2
+        for i in range(visible_start, min(visible_end, len(self._presets))):
+            preset_name = self._presets[i]
+            is_current = preset_name == self._current_preset
+            prefix = "▶ " if is_current else "  "
+            line = f"│ {prefix}{preset_name}"
+            if len(line) < box_width - 1:
+                line = line.ljust(box_width - 1)
+            lines.append(line[: box_width - 1] + "│")
+        # Footer with help
+        help_text = "[P] close [↑↓] navigate [Enter] select"
+        footer = "├" + "─" * (box_width - 2) + "┤"
+        lines.append(footer)
+        lines.append("│" + help_text.center(box_width - 2) + "│")
+        lines.append("└" + "─" * (box_width - 2) + "┘")
+        return lines

engine/pipeline/validation.py

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+"""
+Pipeline validation and MVP (Minimum Viable Pipeline) injection.
+
+Provides validation functions to ensure pipelines meet minimum requirements
+and can auto-inject sensible defaults when fields are missing or invalid.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Any
+
+from engine.display import BorderMode, DisplayRegistry
+from engine.effects import get_registry
+from engine.pipeline.params import PipelineParams
+
+# Known valid values
+VALID_SOURCES = ["headlines", "poetry", "fixture", "empty", "pipeline-inspect"]
+VALID_CAMERAS = [
+    "feed",
+    "scroll",
+    "vertical",
+    "horizontal",
+    "omni",
+    "floating",
+    "bounce",
+    "radial",
+    "static",
+    "none",
+    "",
+]
+VALID_DISPLAYS = None  # Will be populated at runtime from DisplayRegistry
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ValidationResult:
+    """Result of validation with changes and warnings."""
+
+    valid: bool
+    warnings: list[str]
+    changes: list[str]
+    config: Any  # PipelineConfig (forward ref)
+    params: PipelineParams
+
+
+# MVP defaults
+MVP_DEFAULTS = {
+    "source": "fixture",
+    "display": "terminal",
+    "camera": "static",  # Static camera provides camera_y=0 for viewport filtering
+    "effects": [],
+    "border": False,
+}
+
+
+def validate_pipeline_config(
+    config: Any, params: PipelineParams, allow_unsafe: bool = False
+) -> ValidationResult:
+    """Validate pipeline configuration against MVP requirements.
+
+    Args:
+        config: PipelineConfig object (has source, display, camera, effects fields)
+        params: PipelineParams object (has border field)
+        allow_unsafe: If True, don't inject defaults or enforce MVP
+
+    Returns:
+        ValidationResult with validity, warnings, changes, and validated config/params
+    """
+    warnings = []
+    changes = []
+
+    if allow_unsafe:
+        # Still do basic validation but don't inject defaults
+        # Always return valid=True when allow_unsafe is set
+        warnings.extend(_validate_source(config.source))
+        warnings.extend(_validate_display(config.display))
+        warnings.extend(_validate_camera(config.camera))
+        warnings.extend(_validate_effects(config.effects))
+        warnings.extend(_validate_border(params.border))
+        return ValidationResult(
+            valid=True,  # Always valid with allow_unsafe
+            warnings=warnings,
+            changes=[],
+            config=config,
+            params=params,
+        )
+
+    # MVP injection mode
+    # Source
+    source_issues = _validate_source(config.source)
+    if source_issues:
+        warnings.extend(source_issues)
+        config.source = MVP_DEFAULTS["source"]
+        changes.append(f"source → {MVP_DEFAULTS['source']}")
+
+    # Display
+    display_issues = _validate_display(config.display)
+    if display_issues:
+        warnings.extend(display_issues)
+        config.display = MVP_DEFAULTS["display"]
+        changes.append(f"display → {MVP_DEFAULTS['display']}")
+
+    # Camera
+    camera_issues = _validate_camera(config.camera)
+    if camera_issues:
+        warnings.extend(camera_issues)
+        config.camera = MVP_DEFAULTS["camera"]
+        changes.append("camera → static (no camera stage)")
+
+    # Effects
+    effect_issues = _validate_effects(config.effects)
+    if effect_issues:
+        warnings.extend(effect_issues)
+        # Only change if all effects are invalid
+        if len(config.effects) == 0 or all(
+            e not in _get_valid_effects() for e in config.effects
+        ):
+            config.effects = MVP_DEFAULTS["effects"]
+            changes.append("effects → [] (none)")
+        else:
+            # Remove invalid effects, keep valid ones
+            valid_effects = [e for e in config.effects if e in _get_valid_effects()]
+            if valid_effects != config.effects:
+                config.effects = valid_effects
+                changes.append(f"effects → {valid_effects}")
+
+    # Border (in params)
+    border_issues = _validate_border(params.border)
+    if border_issues:
+        warnings.extend(border_issues)
+        params.border = MVP_DEFAULTS["border"]
+        changes.append(f"border → {MVP_DEFAULTS['border']}")
+
+    valid = len(warnings) == 0
+    if changes:
+        # If we made changes, pipeline should be valid now
+        valid = True
+
+    return ValidationResult(
+        valid=valid,
+        warnings=warnings,
+        changes=changes,
+        config=config,
+        params=params,
+    )
+
+
+def _validate_source(source: str) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate source field."""
+    if not source:
+        return ["source is empty"]
+    if source not in VALID_SOURCES:
+        return [f"unknown source '{source}', valid sources: {VALID_SOURCES}"]
+    return []
+
+
+def _validate_display(display: str) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate display field."""
+    if not display:
+        return ["display is empty"]
+    # Check if display is available (lazy load registry)
+    try:
+        available = DisplayRegistry.list_backends()
+        if display not in available:
+            return [f"display '{display}' not available, available: {available}"]
+    except Exception as e:
+        return [f"error checking display availability: {e}"]
+    return []
+
+
+def _validate_camera(camera: str | None) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate camera field."""
+    if camera is None:
+        return ["camera is None"]
+    # Empty string is valid (static, no camera stage)
+    if camera == "":
+        return []
+    if camera not in VALID_CAMERAS:
+        return [f"unknown camera '{camera}', valid cameras: {VALID_CAMERAS}"]
+    return []
+
+
+def _get_valid_effects() -> set[str]:
+    """Get set of valid effect names."""
+    registry = get_registry()
+    return set(registry.list_all().keys())
+
+
+def _validate_effects(effects: list[str]) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate effects list."""
+    if effects is None:
+        return ["effects is None"]
+    valid_effects = _get_valid_effects()
+    issues = []
+    for effect in effects:
+        if effect not in valid_effects:
+            issues.append(
+                f"unknown effect '{effect}', valid effects: {sorted(valid_effects)}"
+            )
+    return issues
+
+
+def _validate_border(border: bool | BorderMode) -> list[str]:
+    """Validate border field."""
+    if isinstance(border, bool):
+        return []
+    if isinstance(border, BorderMode):
+        return []
+    return [f"invalid border value, must be bool or BorderMode, got {type(border)}"]
+
+
+def get_mvp_summary(config: Any, params: PipelineParams) -> str:
+    """Get a human-readable summary of the MVP pipeline configuration."""
+    camera_text = "none" if not config.camera else config.camera
+    effects_text = "none" if not config.effects else ", ".join(config.effects)
+    return (
+        f"MVP Pipeline Configuration:\n"
+        f"  Source: {config.source}\n"
+        f"  Display: {config.display}\n"
+        f"  Camera: {camera_text} (static if empty)\n"
+        f"  Effects: {effects_text}\n"
+        f"  Border: {params.border}"
+    )