Shared/universal movie database? (1 Viewer)

[Koperfild]

Hello,
I`m new to Media Portal so forgive me if that topic has already been discussed but I`ve not found the answer anywhere here.

I`ve just switched from Vista Media Center and I`ve fallen in love with MP. What I really like are some 'unique' functions that VMC doesn`t have such as ability to rewind the movie or adjustable time jumps (yes my dear friends, these are examples of basic features that VMC doesn`t offer and won`t).
However there is ONE, just one issue which doesn`t let me sleep it`s about the way of keeping movies in database.
The possibility to watch films by folder-level file listing is a very good idea - When I`ve downloaded some movies and when my friends came I don`t have to do the whole procedure of adding, downloading descriptions, covers, etc. just to watch them once. Although, apart from fast folder-level access I`d like to have 'normal' movie database with all the stuff (covers, info about actress, plot, etc.) stored inside and obviously ability to search for titles, change the views (genres, years, titles) etc. Actually all of these features are offered by combination of built-in 'movie' feature and the plugin 'my films'.
Unfortunatelly the rapture ends here and problems start. I loved the way of movies management from MyMovies2 VMC plug-in. There was a SQL server placed on my HTPC which I could connect remotely to and then easily add new titles. I counted on similar solution used in MP but I`ve found nothing like this. There is only a possibility to import xml in DVD Profiler format and that must be performed in MP Configurator what means you need to use the keyboard and do all these things on your HTPC what is a shame. In MyFilms plug-in the situation looks a bit better because here you can select a XML file that may be stored anywhere and then when you add new titles to your database and overwrite the file the movie list is automaticaly updated. Even though it`s not 'elegant' way of managment.

If I wanted to shorten everything I wrote into one sentence, I`d write: I`m looking for a method to manage my movie database remotely from any pc in my home so that an update affects both MyFilms database and MP`s Movie database.

I`d love to see the solution as that`s the one thing I miss in Media Portal

 

[Justchill]

I agree.. the movie collection management sucks ass here...

 

[johnegq]

I am also very confused as to how MP would like us to organize my video files (ripped movie and tv). I am surprised there isn't a section in the wiki about "typical useage" or "recommended configuration". I am not against moving my file into our out of folders. I already know I need to rename my files (normalize them).

 

[gxtracker]

I am also very confused as to how MP would like us to organize my video files (ripped movie and tv). I am surprised there isn't a section in the wiki about "typical useage" or "recommended configuration". I am not against moving my file into our out of folders. I already know I need to rename my files (normalize them).

Well, just as a point of reference for you, I have a folder D:\movies that stores all of my movies. In that folder, each movie is named "<movie> (<year>).avi" and saved as a single file. when performing an IMDB scan, the majority of the time its pretty accurate; out of over 100gb of movies, only 3 or 4 require manual correction.

I have MyMovies setup to display the shares view, and simply list my movies in alphabetical order, but with the database shares, you could have them sorted by year, genre, etc...

I dont download the actor info, since for the most part its irrelivent and and simply consumes way too much time during an IMDB scan. I know that some people store their movies in different ways, such as in subfolders for example, but if you rip your movies into single files, seperate folders shouldnt be required.

I`m looking for a method to manage my movie database remotely from any pc in my home so that an update affects both MyFilms database and MP`s Movie database.

I like the idea of a centralized database, since the TV server EPG is stored on the TV server. It would only be a natural progression to have the movies, pictures, music databases stored on the server as well. Right now though, there isnt any way built into MP that automate the process for you. you may have to use the XML and manual update (or scripted update) method for the time being.

 

[Koperfild]

Right now though, there isnt any way built into MP that automate the process for you. you may have to use the XML and manual update (or scripted update) method for the time being.

You mean there would be an XML file shared in my home network which would be used by MyFilms and MP database and the list of the movies would autoupdate when it has been edited? How can I do this?