Official Kodi Wiki - User contributions [en]

Music navigation

2014-12-07T12:51:56Z

Sho: /* Party Mode */

{{mininav|[[Music library]] }}
{{cleanup}}
== Navigating your library ==
{{See also|Keyboard controls}}
=== Side bar ===
The library organizes your music into many categories, allowing you to find a specific song using one of many possible criteria. Below you can see root menu showing the different sections.
{|
|
[[File:Library.music.controls.jpg|right|360px]]
| valign="top" |
; View:
: You can the toggle between the different display options, amongst others; List, Icons and Big Icons.
; Sort By:
: You can choose what criteria to sort your music by. Note the arrow to the right which controls whether the items are sorted in ascending or descending order.
; Library Mode
: This control allows you to switch between Library Mode and [[Music#Files View|File View]]. (used to be called Switch View)
; Party Mode
: See below.
; Misc Options
; Search
: You can search for a string anywhere in the [[The XBMC Database|XBMC music database]], see more below.
; Filter
: Allows you to filter the library to only show albums, artists or songs that include the specified string in the name.
; Hide Fanart
: Hides Fanart in the chosen view.
; Small Fanart
: Shows a smaller version of the fanart instead of a scraped artist picture.
|}

=== File mode ===
File mode is the most basic way of browing your music. In file mode, you browse through your sources folder by folder, in the exact same way they are stored. What you see in file mode is the same as you would see if you were to browse the folders on your computer.

=== Library mode ===
The library mode is much more advanced and has many more features than the Files View. It has features like song, album and artist info to name a few.
In order to utilize library mode, you first need to scan your music into the Music library using the [[#Contextual menu]].

== Searching your Library ==
The search button is available on the left side of the '[[Music]]' window, and is also available in the root listing of your music library. Select it to begin your search. A keyboard will pop-up where you may enter search terms (SMS style with the remote, or just using the virtual keyboard). As you enter more letters, the search will be performed in the background, and results displayed in the search node of the music library. Previous searches are saved, so if you return to the search node later on, it will have the results of your previous search. Artists and Albums are shown on top, followed by matching songs. If the search string you enter is less than 3 characters, XBMC will just search in the first word of each artist/album/song. Otherwise it will do a full word search. '''NOTE: In order to search within words as well as just for words beginning with your search string, place a % sign in front of the match.'''

== Party Mode ==
{{main|Smart playlists}}
Selecting ''Party Mode'' from the sidebar will play ALL valid media scanned into your libraries in a random order that meet the conditions specified in the Smart Playlist.

The ''Party Mode'' option allows you to randomly play music from your entire music or [[Music Videos|music video]] collection based on criteria specified in the '''[[PartyMode.xsp]]''' smart playlist which is stored in the [[The UserData Folder]]. To change the behaviour of ''Party Mode'' simply edit the "[[Playlists#Smart Playlists|Party mode playlist]]" item in the Playlist menu by bringing up the [[Music library#Context Menu|context menu]] and select ''Edit Playlist''.

To play any playlist in ''Party Mode'', you can bring up the [[Music library#Context Menu|context menu]] and select ''Play in party mode''. This can be done for any valid playlist.

== Context Menu ==
In the default configuration you pop up the Context Menu using the 'C' key on your keyboard. If you are navigating XBMC using a remote control, the default button is, for some releases, the 'title' button. If your remote control has no 'title' button then you may need to [[HOW-TO:Modify keyboard.xml|remap]] the ContextMenu action to another button.

=== File mode ===
The context menu allows you to interact with the individual media items. The following options are available whilst in [[Music#Files View|File Mode]], selecting an album:
{|
|
[[File:Context.files.mymusic.jpg|310px]]
| valign="top" |
; Queue Item
: Adds the item to the [[Now Playing]] playlist
; Play or (Play using...)
: Plays the selected file. (Play using... depends on players available on your platform e.g. [[PAPlayer]] or [[DVDPlayer]]
; Add to Favourites
: Adds the item to your [[Favourites]] menu.
; Album Information
: Displays information about the item from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com]. You can also highlight the item and press the Info button on the remote.
; Delete
: Delete selection from your sources (will delete actual files) Must be enabled in [[Appearance Settings#View Options|Appearance Settings]].
; Rename
: Rename selection to something more to your liking. Must be enabled in [[Appearance Settings#View Options|Appearance Settings]].
; Scan Item to Library
: Scans the item into the the [[Music Library]]. Performing this on a folder will cause every item in the folder to be scanned.
; Switch Media
: Allows you to switch to playback of other types of media (e.g. video files).
; Go to Root
: Takes you to the "Music" root folder.
; Now Playing...
: Takes you to the [[Now Playing]] screen that shows what is currently playing and what the next queued files are.
; Settings
: Opens the [[Music Settings]] menu.
|}
'''Other possible menu items'''
;Search
:Allows you to search for specific media

=== Library mode ===
You perform actions on your music files using the [[General Navigation#Context Menus|Context Menu]]. In Library Mode selecting an album, the following options are available:
{|
|
[[File:Context.library.mymusic.jpg|300px]]
|
; Queue Item
: Adds the item to the [[Now Playing]] playlist.
; Play
: Plays the selected file.
; Add to Favourites
: Adds the item to your [[Favourites]] menu.
; Album / Song Information
: Shows the relevant information from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com].
; Query Info For All Albums
: Queries information from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com] for all albums in the path.
; Change scraper
: Change scraper from current. '''''see also:''''' [[set content]]
; Update Library
: Checks if files in the Library have been changed, added or removed, modifies the database accordingly and runs a cleaning routine. Adds missing media to the database.
; Go to Root
: Takes you to the Music Library root.
; Now Playing...
: Takes you to [[Now Playing]] screen that shows what is currently playing and what the next queued files are.
; Settings
: Opens the [[Music Settings]] menu.
|}

[[Category:Music library]]
[[Category:Manual]]

Music navigation

2014-12-07T12:44:31Z

Sho: /* Party Mode */

{{mininav|[[Music library]] }}
{{cleanup}}
== Navigating your library ==
{{See also|Keyboard controls}}
=== Side bar ===
The library organizes your music into many categories, allowing you to find a specific song using one of many possible criteria. Below you can see root menu showing the different sections.
{|
|
[[File:Library.music.controls.jpg|right|360px]]
| valign="top" |
; View:
: You can the toggle between the different display options, amongst others; List, Icons and Big Icons.
; Sort By:
: You can choose what criteria to sort your music by. Note the arrow to the right which controls whether the items are sorted in ascending or descending order.
; Library Mode
: This control allows you to switch between Library Mode and [[Music#Files View|File View]]. (used to be called Switch View)
; Party Mode
: See below.
; Misc Options
; Search
: You can search for a string anywhere in the [[The XBMC Database|XBMC music database]], see more below.
; Filter
: Allows you to filter the library to only show albums, artists or songs that include the specified string in the name.
; Hide Fanart
: Hides Fanart in the chosen view.
; Small Fanart
: Shows a smaller version of the fanart instead of a scraped artist picture.
|}

=== File mode ===
File mode is the most basic way of browing your music. In file mode, you browse through your sources folder by folder, in the exact same way they are stored. What you see in file mode is the same as you would see if you were to browse the folders on your computer.

=== Library mode ===
The library mode is much more advanced and has many more features than the Files View. It has features like song, album and artist info to name a few.
In order to utilize library mode, you first need to scan your music into the Music library using the [[#Contextual menu]].

== Searching your Library ==
The search button is available on the left side of the '[[Music]]' window, and is also available in the root listing of your music library. Select it to begin your search. A keyboard will pop-up where you may enter search terms (SMS style with the remote, or just using the virtual keyboard). As you enter more letters, the search will be performed in the background, and results displayed in the search node of the music library. Previous searches are saved, so if you return to the search node later on, it will have the results of your previous search. Artists and Albums are shown on top, followed by matching songs. If the search string you enter is less than 3 characters, XBMC will just search in the first word of each artist/album/song. Otherwise it will do a full word search. '''NOTE: In order to search within words as well as just for words beginning with your search string, place a % sign in front of the match.'''

== Party Mode ==
{{main|Smart playlists}}
Selecting ''Party Mode'' from the sidebar will play ALL valid media scanned into your libraries in a random order that meet the conditions specified in the Smart Playlist.

The ''Party Mode'' option allows you to randomly play music from your entire music or [[Music Videos|music video]] collection based on criteria specified in the '''[[PartyMode.xsp]]''' smart playlist which is stored in the [[The UserData Folder]].

Simply edited the "[[Playlists#Smart Playlists|Party mode playlist]]" item in the Playlist menu.

To play any playlist in ''Party Mode'', you can bring up the [[Music library#Context Menu|context menu]] and select "Play in party mode". This can be done for any valid playlist.

== Context Menu ==
In the default configuration you pop up the Context Menu using the 'C' key on your keyboard. If you are navigating XBMC using a remote control, the default button is, for some releases, the 'title' button. If your remote control has no 'title' button then you may need to [[HOW-TO:Modify keyboard.xml|remap]] the ContextMenu action to another button.

=== File mode ===
The context menu allows you to interact with the individual media items. The following options are available whilst in [[Music#Files View|File Mode]], selecting an album:
{|
|
[[File:Context.files.mymusic.jpg|310px]]
| valign="top" |
; Queue Item
: Adds the item to the [[Now Playing]] playlist
; Play or (Play using...)
: Plays the selected file. (Play using... depends on players available on your platform e.g. [[PAPlayer]] or [[DVDPlayer]]
; Add to Favourites
: Adds the item to your [[Favourites]] menu.
; Album Information
: Displays information about the item from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com]. You can also highlight the item and press the Info button on the remote.
; Delete
: Delete selection from your sources (will delete actual files) Must be enabled in [[Appearance Settings#View Options|Appearance Settings]].
; Rename
: Rename selection to something more to your liking. Must be enabled in [[Appearance Settings#View Options|Appearance Settings]].
; Scan Item to Library
: Scans the item into the the [[Music Library]]. Performing this on a folder will cause every item in the folder to be scanned.
; Switch Media
: Allows you to switch to playback of other types of media (e.g. video files).
; Go to Root
: Takes you to the "Music" root folder.
; Now Playing...
: Takes you to the [[Now Playing]] screen that shows what is currently playing and what the next queued files are.
; Settings
: Opens the [[Music Settings]] menu.
|}
'''Other possible menu items'''
;Search
:Allows you to search for specific media

=== Library mode ===
You perform actions on your music files using the [[General Navigation#Context Menus|Context Menu]]. In Library Mode selecting an album, the following options are available:
{|
|
[[File:Context.library.mymusic.jpg|300px]]
|
; Queue Item
: Adds the item to the [[Now Playing]] playlist.
; Play
: Plays the selected file.
; Add to Favourites
: Adds the item to your [[Favourites]] menu.
; Album / Song Information
: Shows the relevant information from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com].
; Query Info For All Albums
: Queries information from [http://allmusic.com allmusic.com] for all albums in the path.
; Change scraper
: Change scraper from current. '''''see also:''''' [[set content]]
; Update Library
: Checks if files in the Library have been changed, added or removed, modifies the database accordingly and runs a cleaning routine. Adds missing media to the database.
; Go to Root
: Takes you to the Music Library root.
; Now Playing...
: Takes you to [[Now Playing]] screen that shows what is currently playing and what the next queued files are.
; Settings
: Opens the [[Music Settings]] menu.
|}

[[Category:Music library]]
[[Category:Manual]]

MySQL/Setting up Kodi

2014-11-23T18:03:16Z

Sho: /* Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup */

{{:MySQL/Contents}}
{{mininav| [[MySQL]] }}
Each device that will be sharing a library will need an [[Advancedsettings.xml|advancedsetting.xml]] file.

__TOC__
{{-}}
==Make files accessible over the network==
If you haven't already done so, you will need to make your media files accessible to all your XBMC devices by sharing them on the network through file sharing. XBMC itself or the MySQL server will not share the actual files for this setup. Most operating systems have built-in methods for sharing files to the network, or a [[NAS]] device can be used.

{{note|
*If you use passwords on your network shares then you will need to copy (or [[MySQL/Sync other parts of XBMC|sync]]) your passwords.xml file from the userdata folder to each XBMC device.
*Do not use mapped drives on the OS-level, as XBMC will see those as local drives.
*If you use smb:// paths, you may want to use static IP addresses rather than NetBIOS names, as not all your devices may be able to resolve the latter.
*'''Even if the media is on the same computer as one of the XBMC instances, you MUST use a network share path. You cannot use a local file path with MySQL.'''}}

See [[:Category:File Sharing]] for some of the file sharing methods that work with XBMC.

==Exporting==
{{see also|HOW-TO:Backup the video library|Import-export library}}

{{note|You only need to do the exporting steps if you are migrating an existing local library to a MySQL database. The MySQL setup creates an entirely new library on the MySQL server, so this step allows you to preserve your old library and restore it once MySQL is used in XBMC.}}

{{redv|'''Warning:''' |This will create individual ".nfo" and image files along side your video files. This is considered the safest way to backup and/or migrate a library (MySQL or otherwise), but some users might not want the file clutter. For an alternative method see '''[[why multiple files|here]]'''.}}

#Open XBMC on the computer that has the library you want to share
##Export the Video Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Video -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''
##Export the Music Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Music -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''

==MySQL and advancedsettings.xml==
{| class=infobox
| advancedsettings.xml:
|-
|
<syntaxhighlight lang="XML">
<advancedsettings>
<videodatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</videodatabase>
<musicdatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</musicdatabase>
<videolibrary>
<importwatchedstate>true</importwatchedstate>
<importresumepoint>true</importresumepoint>
</videolibrary>
</advancedsettings>
</syntaxhighlight>
<small>''See also this note about using the <name> tag: [[#Name tag]]<br/><importwatchedstate> is only needed when you're importing a previous library from exported files.</small>
|}
#Create (or add to, if you already have one) an [[Advancedsettings.xml#.3Cmusicdatabase.3E.2F.3Cvideodatabase.3E|advancedsettings.xml]] file:
##Open up a plain text editor
##Copy and paste the text from the right-hand box into a new text document
##Replace the two instances of <code>***.***.***.***</code> with local network IP address of your MySQL server. If you installed MySQL on a Windows machine, do not use its NetBIOS name, as not all devices may be able to resolve them.
##Save the file as '''advancedsettings.xml'''
#Copy this ''advancedsettings.xml'' file you just created to the '''[[userdata folder]]''' of every XBMC install you want to sync with.
{{-}}

==Importing==
At this point XBMC is using the MySQL server for the database, which means it has a new blank library. Now we can either import an old library (see below) or simply start a new library (see [[adding videos to the library]]). From this point on, XBMC behaves exactly like it would as if it had a local database, except that database is on the MySQL server and multiple XBMC installs can access that single database.

# Open any of your XBMC installs and re-import your library data, ''or'' simply set up a new library if you are starting fresh.
# Add (or just "set content" on) the networked video source to XBMC and scan it in as if you were setting up your library for the first time (see [[adding videos to the library]]). However, XBMC will read the exported nfo files and images and use those instead of rebuilding the library from scratch. The end result will be an identical library, and your watched status for videos will be preserved.
#:{{Note|You must add a network source using XBMC's standard formatting. For example, use "smb://192.168.1.20/Videos/" and not "\\BOBPC\Videos\". Try to use static IP addresses over NetBIOS names if using SMB.}}
# Import the Music Library by doing the following: Same idea as videos, but using the steps for [[adding music to the library]]. You'll end up with an identical library.
You can now add files and update the library from any of your XBMC devices and the library for all of them will stay in sync.

== Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup ==
Since the database has now been set up on the MySQL server, all you need to do for any additional XBMC devices is add the advancedsettings.xml file. You don't need to do any of the other steps, such as rescanning or reimporting. If it works on one XBMC device then it should work on all of them, as they are basically sharing the same "brain".

If you however used a metadata collector add-on ([[scraper]]) that does not ship by default with new installations, such as the [[Add-on:Universal Movie Scraper|Universal Movie Scraper]] you will not be able to display the [[Video_navigation#Media_information_screen|media information screen]] on the new XBMC device. To fix that you need to install the same metadata collector add-on on the new device.

==Name tag==
<section begin="name tag" />
An additional <code><name></code> tag can be used for both the <code><videodatabase></code> and <code><musicdatabase></code> entries in advancedsettings.xml file, if you want to change the name of the database. The <code><name></code> tag is not required. XBMC will use "MyVideos" and "MyMusic" as database names if the <code><name></code> tag is not specified.

You may want to do this if you want to have multiple separate libraries (with different content) on the same MySQL server. For example, if you want to create multiple profiles, each with their own shared library, so that each XBMC device can "log-into" that library. (a kids library, a guest library, etc)

{{note|Don't try to merge the video and music databases! You need to use different values in the <code><name></code> tag or you'll end up confusing XBMC leading to the library functionality not working at all. In other words, don't use <code><name>XBMC</name></code> for both music and videos, but instead use something like <code><name>XBMC-music</name></code> and <code><name>XBMC-video</name></code>.}}

{{Gotham updated}}

MySQL/Setting up Kodi

2014-11-23T11:51:48Z

Sho: /* Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup */

{{:MySQL/Contents}}
{{mininav| [[MySQL]] }}
Each device that will be sharing a library will need an [[Advancedsettings.xml|advancedsetting.xml]] file.

__TOC__
{{-}}
==Make files accessible over the network==
If you haven't already done so, you will need to make your media files accessible to all your XBMC devices by sharing them on the network through file sharing. XBMC itself or the MySQL server will not share the actual files for this setup. Most operating systems have built-in methods for sharing files to the network, or a [[NAS]] device can be used.

{{note|
*If you use passwords on your network shares then you will need to copy (or [[MySQL/Sync other parts of XBMC|sync]]) your passwords.xml file from the userdata folder to each XBMC device.
*Do not use mapped drives on the OS-level, as XBMC will see those as local drives.
*If you use smb:// paths, you may want to use static IP addresses rather than NetBIOS names, as not all your devices may be able to resolve the latter.
*'''Even if the media is on the same computer as one of the XBMC instances, you MUST use a network share path. You cannot use a local file path with MySQL.'''}}

See [[:Category:File Sharing]] for some of the file sharing methods that work with XBMC.

==Exporting==
{{see also|HOW-TO:Backup the video library|Import-export library}}

{{note|You only need to do the exporting steps if you are migrating an existing local library to a MySQL database. The MySQL setup creates an entirely new library on the MySQL server, so this step allows you to preserve your old library and restore it once MySQL is used in XBMC.}}

{{redv|'''Warning:''' |This will create individual ".nfo" and image files along side your video files. This is considered the safest way to backup and/or migrate a library (MySQL or otherwise), but some users might not want the file clutter. For an alternative method see '''[[why multiple files|here]]'''.}}

#Open XBMC on the computer that has the library you want to share
##Export the Video Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Video -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''
##Export the Music Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Music -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''

==MySQL and advancedsettings.xml==
{| class=infobox
| advancedsettings.xml:
|-
|
<syntaxhighlight lang="XML">
<advancedsettings>
<videodatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</videodatabase>
<musicdatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</musicdatabase>
<videolibrary>
<importwatchedstate>true</importwatchedstate>
<importresumepoint>true</importresumepoint>
</videolibrary>
</advancedsettings>
</syntaxhighlight>
<small>''See also this note about using the <name> tag: [[#Name tag]]<br/><importwatchedstate> is only needed when you're importing a previous library from exported files.</small>
|}
#Create (or add to, if you already have one) an [[Advancedsettings.xml#.3Cmusicdatabase.3E.2F.3Cvideodatabase.3E|advancedsettings.xml]] file:
##Open up a plain text editor
##Copy and paste the text from the right-hand box into a new text document
##Replace the two instances of <code>***.***.***.***</code> with local network IP address of your MySQL server. If you installed MySQL on a Windows machine, do not use its NetBIOS name, as not all devices may be able to resolve them.
##Save the file as '''advancedsettings.xml'''
#Copy this ''advancedsettings.xml'' file you just created to the '''[[userdata folder]]''' of every XBMC install you want to sync with.
{{-}}

==Importing==
At this point XBMC is using the MySQL server for the database, which means it has a new blank library. Now we can either import an old library (see below) or simply start a new library (see [[adding videos to the library]]). From this point on, XBMC behaves exactly like it would as if it had a local database, except that database is on the MySQL server and multiple XBMC installs can access that single database.

# Open any of your XBMC installs and re-import your library data, ''or'' simply set up a new library if you are starting fresh.
# Add (or just "set content" on) the networked video source to XBMC and scan it in as if you were setting up your library for the first time (see [[adding videos to the library]]). However, XBMC will read the exported nfo files and images and use those instead of rebuilding the library from scratch. The end result will be an identical library, and your watched status for videos will be preserved.
#:{{Note|You must add a network source using XBMC's standard formatting. For example, use "smb://192.168.1.20/Videos/" and not "\\BOBPC\Videos\". Try to use static IP addresses over NetBIOS names if using SMB.}}
# Import the Music Library by doing the following: Same idea as videos, but using the steps for [[adding music to the library]]. You'll end up with an identical library.
You can now add files and update the library from any of your XBMC devices and the library for all of them will stay in sync.

== Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup ==
Since the database has now been set up on the MySQL server, all you need to do for any additional XBMC devices is add the advancedsettings.xml file. You don't need to do any of the other steps, such as rescanning or reimporting. If it works on one XBMC device then it should work on all of them, as they are basically sharing the same "brain".

If you however used a metadata collector add-on ([[scraper]]) that does not ship by default with new installations, such as the [[Add-on:Universal Movie Scraper|Universal Movie Scraper]] you will not be able to display the [[Video_navigation#Media_information_screen|media information screen]] on the new XBMC device. To fix that you need to install the appropriate add-on on the new client and [[set content]] on the media source. Just make sure to select "No" when asked if you would like to "refresh information for all items".

==Name tag==
<section begin="name tag" />
An additional <code><name></code> tag can be used for both the <code><videodatabase></code> and <code><musicdatabase></code> entries in advancedsettings.xml file, if you want to change the name of the database. The <code><name></code> tag is not required. XBMC will use "MyVideos" and "MyMusic" as database names if the <code><name></code> tag is not specified.

You may want to do this if you want to have multiple separate libraries (with different content) on the same MySQL server. For example, if you want to create multiple profiles, each with their own shared library, so that each XBMC device can "log-into" that library. (a kids library, a guest library, etc)

{{note|Don't try to merge the video and music databases! You need to use different values in the <code><name></code> tag or you'll end up confusing XBMC leading to the library functionality not working at all. In other words, don't use <code><name>XBMC</name></code> for both music and videos, but instead use something like <code><name>XBMC-music</name></code> and <code><name>XBMC-video</name></code>.}}

{{Gotham updated}}

MySQL/Setting up Kodi

2014-11-23T11:35:39Z

Sho: /* Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup */

{{:MySQL/Contents}}
{{mininav| [[MySQL]] }}
Each device that will be sharing a library will need an [[Advancedsettings.xml|advancedsetting.xml]] file.

__TOC__
{{-}}
==Make files accessible over the network==
If you haven't already done so, you will need to make your media files accessible to all your XBMC devices by sharing them on the network through file sharing. XBMC itself or the MySQL server will not share the actual files for this setup. Most operating systems have built-in methods for sharing files to the network, or a [[NAS]] device can be used.

{{note|
*If you use passwords on your network shares then you will need to copy (or [[MySQL/Sync other parts of XBMC|sync]]) your passwords.xml file from the userdata folder to each XBMC device.
*Do not use mapped drives on the OS-level, as XBMC will see those as local drives.
*If you use smb:// paths, you may want to use static IP addresses rather than NetBIOS names, as not all your devices may be able to resolve the latter.
*'''Even if the media is on the same computer as one of the XBMC instances, you MUST use a network share path. You cannot use a local file path with MySQL.'''}}

See [[:Category:File Sharing]] for some of the file sharing methods that work with XBMC.

==Exporting==
{{see also|HOW-TO:Backup the video library|Import-export library}}

{{note|You only need to do the exporting steps if you are migrating an existing local library to a MySQL database. The MySQL setup creates an entirely new library on the MySQL server, so this step allows you to preserve your old library and restore it once MySQL is used in XBMC.}}

{{redv|'''Warning:''' |This will create individual ".nfo" and image files along side your video files. This is considered the safest way to backup and/or migrate a library (MySQL or otherwise), but some users might not want the file clutter. For an alternative method see '''[[why multiple files|here]]'''.}}

#Open XBMC on the computer that has the library you want to share
##Export the Video Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Video -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''
##Export the Music Library by doing the following:
###Go to '''System/Settings -> Music -> Library''' and select '''Export library'''
###Select '''Multiple files'''

==MySQL and advancedsettings.xml==
{| class=infobox
| advancedsettings.xml:
|-
|
<syntaxhighlight lang="XML">
<advancedsettings>
<videodatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</videodatabase>
<musicdatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>***.***.***.***</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</musicdatabase>
<videolibrary>
<importwatchedstate>true</importwatchedstate>
<importresumepoint>true</importresumepoint>
</videolibrary>
</advancedsettings>
</syntaxhighlight>
<small>''See also this note about using the <name> tag: [[#Name tag]]<br/><importwatchedstate> is only needed when you're importing a previous library from exported files.</small>
|}
#Create (or add to, if you already have one) an [[Advancedsettings.xml#.3Cmusicdatabase.3E.2F.3Cvideodatabase.3E|advancedsettings.xml]] file:
##Open up a plain text editor
##Copy and paste the text from the right-hand box into a new text document
##Replace the two instances of <code>***.***.***.***</code> with local network IP address of your MySQL server. If you installed MySQL on a Windows machine, do not use its NetBIOS name, as not all devices may be able to resolve them.
##Save the file as '''advancedsettings.xml'''
#Copy this ''advancedsettings.xml'' file you just created to the '''[[userdata folder]]''' of every XBMC install you want to sync with.
{{-}}

==Importing==
At this point XBMC is using the MySQL server for the database, which means it has a new blank library. Now we can either import an old library (see below) or simply start a new library (see [[adding videos to the library]]). From this point on, XBMC behaves exactly like it would as if it had a local database, except that database is on the MySQL server and multiple XBMC installs can access that single database.

# Open any of your XBMC installs and re-import your library data, ''or'' simply set up a new library if you are starting fresh.
# Add (or just "set content" on) the networked video source to XBMC and scan it in as if you were setting up your library for the first time (see [[adding videos to the library]]). However, XBMC will read the exported nfo files and images and use those instead of rebuilding the library from scratch. The end result will be an identical library, and your watched status for videos will be preserved.
#:{{Note|You must add a network source using XBMC's standard formatting. For example, use "smb://192.168.1.20/Videos/" and not "\\BOBPC\Videos\". Try to use static IP addresses over NetBIOS names if using SMB.}}
# Import the Music Library by doing the following: Same idea as videos, but using the steps for [[adding music to the library]]. You'll end up with an identical library.
You can now add files and update the library from any of your XBMC devices and the library for all of them will stay in sync.

== Adding new XBMC devices to the MySQL setup ==
Since the database has now been set up on the MySQL server, all you need to do for any additional XBMC devices is add the advancedsettings.xml file. You don't need to do any of the other steps, such as rescanning or reimporting. If it works on one XBMC device then it should work on all of them, as they are basically sharing the same "brain".

If you however used a metadata collector add-on ([[scraper]]) that does not ship by default with new installations, such as the [[Add-on:Universal Movie Scraper|Universal Movie Scraper]] you will not be able to display the [[Video_navigation#Media_information_screen|media information screen]] on the new XBMC device. To fix that you need to install the appropriate add-on on the new client and [[set content]] on the media source. Just make sure to select "No" when asked if you would like to update information on all items.

==Name tag==
<section begin="name tag" />
An additional <code><name></code> tag can be used for both the <code><videodatabase></code> and <code><musicdatabase></code> entries in advancedsettings.xml file, if you want to change the name of the database. The <code><name></code> tag is not required. XBMC will use "MyVideos" and "MyMusic" as database names if the <code><name></code> tag is not specified.

You may want to do this if you want to have multiple separate libraries (with different content) on the same MySQL server. For example, if you want to create multiple profiles, each with their own shared library, so that each XBMC device can "log-into" that library. (a kids library, a guest library, etc)

{{note|Don't try to merge the video and music databases! You need to use different values in the <code><name></code> tag or you'll end up confusing XBMC leading to the library functionality not working at all. In other words, don't use <code><name>XBMC</name></code> for both music and videos, but instead use something like <code><name>XBMC-music</name></code> and <code><name>XBMC-video</name></code>.}}

{{Gotham updated}}

CEC

2014-05-26T12:03:28Z

Sho: /* TVs */ clean up Sony section

[[File:Pulse Eight CEC.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Pulse-Eight USB to CEC adapter, for devices that don't have CEC connected to their internal HDMI pins.]]
{{mininav|[[Remote controls]]}}
<section begin="intro" />[[w:Consumer Electronics Control|CEC]] ({{u|C}}onsumer {{u|E}}lectronics {{u|C}}ontrol) allows for control of devices over the HDMI port. Since v11 (Eden) XBMC comes with [http://libcec.pulse-eight.com/ libCEC] which allows control of the XBMC interface over the standard TV remote that comes with your TV. As buttons are pressed the remote command is sent via the HDMI cable to your XBMC device.<section end="intro" />

CEC allows you to do things such as:
* Controlling XBMC from the TV's remote control
* Automatically switch to the right TV input device
* letting the HTPC control what mode your audio receiver is on when the TV switches on
* Turning all devices off with one remote
* and a lot more!

== Settings ==
Settings for your CEC devices can be found in:

System -> Settings -> System -> Input Devices -> Peripherals -> CEC adapter

== CEC-capable HTPCs ==
* Most HTPCs, such as x86 ("desktop"-class) HTPCs, don't have the ability to use CEC on their internal HDMI ports. Probably because the industry is silly. Those HTPCs will need to use an adapter to inject the CEC signal into the HDMI cable, such as the Pulse-Eight CEC USB adapter: http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/products/104-usb-hdmi-cec-adapter.aspx

* Some ARM/"Android boxes" have the ability to use CEC, but only expose some basic functions to XBMC. These functions are typically enough to use a TV remote to control that box. For example, the [[Amazon Fire TV]] has this kind of CEC functionality.

* Other devices, such as the [[Raspberry Pi]], have more complete CEC abilities, and are completely built-in.

== Trade names ==
There are different trade names for HDMI CEC, depending on who is the manufacturer of your device, so it doesn't have to be stated as HDMI-CEC. Find your manufacturer on this list and see what it is called for your device:

* AOC - '''E-link'''
* Hitachi - '''HDMI-CEC'''
* LG - '''SimpLink'''
* Loewe - '''Digital Link''' or '''Digital Link Plus'''
* Mitsubishi - '''NetCommand for HDMI'''
* Onkyo - '''RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI)'''
* Panasonic - '''VIERA Link''' or '''HDAVI Control''' or '''EZ-Sync'''
* Philips - '''EasyLink'''
* Pioneer - '''Kuro Link'''
* Runco International - '''RuncoLink'''
* Samsung - '''Anynet+'''
* Sharp - '''Aquos Link'''
* Sony - '''BRAVIA Link''' or '''BRAVIA Sync'''
* Toshiba - '''Regza Link''' or '''CE-Link'''

== Devices Known to work ==
With different TV's and devices comes different compatibility. An up to date vendor support matrix can be found [http://libcec.pulse-eight.com/vendor/support here], which lists which features are supported for each vendor.

Below is a list of TV's which are known to be working with CEC and XBMC:

=== TVs ===
* LG 47LS4600
* LG 47CS570
* LG LM620T
* LG 37LG6000
* LG 42LD420
* LG 42LD550
* LG 60PM6700 (Most of the expected buttons work, EXCEPT the number & channel buttons)
* LG 32LN572B (2013 model tested on Raspberry Pi running OpenELEC 3.2.3. The regular TV remote control works except forward and rewind but the left and right skip keys works so it's quiet useable. The Magic Remote also seems to work but haven't been tested properly)
* Panasonic TXL-47DT50
* Panasonic Viera GT30
* Panasonic Viera S60
* Panasonic Viera ST50
* Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80E
* Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ85E
* Panasonic Viera TH-P42S10A
* Panasonic Viera TH-P50G10A
* Philips 37PFL6007K
* Philips 47PFL5007K
* Samsung ES6800
* Samsung LE32B650
* Samsung LE37D570
* Samsung UE40C7700
* Samsung UE46F8000
* Samsung UE50EH5300
* Samsung UE55F6510
* Sharp LC-52D83X
* Sony Bravia KDL-32W5500 (Guide button doesn't work as context menu - reassign a coloured button for this function)
* Sony Bravia KDL-40M4000
* Sony Bravia KDL-46EX520
* Sony Bravia KDL-40HX705
* Sony Bravia KDL-46HX800
* Sony Bravia KDL-46NX715
* Sony Bravia KDL-52NX800
* Sony Bravia KD-55X9004A
* Sony NSX-40GT1 (Google TV)
* Vizio M-Series

=== Home Cinema Systems ===
* Onkyo HT-R390 Amplifier
* Sony STR-DH820
* Yamaha RX-V473 AV-Receiver
* Yamaha RX-V1071 AV Receiver (only on HDMI Out 1)

=== Projectors ===
* Epson EH-TW6100

=== XBMC Devices ===
HDMI ports on computers (onboard or via GPU) do not have the CEC feature, but can use a CEC adapter such as this one from [[Pulse-Eight]]: http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/products/104-usb-hdmi-cec-adapter.aspx

Some recent Intel motherboards come with a new HTPC header, to connect Pulse-Eight's internal HDMI CEC adapter: http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/products/117-internal-hdmi-cec-adapter.aspx

==== [[Raspberry Pi]] ====
The Raspberry Pi GPU has CEC support which is supported by libCEC, and is therefore fully supported by XBMC.

=== Common Issues with CEC ===
When "setting up" CEC make sure your configuration uses good HDMI cables. Especially cheap cables - still able to support 1080p without any problems - have been reported to cause problems with CEC (eg. devices like raspberry not showing up in the CEC menu at all, devices showing up but remote not working, etc).

Using better HDMI cables might resolve that problem.

There are also reports of devices with improper HDMI CEC implementation, such as ROKU streaming box, causing problems with CEC device recognition. Disconnecting non-CEC devices, or upgrading firmware on those devices, may resolve the problem.

== Further reading ==
* http://libcec.pulse-eight.com/faq

[[Category:Remotes]]
[[Category:XBMC Manual]]
{{frodo updated}}