Adding video sources: Difference between revisions

From Official Kodi Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(add links to network sources)
(Updated for v18)
(31 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{mininav|[[Video library]]|[[Video management|Management]]}}
{{VideoLibraryCreate}}
<section begin="intro" />A video source is a kind of media source. [[Media sources]] are the links that tell {{Kodi}} where your content is stored and what type of content is contained within each one.
{{mininav|[[Video library]]}}
 
 
= Introduction =
<section begin="intro" />The '''Source''' is the main folder on your hard drive which contains your collection of Movies or TV Shows or Music Videos or Music. These four classes of media cannot be mixed in the one Source. Once the Sources are set up, {{Kodi}} can perform the appropriate actions to display your media. There is no limit to the number of Sources that can be added to {{Kodi}} for each media class.<section end="intro" />
 
This step of the guide will enable you to complete the following actions:
#'''Adding Sources''' - Add the Source folder to {{Kodi}}
#'''Set Media Type''' - Advise {{kodi}} what type of media is in the Source
#'''Scraper Settings''' - Advise {{Kodi}} which Information Provider (Scraper) to use and adjust the settings to your preferences
#'''Add to Library''' - Scrape (import) the media into the library
 
Each section is a direct continuation of the previous section, and only separated for clarity. Although the page looks complex, it is not. It is possible to perform the steps on this page in less than one minute once familiar with the process.
 
 
'''{{red|If you have come directly to this page without following the guide and are unsure of how to set up your Sources on your computer/NAS, skip back to Naming Video Files at the start of the guide.}}'''
 
'''{{red|[[UPnP]] does not work with the library features of {{kodi}} (scanning data in like summaries and movie covers). It is recommended that you share your media using another protocol such as SMB}}'''
 
 
 
= Scraper and Settings =
The default scraper used by {{kodi}} for TV Shows is the '''TheMovieDB-TV Shows'''. Other scrapers are available and can be found by searching the {{kodi}} site '''''[https://kodi.tv/addons/browse?keyword=&category=1187&author=&sort=title+ASC here]'''''
:'''''See: [https://www.themoviedb.org/ TheMovieDB]'''''
:'''''See: [[Add-on:The_Movie_Database|TheMovieDB Add-on]]'''''
 
Check the settings of the scraper are configured to your preference. The default settings are usually good enough, but you may have different preferences or needs.
 
When checking settings, ensure you access the scraper settings from the '''[[Basic_controls#Context_Menu|Context Menu]]''' of the TV Show Source. Accessing it through the add-ons menu only adjusts the default settings, and won't adjust settings on the currently active sources.
 
'''Note:'''
*TVDB was the default {{Kodi}} scraper until 19 November 2018 when the scraper changed to the current TheMovieDB-TV Shows scraper <ref>https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc/pull/14898</ref>. Due to a lack of communication from the TVDB, the high level of complaints on their forum, and the sudden changes to their API, it was deemed necessary to change provider to ensure a more stable user experience.
*Enable the setting '''''[[Settings/Media/Videos#Show_empty_TV_shows|Show empty TV shows]]''''' in ''Settings > Media > Videos''. This will make it easier to find tv shows in your library that failed the scraping process.


You can have multiple sources for each media type. <section end="intro" />


You can use local media, file shares, removable USB drives, etc. '''[[UPnP]] won't work with the library features (scanning data in like summaries and movie covers) in {{Kodi}}''', but just about all the other options should be fine.


__TOC__
{{-}}
== Adding sources ==
<section begin="adding video" />
<section begin="adding video" />
<gallery widths=500px heights=313px>
= Adding Sources =
File:Quick-start-1.png|'''Step 1:''' Select "Videos" in the home screen menu.
<gallery widths=500px heights=283px>
File:Quick-start-2.png|'''Step 2:'''  Seclect Files, then select "Add Videos".
File:Quick-start-1.png|'''{{big|Step 1}}:''' Select '''VIDEOS''' in the home screen menu. <br />(Or select ''Enter files section'' if that button is visible)
File:Quick-start-3.png|'''Step 3:''' The "Add Video Source" screen will be displayed. Then select the "Browse" button.
File:Quick-start-2.png|'''{{big|Step 2}}:''' Select '''FILES'''
File:Quick-start-4.png|'''Step 4:''' Now browse to where you keep your videos stored. Once you have found the folder you keep your videos in, select the "OK" button. If you keep them shared on a network drive, read the [[Configuring PC Shares]] article for more information about setting up a share on your computer first.
File:Quick-start-2.1.png|'''{{big|Step 3}}:''' Select '''ADD VIDEOS...'''.<br />
File:Quick-start-5.png|'''Step 5:''' Name this Video Source however you like. If it is a movie folder, you will probably want to name it "Movies", and if it is a TV Show folder then you will probably want name it TV Shows. The name doesn't matter to {{Kodi}}. Then select "OK".
{{note|For Android users with devices running Android 7 & up (possibly Android 6) and attached storage, do not select '''ADD VIDEOS''' as attached storage will not display in the '''Browse for new shares''' list. Instead, select the storage which should display in '''FILES''', or navigate to the folder you wish to add on the storage, then press {{keypress|C}} on a keyboard or long press the {{keypress|Enter/OK}} button on a remote to pull up the '''Context Menu''' and select '''SET CONTENT'''. Skip to '''Step 7'''}}
File:Quick-start-6.png|'''Step 6:''' The set content window will display, this is where you tell {{Kodi}} what type of media is in the folder. Press the down arrow until you reach the correct type (in this example movies)
File:Quick-start-3.png|'''{{big|Step 4}}:''' Select the '''BROWSE''' button from the '''ADD VIDEO SOURCE''' window.  
File:Quick-start-7.png|'''Step 7:''' There are a number of options underneath, see '''[[Adding videos to the library/Setting content and scanning|Setting content and scanning]]''' to check what options to enable. Then select "OK"
File:Quick-start-4.png|'''{{big|Step 5}}:''' Browse to locate your Source folder and Enter that folder. Select '''OK''' <br>{{note|Network browsing is no longer possible with Samba v2 and upwards. Samba v1 was deprecated May 2018. To add Network Sources, see ''Section 6- Adding Remote Sources'' below}}
File:Quick-start-8.png|'''Step 8:''' Press Yes to scan the content to the library (if no is pressed, it can be scanned later).
File:Quick-start-5.png|'''{{big|Step 6}}:''' Either use the default name or rename the Source. The name doesn't matter to Kodi, but keep the names unique for ease of maintenance. Then select '''OK'''.
</gallery>
 
= Set Content =
<gallery widths=500px heights=283px>
File:Quick-start-6.png|'''{{big|Step 7}}:''' The set content window will display. This is where the media type is set. <br>Select the option '''This directory contains'''.
File:Quick-start-6.1.png|'''{{big|Step 8}}:''' Select the type of media that is in the Source.
</gallery>
 
 
 
The left image is the '''Set Content''' screen for '''Movies'''. The right image is the '''Set Content''' screen for '''TV Shows'''. Continue these steps using the appropriate one, not both.
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=283px>
File:Quick-start-7.png|'''{{big|Step 9a}}:''' '''The Movie Database''' for movies is the default scraper and is automatically selected.<br>* Select '''Choose information provider''' to install another scraper if required<br>* For the Scraper Settings, see the next section ''Movie Scraper'' <br>* For the remaining settings see '''Movies- Content scanning options''' below
File:Set content.TV shows.png|'''{{big|Step 9b}}:''' '''The Movie Database''' for TV Shows is the default scraper and is automatically selected.<br>* Select '''Choose information provider''' to install another scraper if required<br>* For the Scraper Settings, see the next section ''TV Show Scraper'' <br>* For the remaining settings see '''TV Show- Content scanning options''' below
</gallery>
 
 
;{{big|Movies- Content scanning options}}
:'''Movies are in separate folders that match the movie title'''
::*If '''Enabled''' {{Kodi}} will use the '''folder''' name to scrape the movie
:::*Kodi will [[NFO files/Movies#nfo Placement| load NFO files]] from NFO files named '''movie.nfo''', but will fallback to ''<videofilename>.nfo'' as required
:::*Kodi will load artwork files using the short format ''<artworktype>.jpg/png'' filenames, but will fallback to the longer ''<NameOfVideoFile>-<artworktype>.jpg/png'' format as required.
::*If '''Disabled''' {{kodi}} will use the '''filename''' to scrape the movie
:::*NFO files must be named the long format ''<MovieFileName>.nfo'' filename.
:::*Artwork files must be named using the long format ''<NameOfVideoFile>-<artworktype>.jpg/png'' filenames.
 
:'''Scan Recursively'''
::Used for deep folder structures such as when additional Genre or Movie Set folders are used. Will allow the video scanner to search deeper to find the playable file
 
:'''Selected folder contains a single video'''
::Normally greyed out unless you have selected a single movie folder within an existing source. Disabled when a Source is selected. Becomes Enabled when a Movie folder is selected.
 
:'''Exclude path from library updates'''
::Prevents the Source from being scanned when an Update Library is running. When '''Enabled''' it will speed up the Update Library process in large libraries if the Source no longer has content added to it.
 
 
;{{big|TV Show- Content scanning options}}
:'''Selected folder contains a single TV show'''
::Allows you to change the Content settings for a particular TV Show without affecting the entire Source. Disabled when a Source is selected. Becomes Enabled when a TV Show folder is selected.
:'''Exclude path from library updates'''
::Prevents the Source from being scanned when an Update Library is running. When '''Enabled''' it will speed up the Update Library process in large libraries if the Source no longer has content added to it.
 
 
Alternate scrapers are available, and can be installed using the '''''Get More''''' button from the '''''Choose information provider''''' option shown in Step 9. Only change the default scraper if you have a particular reason to.
 
 
 
== Movie Scraper ==
{{see also|Add-on:The MovieDB}}
 
 
From Step 9a above select '''Settings''' to access the settings page for the scraper
{{#lst:Add-on:The MovieDB|Scraper settings}}
Press OK to accept the changes. The screen in '''Step 10''' will be offered
 
 
 
== TV Show Scraper ==
{{see also|Add-on:The MovieDB}}
 
 
From Step 9b above select '''Settings''' to access the settings page for the scraper
{{#lst:Add-on:The MovieDB|TMDB-TVShow Settings}}
 
Press OK to accept the changes. The screen in '''Step 10''' will be offered
 
= Add to Library =
<gallery widths=500px heights=283px>
File:Quick-start-8.png|'''{{big|Step 10}}:''' Press '''Yes''' to scrape the content to the library <br />(if '''No''' is pressed, it can be scanned later via the Source Context Menu).
</gallery>
</gallery>
<section end="adding video" />
<section end="adding video" />


== Adding Remote sources ==
Once you press '''Yes''', {{kodi}} will scan your library and attempt to match each title in your library to the title at the site of the Information Provider. If a match is found, the metadata and artwork is downloaded and used for the library display. Depending upon the size of your library, this could take some time. A single movie could take approx 30 seconds, a library of 400 movies could take over an hour.
{{see| Media_sources#Network_file_sharing}}
 
When the scraping process is complete, be sure to check the '''''[[Event_Log|Event Log]]''''' to view any titles that were not added to the library, which is normally due to incorrect naming. '''''See... [[Incorrect_and_missing_videos|Scraping Problems]]'''''
 
 
<center>'''{{big|{{green|At this point, you should now have a fully functioning video library. Repeat the steps on this page to add the remainder of your media.}}}}'''</center>
 
 
----
'''<center>{{big|{{red|The remainder of this page deals with Special Use cases and can be safely ignored.}}}}</center>'''
----
 
{{top}}
 
 
= Adding Remote sources =
For details on the supported protocols and configuration
 
{{See|File sharing}}


== Making one source from multiple locations ==
Follow the steps ([[#Adding sources|above]]) for adding a source, but when you get to the 'browse' section ('''step 4 & 5'''), you need to do one of the following:
 
'''If your remote device is visible from one of the existing choices''' (e.g 'Network File system' , 'UPnP Devices' etc)
*Select a remote location, and you should be able to browse to the remote server.
 
'''If the device is not visible, or'''
* It is a remote NAS
* It is an SMB server
 
You will need to add a new network location:
 
<gallery widths=500px heights=283px >
File:Add-Network-Location.png |Image 1- Select '''Add network location...''' from the '''Browse for new shares'''' list.
File:Add-Network-Location_2.png|Image 2- In the new window select the correct '''Protocol''' for your '''Network Share''', then select '''Server Name'''.
File:Add-Network-Location_3.png|Image 3- Type in either the '''IP Address''' or the '''Device name''' of your server. <br>{{note| if you use a dynamic IP for your NAS you could lose access to your shares if the IP changes.  It is recommended that you use a static IP if adding your share this way.}}
File:Add-Network-Location_4.png|Image 4- <br> '''4.1''' In the '''Shared folder''' section, type in the name of the folder you wish to add. You will be required to add the drive letter ''eg f/Movies''.<br>'''4.2''' If your share requires a '''Username''' and '''Password''' enter them in the appropriate sections.<br>'''4.4''' Select '''OK''' and your share should appear in the '''Browse for new share''' list shown in image 1
</gallery>
 
 
 
= Making one source from multiple locations =
[[File:Multi locations in one source.png|right|500px]]
[[File:Multi locations in one source.png|right|500px]]


You might notice that {{Kodi}} has an "ADD" button in addition to a "BROWSE" button when you are adding a source. After you add your first location, you can add a second location (network or local. you can even mix them) and {{Kodi}} will show both folders as a single folder/source.
You might notice that Kodi has an "ADD" button in addition to a "BROWSE" button when you are adding a source. After you add your first location, you can add a second location (network or local. you can even mix them) and Kodi will show both folders as a single folder/source.


{{Kodi}} will also combine the subfolders within the source/locations. For example, if you had a hard drive for TV shows, but ran out of space, you could make a second hard drive with the same folder paths and {{Kodi}} would merge them together to a single directory path. Such as
Kodi will also combine the subfolders within the source/locations. For example, if you had a hard drive for TV shows, but ran out of space, you could make a second hard drive with the same folder paths and Kodi would merge them together to a single directory path. Such as


:<code>Hard drive 1/TV shows/<br />
:<code>Hard drive 1/TV shows/</code>
:Hard drive 2/TV shows/</code>
:<code>Hard drive 2/TV shows/</code>


and the same is true for an additional nested folder with the same way:
and the same is true for an additional nested folder with the same way:


:<code>Hard drive 1/TV shows/American Dad/<br />
:<code>Hard drive 1/TV shows/American Dad/</code>
:Hard drive 2/TV shows/American Dad/</code>
:<code>Hard drive 2/TV shows/American Dad/</code>


You could have half of a show on one hard drive, half on another, and {{Kodi}} will show it to you as if it was in a single location by using multiple locations in a single source.
You could have half of a show on one hard drive, half on another, and Kodi will show it to you as if it was in a single location by using multiple locations in a single source.
   
   
{{note|This only impacts the basic "Files view". The default Library nodes will combine things by show even if their files are spread across multiple drives. '''Most users will not really benefit from using multiple paths in a single source.'''}}
{{note|This only impacts the basic "Files view". The default Library nodes will combine things by show even if their files are spread across multiple drives. '''Most users will not really benefit from using multiple paths in a single source.'''}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


== Password protected sources ==
 
 
= Password protected sources =
{{See|Media sources#Locking}}
{{See|Media sources#Locking}}


== See also ==
* [[Media sources]]
* [[File sharing]]


{{Gotham updated}}


[[Category:Scraper]]
= References =
<references />
 
 
 
{{top}}
 
<div style="{{linear-gradient|left|#a1f5e4, #f5f5a1}}">{{next|[[Incorrect_and_missing_videos|'''Scraping Problems''']]}} </div>
 
{{updated|18}}
[[Category:FAQ]]
[[Category:Index]]
[[Category:How-to]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:General topics]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]

Revision as of 03:24, 18 April 2019

Create Video Libraries
1. The Basics
2. Source Folder
3. Movie Setup
4a. TV Show Setup
4b. Seasons Setup
4c. Episodes Setup
5. Music Videos Setup
6. Add Source & Scrape
7. Scraping Problems
Home icon grey.png   ▶ Video library ▶ Adding video sources


Introduction

The Source is the main folder on your hard drive which contains your collection of Movies or TV Shows or Music Videos or Music. These four classes of media cannot be mixed in the one Source. Once the Sources are set up, Kodi can perform the appropriate actions to display your media. There is no limit to the number of Sources that can be added to Kodi for each media class.

This step of the guide will enable you to complete the following actions:

  1. Adding Sources - Add the Source folder to Kodi
  2. Set Media Type - Advise Kodi what type of media is in the Source
  3. Scraper Settings - Advise Kodi which Information Provider (Scraper) to use and adjust the settings to your preferences
  4. Add to Library - Scrape (import) the media into the library

Each section is a direct continuation of the previous section, and only separated for clarity. Although the page looks complex, it is not. It is possible to perform the steps on this page in less than one minute once familiar with the process.


If you have come directly to this page without following the guide and are unsure of how to set up your Sources on your computer/NAS, skip back to Naming Video Files at the start of the guide.

UPnP does not work with the library features of Kodi (scanning data in like summaries and movie covers). It is recommended that you share your media using another protocol such as SMB


Scraper and Settings

The default scraper used by Kodi for TV Shows is the TheMovieDB-TV Shows. Other scrapers are available and can be found by searching the Kodi site here

See: TheMovieDB
See: TheMovieDB Add-on

Check the settings of the scraper are configured to your preference. The default settings are usually good enough, but you may have different preferences or needs.

When checking settings, ensure you access the scraper settings from the Context Menu of the TV Show Source. Accessing it through the add-ons menu only adjusts the default settings, and won't adjust settings on the currently active sources.

Note:

  • TVDB was the default Kodi scraper until 19 November 2018 when the scraper changed to the current TheMovieDB-TV Shows scraper [1]. Due to a lack of communication from the TVDB, the high level of complaints on their forum, and the sudden changes to their API, it was deemed necessary to change provider to ensure a more stable user experience.
  • Enable the setting Show empty TV shows in Settings > Media > Videos. This will make it easier to find tv shows in your library that failed the scraping process.



Adding Sources

Set Content


The left image is the Set Content screen for Movies. The right image is the Set Content screen for TV Shows. Continue these steps using the appropriate one, not both.


Movies- Content scanning options
Movies are in separate folders that match the movie title
  • If Enabled Kodi will use the folder name to scrape the movie
  • Kodi will load NFO files from NFO files named movie.nfo, but will fallback to <videofilename>.nfo as required
  • Kodi will load artwork files using the short format <artworktype>.jpg/png filenames, but will fallback to the longer <NameOfVideoFile>-<artworktype>.jpg/png format as required.
  • If Disabled Kodi will use the filename to scrape the movie
  • NFO files must be named the long format <MovieFileName>.nfo filename.
  • Artwork files must be named using the long format <NameOfVideoFile>-<artworktype>.jpg/png filenames.
Scan Recursively
Used for deep folder structures such as when additional Genre or Movie Set folders are used. Will allow the video scanner to search deeper to find the playable file
Selected folder contains a single video
Normally greyed out unless you have selected a single movie folder within an existing source. Disabled when a Source is selected. Becomes Enabled when a Movie folder is selected.
Exclude path from library updates
Prevents the Source from being scanned when an Update Library is running. When Enabled it will speed up the Update Library process in large libraries if the Source no longer has content added to it.


TV Show- Content scanning options
Selected folder contains a single TV show
Allows you to change the Content settings for a particular TV Show without affecting the entire Source. Disabled when a Source is selected. Becomes Enabled when a TV Show folder is selected.
Exclude path from library updates
Prevents the Source from being scanned when an Update Library is running. When Enabled it will speed up the Update Library process in large libraries if the Source no longer has content added to it.


Alternate scrapers are available, and can be installed using the Get More button from the Choose information provider option shown in Step 9. Only change the default scraper if you have a particular reason to.


Movie Scraper


From Step 9a above select Settings to access the settings page for the scraper Add-on:The MovieDB Press OK to accept the changes. The screen in Step 10 will be offered


TV Show Scraper


From Step 9b above select Settings to access the settings page for the scraper Add-on:The MovieDB

Press OK to accept the changes. The screen in Step 10 will be offered

Add to Library


Once you press Yes, Kodi will scan your library and attempt to match each title in your library to the title at the site of the Information Provider. If a match is found, the metadata and artwork is downloaded and used for the library display. Depending upon the size of your library, this could take some time. A single movie could take approx 30 seconds, a library of 400 movies could take over an hour.

When the scraping process is complete, be sure to check the Event Log to view any titles that were not added to the library, which is normally due to incorrect naming. See... Scraping Problems


At this point, you should now have a fully functioning video library. Repeat the steps on this page to add the remainder of your media.



The remainder of this page deals with Special Use cases and can be safely ignored.

Return to top


Adding Remote sources

For details on the supported protocols and configuration

See: File sharing

Follow the steps (above) for adding a source, but when you get to the 'browse' section (step 4 & 5), you need to do one of the following:

If your remote device is visible from one of the existing choices (e.g 'Network File system' , 'UPnP Devices' etc)

  • Select a remote location, and you should be able to browse to the remote server.

If the device is not visible, or

  • It is a remote NAS
  • It is an SMB server

You will need to add a new network location:


Making one source from multiple locations

Multi locations in one source.png

You might notice that Kodi has an "ADD" button in addition to a "BROWSE" button when you are adding a source. After you add your first location, you can add a second location (network or local. you can even mix them) and Kodi will show both folders as a single folder/source.

Kodi will also combine the subfolders within the source/locations. For example, if you had a hard drive for TV shows, but ran out of space, you could make a second hard drive with the same folder paths and Kodi would merge them together to a single directory path. Such as

Hard drive 1/TV shows/
Hard drive 2/TV shows/

and the same is true for an additional nested folder with the same way:

Hard drive 1/TV shows/American Dad/
Hard drive 2/TV shows/American Dad/

You could have half of a show on one hard drive, half on another, and Kodi will show it to you as if it was in a single location by using multiple locations in a single source.


Note: This only impacts the basic "Files view". The default Library nodes will combine things by show even if their files are spread across multiple drives. Most users will not really benefit from using multiple paths in a single source.


Password protected sources

See: Media sources#Locking


References


Return to top


Next step: Scraping Problems