[plugin] DVD Library (Sept 7 Update)

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by Brett

This is called "offline" browsing, its something Jason has indicated in the past was on the "todo" list.

-Brett

That todo list was on the old thread, which is gone. Can you copy that list to this issue ?

[Brett]

Originally Posted by Jason

So what is the future direction?
-More/Better importers (one that uses folder hierarchy for information, a manual assist (where you get to pick the real movie title), a full manual force (you pick folder/file and title), etc)
-A way to correct information in the catalog (incase a movie gets imported under the wrong title)
-Parsing information from more sources (such as amazon.com)
-A transformation into a total "Movie Library" to include mpg and avi imports.
-Offline DVDs
-Improved filters
-Anything else that might be requested.

There you go...

-Brett

[Kilrsat]

Originally Posted by Hurin

I tried editing the movies.xml file manually. But it just spits it out when you re-search for movies. It never shows up.

The contents of movies.xml is read into memory when BM starts, manipulated in memory from that point on, and flushed back to disk when BM exits.

The only way to change information there and have it show up in use will be to edit the file while BM is closed.

[Kilrsat]

Originally Posted by Baylo

Here's a thought (like you need any more suggestions...):

Just to add to the movie-going experience...

How about adding a (strictly optional) facility to run specified or random files / trailers before starting the DVD? You could dig into the trailers downloaded by the MovieShowtimes plugin, and also reference custom AVI's or playlists for those that want to show off THX idents, etc.

For example, have a 'Preshow' option in the settings, which then lets you define a "trailers" directory, specify how many to show before the selected DVD, and / or a playlist that would include other introductory media / slideshows / etc.

I think something like this used to exist for myHTPC and, I assume, now for Meedio.

Mark

I know the idea you're after, and it has a certain "coolness" factor, but I'd have to put it at the lowest priority of stuff I'm working on.

Main areas of focus right now:
improving ways to get information into the catalog
improving the information the catalog retrieves from the internet
adding some way to correct information in the catalog

These are all pretty low-level ideas, so there won't be any new flashy cool stuff for awhile. However I think making these features the best they can be will insure that the plugin becomes the best it can be.

You'll probably notice I'm being vague about the new stuff. One reason is that I like surprises. The second reason is that no one can say I didn't implement something I said I would if I never say I'll implement anything

I'll implement everything I can as my schedule permits, see the goal list posted earlier for the big features I'd like to see added. I just don't want to hype any new feature (until its actually implemented properly) and I don't want to set the bar so high for any single release that I need to delay releasing other features because things aren't quite where I said they'd be.

[Baylo]

I totally agree with your assessment. Please stick it on the list, but get the important things done first (and if Snapstream programmers aren't helping you with this yet, they're missing the boat).

You're doing a great job here.

Mark

[SithLord]

Well, I must say - this plugin is awesome!! Thanks for the work on this. Now, all I have to do is get my PC to output 480p or better...

[l0o5er]

I've ripped a copy of DVD's into ISOs (& VOBs) with DVD Decrypter but can't get it to work. When I click on the video from the list the screen flashes black & the DVD timeline shows along the bottom but it just goes back to the menu. And I can hear the sound of the DVD but no picture. Any ideas? I'm viewing DVD's, AVI's & MPEGs otherwise fine.

Also an enhancement suggestion for possible consideration later: include support for AVI/DIVX/XVID. I prefer this format because of its compression.

And while you're at it what about including support for WMV's which is the format I rip my home movies into

[whitej3]

Ok, I'm really new to using ISO/VOB's but I am having a singlar problem with the DVD library. When attempting to play "Lost in Space" (don't laugh, it was the only dvd I had available to rip) it always shows the Closed Captions. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Kilrsat]

Originally Posted by whitej3

Ok, I'm really new to using ISO/VOB's but I am having a singlar problem with the DVD library. When attempting to play "Lost in Space" (don't laugh, it was the only dvd I had available to rip) it always shows the Closed Captions. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you don't have a menu for the DVD, right click while its playing to bring up the options menu. There you have the ability to change what subtitles are showing or turn them off.

[k_kirk]

Originally Posted by Baylo

....
How about adding a (strictly optional) facility to run specified or random files / trailers before starting the DVD? You could dig into the trailers downloaded by the MovieShowtimes plugin, and also reference custom AVI's or playlists for those that want to show off THX idents, etc.
....

How about ads to go with that as well? Now that would make it a complete movie going experience. Oops, there you go. Sarcasm rearing its ugly face again. Forgot you don't like that! Cheers...

[Kilrsat]

Originally Posted by l0o5er

I've ripped a copy of DVD's into ISOs (& VOBs) with DVD Decrypter but can't get it to work. When I click on the video from the list the screen flashes black & the DVD timeline shows along the bottom but it just goes back to the menu. And I can hear the sound of the DVD but no picture. Any ideas? I'm viewing DVD's, AVI's & MPEGs otherwise fine.

If you're playing an ISO, make sure auto-run is disabled on the virtual drive.

If you're playing a vob set, make sure it every file from the dvd is on your harddrive. Only "All files" works during playback. If "Main Movie" or "Main Movie + Ifo" was selected, playback won't work.

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by l0o5er

I've ripped a copy of DVD's into ISOs (& VOBs) with DVD Decrypter but can't get it to work. When I click on the video from the list the screen flashes black & the DVD timeline shows along the bottom but it just goes back to the menu. And I can hear the sound of the DVD but no picture. Any ideas? I'm viewing DVD's, AVI's & MPEGs otherwise fine.

Also an enhancement suggestion for possible consideration later: include support for AVI/DIVX/XVID. I prefer this format because of its compression.

And while you're at it what about including support for WMV's which is the format I rip my home movies into

I see this once in a while as well. Usually corrects itself by closing and restarting BM. I don't think it has anything to do with this plugin, because I also saw this before this plugin existed, so I think there is a BM bug in there somewhere.

[nanook105]

OK - a dumb question. Why would I rip to an ISO instead of a VOB ?

[k_kirk]

Nanook, I think think its a personal choice. Single file ISO vs a folder and number of files with VOB. Don't think there is any technical reason otherwise. Might be wrong. Cheers

[Kilrsat]

Originally Posted by nanook105

OK - a dumb question. Why would I rip to an ISO instead of a VOB ?

Single file, really is the only advantage. If you're reading a damaged/dirty disk, its actually to your advantage to use file mode. Then you can rip as much as you can on the first pass, take the disk out, try cleaning, try it again, use another drive, etc.

With ISO you have one shot and it either all works or it all fails.

I guess if you didn't want to have to bother with Daemon Tools that might be another nod toward vob.