Naming video files/Movies: Difference between revisions

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{{XBMC wiki toc Inline}}
{{VideoLibraryCreate}}
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{{mininav| [[Video library]] |[[HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library|Create Video Library]] }}
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XBMC has the ability to lookup meta data and present information on TV Shows in the [[Video Library]].
 
==Movie information support in XBMC==
= Introduction =
There are two methods to organise your movies:
# '''Movie Folders'''- Each movie is saved in its own folder within the Source. ''(recommended)''
# '''Flat Folder'''- All movie files are saved in the Source folder
 
While {{kodi}} can be a little bit flexible, and some users have come up with "unusual" setups for their media files, {{kodi}} will only recommend the Movie Folder method described below.
 
We also recommend that your media is ripped to single files, like .mkv, rather than keeping the needlessly complex structure of Bluray and DVD folders.
 
 
 
= Naming =
The naming of your files and folders is '''critical''' to ensure the scrapers can correctly identify the movie, and it is simple to achieve.
 
'''''Movie Name (Year)''''' - This is the correct naming format for both the movie files and movie folders.
 
If you are unsure of the name or year, then look it up at '''''[https://www.themoviedb.org/ TheMovieDB website]'''''
 
 
 
= Movie Folders =
{|
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; background-color:#a1f5e4; text-align:left;"|
! scope="row" ! |
|-
| style="background-color:#c4ffe2;"| [[File:Video-Movie Folder File Structure.png|left|400px|Image 1- Movie Folders]] || style="background-color:#c4ffe2;"|
{{resize|1.3em|This is the '''recommended''' method for organising your movies}}
 
All files and folders should be simply named with the name of the movie and the year in brackets. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.
 
Each movie file is placed into its own folder which is then added to your Source.
* Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and NFO files alongside the movie file.
* You have the choice of using the Short or Long name format for the artwork. See: '''''[[Movie_artwork#Local_Artwork | Local Artwork]] '''''
* Using this method will provide the safest and most accurate scrape of your media collection.
* Most library related add-ons will only work correctly with this method.
* Some skins use modified file naming to display additional '''''[[Media_flags|Media Flags]]'''''. These apply to the filename, not the folder name.
|-
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; background-color:#a1f5e4; text-align:left;"|
|}
 
 
 
= Flat Folder =
{|
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|
! scope="row" ! |
|-
| [[File:Video-Movie File Structure.png|left|400px|Image 2- Flat Folder]] ||
An alternate method of storing your movies is to save all the movie files inside the Source folder and omit the Movie folder. Also known as a '''flat folder''' structure.
 
This method requires that the movie file is named correctly as Kodi is forced to use the movie '''filename''' to match the entry at the scraper site.
 
The movie filename must contain the '''Title''' with the '''Year''' in parenthesis. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.
 
 
There are disadvantages using this method:
* With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
* If you use nfo files and save local artwork, the Source folder will become even more cluttered
* Some library related add-ons will not work with this method as they require a Movie Folder
* Some skins use modified file naming to display additional '''''[[Media_flags|Media Flags]]'''''. In rare instances, there may be a mismatch due to conflict with the modified file name.
|}
 
 
 
= Split Video Files =
{{warning|File Stacking for ISO files, Bluray and DVD folders is currently broken and cannot be used. See [https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc/issues/16109 Issue report: 16109]}}
{|
{|
| valign="top" |
! scope="row" colspan="10"  style="width:300px; text-align:left;"|  
XBMC can help you organize your movie collection by cataloguing your movies and cross-referencing the file names with film records obtained from the internet. Movie meta data support is via [[Set Content (Video Library)|scrapers]] and requires a connection to the internet.
! scope="row" ! |  
The information gathered is stored locally in the [[Video Library]] so that it is available when you are offline. The scrapers scan your movies and retrieve the information about them from sites on the internet. For movies, the TheMovieDb.org[http://themoviedb.org] is the one recommended, as this is a free and open database of movies that anyone can contribute to. Optional scrapers can be added via the XBMC Add-On system.<br>
|-
| [[File:Video-Movie FolderStacking.png|left|400px|Image 3- Split Video Files]] ||
Also known as ''File Stacking'', allows you to combine multiple movie files so they appear and play as a single movie. No longer a common requirement, but still available in {{kodi}} should it be needed.
 
To use this function the following steps are required:
# This feature can only be used when '''Movie Folders''' are used.
# Modify the video file names, as described in the table below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files
 
 
The setting '''[[Settings/Media/Videos#Files|Combine split video items]]''' has no effect on how this feature works. This setting simply combines the split titles when viewing the entry in Videos>Files.
{| class="prettytable"
|-
! colspan="1" style="background-color:#ffffcc; text-align:left;" | Type
! colspan="7" style="background-color:#ffffcc;" | Stacking Flags
|-
| scope="row" ! style="width:250px; text-align:left;"| Split single files- ''mkv, mp4 etc''
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|part#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|pt#
|style="width:90px; text-align:left;"|A, B, C, D <sup>1</sup>
|-
| scope="row" ! style="width:250px; text-align:left;"| DVD & Bluray folders & ISO files
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|cd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|dvd#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disc#
|style="width:50px; text-align:left;"|disk#
|}
 
File stacking can be fine-tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#moviestacking|<moviestacking>]]''' and '''[[Advancedsettings.xml#folderstacking|<folderstacking>]]''' advancedsettings.xml settings.


In order to get the most out of your movie library, you need to scan your videos and retrieve the information about them from the available sources.
<sup>1</sup> Example of A, B, C, D flags (no space):
|
::''The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)A.mkv''
[[image:imdb.jpg|360px]]
::''The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)B.mkv''
|}
|}


==How to use internet lookups==
First of all you must activate the chosen movie-information lookup scraper for the shares/folders you want to look up information on by using the "Set Content" option under the [[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]], for more information on how do this see: [[Set Content (Video Library)]].


Then, there are several ways you can scan your movies into the [[Video Library]]
*You can scan your files one at a time by selecting each file and pressing the '''Info''' button on the DVD-Remote.
*You can choose "Movie Information" from the [[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]]
*You can select the share/folder that your videos are in and choose "Scan for new content" from the [[Videos Navigation and Control#The Context Menu|Context Menu]] which scans all files in that share/folder and all its subfolders automatically.
*In Library Mode you can choose "Update Library" from the [[Video Library#Video Context Menu in Library Mode|Context Menu]].


After the scan task has completed you will be able to take advantage of several features that depend on the rich information obtained.
= Other =
; [[3D]]
: {{#lst:3D|intro}}


Highlight and select the "Library Mode" action in the Task panel, this will present you with the opportunity to view your movie collection by Genre, Actors, Year and Title.
; [[Extras]]
: Use one of the Extras add-ons to save related videos such as bloopers, interviews with cast and crew, production methods, behind the scenes, so they are accessible within {{kodi}}


See [[Video Library]]
; [[Internet_video_and_audio_streams|Internet Streams]]
: {{#lst:Internet_video_and_audio_streams|intro}}


==Troubleshooting movie lookups==
; [[Media_flags|Media Flags]]
===The scraper picks the wrong movie===
: Where supported by the skin, allows displaying of extra video file information through the use of modified file naming
You can always do a manual lookup by going to the media information screen, select Refresh and then Manual. You will get The On Screen Keyboard to refine your search.


To improve the matching add the year within parenthesis to the end of the file or foldername, depending on your scanning method (before the extension, if filename), this naming standard seems to yield the best results.
; [[Media_stubs|Stub Files]]
Note that the same goes for some TV Shows such as "Battlestar Galactica", "Doctor Who" and "Knight Rider" which can yield multiple results.
: {{#lst:Media_stubs|intro}}


\Movies\Pulp Fiction (1994).avi
; [[Trailers]]
\Movies\Reservoir Dogs (1992).avi
: {{#lst:Trailers|intro}}
\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995).avi


\Movies\The Usual Suspects (1995)\somefilename.avi


\TV\Battlestar Galactica (2003)\files.avi


And for DVD-Video movies stored in file-mode on the harddrive:
\Movies\Alien (1979)\VIDEO_TS.IFO
\Movies\Léon (1994)\VIDEO_TS.IFO
\Movies\Scarface (1983)\VIDEO_TS.IFO


==Additional information==
<center>
Based on the naming scheme of your movie files, lookups may or may not be effective. The filename is referenced by a search within the online resource records and the closest matches are presented. If the filename is not exactly or very close to the movie title the automatic scan may not always offer accurate matches.
{| style="border: 1px solid black;"
You can always do a manual lookup instead from the context menu. This allows you to choose between several matches and/or refine your query to obtain the correct movie.
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style=" text-align:center;" | [[File:Mergefrom.gif|60px|link=Source_folder]]
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''Previous step'''
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''Next step'''
| scope="row" rowspan="2" style=" text-align:center;" | [[File:Merge-arrow.gif|60px|link=Naming_video_files/TV_shows]]
|-
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''[[Source folder]]'''
| style="width:200px; text-align:center;" | '''[[Naming_video_files/TV_shows|TV Show Setup]]'''
|}</center>


If you would like to remove the entire video database (after a bad scan, or for whatever reason) you can simply remove/rename the file called MyVideos*.db in the UserData-directory (see [[The UserData Folder]] to find out where the UserData Folder is located on your installation). Restart XBMC and the IMDb information can be rescanned.


'''*TIP!:''' If you like to use lookup to catalog off-line DVD-Video library (or other movies stored on DVD/CD media) see:
{{top}}
: [[HOW-TO catalog and use lookups on your offline DVD/CD movie library by creating fake files]]
{{updated|19}}


[[category:Scraper]]
[[Category:Guides]]
[[category:Library]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[category:Video Library]]
[[Category:Video library]]
[[Category:First time user]]

Revision as of 03:17, 30 January 2021

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 ▶ Create Video Library ▶ Movies


Introduction

There are two methods to organise your movies:

  1. Movie Folders- Each movie is saved in its own folder within the Source. (recommended)
  2. Flat Folder- All movie files are saved in the Source folder

While Kodi can be a little bit flexible, and some users have come up with "unusual" setups for their media files, Kodi will only recommend the Movie Folder method described below.

We also recommend that your media is ripped to single files, like .mkv, rather than keeping the needlessly complex structure of Bluray and DVD folders.


Naming

The naming of your files and folders is critical to ensure the scrapers can correctly identify the movie, and it is simple to achieve.

Movie Name (Year) - This is the correct naming format for both the movie files and movie folders.

If you are unsure of the name or year, then look it up at TheMovieDB website


Movie Folders

Image 1- Movie Folders

This is the recommended method for organising your movies

All files and folders should be simply named with the name of the movie and the year in brackets. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.

Each movie file is placed into its own folder which is then added to your Source.

  • Placing movies in their own folder allows saving of local artwork and NFO files alongside the movie file.
  • You have the choice of using the Short or Long name format for the artwork. See: Local Artwork
  • Using this method will provide the safest and most accurate scrape of your media collection.
  • Most library related add-ons will only work correctly with this method.
  • Some skins use modified file naming to display additional Media Flags. These apply to the filename, not the folder name.


Flat Folder

Image 2- Flat Folder

An alternate method of storing your movies is to save all the movie files inside the Source folder and omit the Movie folder. Also known as a flat folder structure.

This method requires that the movie file is named correctly as Kodi is forced to use the movie filename to match the entry at the scraper site.

The movie filename must contain the Title with the Year in parenthesis. The name should match the name shown at the scraper site.


There are disadvantages using this method:

  • With larger libraries, this method can become untidy and cumbersome to maintain
  • If you use nfo files and save local artwork, the Source folder will become even more cluttered
  • Some library related add-ons will not work with this method as they require a Movie Folder
  • Some skins use modified file naming to display additional Media Flags. In rare instances, there may be a mismatch due to conflict with the modified file name.


Split Video Files

Stop hand.png File Stacking for ISO files, Bluray and DVD folders is currently broken and cannot be used. See Issue report: 16109
Image 3- Split Video Files

Also known as File Stacking, allows you to combine multiple movie files so they appear and play as a single movie. No longer a common requirement, but still available in Kodi should it be needed.

To use this function the following steps are required:

  1. This feature can only be used when Movie Folders are used.
  2. Modify the video file names, as described in the table below, so that Kodi recognises them as Split Video Files


The setting Combine split video items has no effect on how this feature works. This setting simply combines the split titles when viewing the entry in Videos>Files.

Type Stacking Flags
Split single files- mkv, mp4 etc cd# dvd# disc# disk# part# pt# A, B, C, D 1
DVD & Bluray folders & ISO files cd# dvd# disc# disk#

File stacking can be fine-tuned by the user to match obscure cases using the <moviestacking> and <folderstacking> advancedsettings.xml settings.

1 Example of A, B, C, D flags (no space):

The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)A.mkv
The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)B.mkv


Other

3D
Starting in v13, Kodi supports a number of passive 3D video formats such as SBS, TAB, anaglyph or interlaced. This support extends to the Kodi GUI including subtitles and on-screen-controls.
Extras
Use one of the Extras add-ons to save related videos such as bloopers, interviews with cast and crew, production methods, behind the scenes, so they are accessible within Kodi
Internet Streams
Various internet video and audio streams can be played back in Kodi as if they were locally stored on your media center by using STRM files. As long as the format and streaming-method (network-protocol) is supported by Kodi, stream can be added. These are basic text files that look like <name>.strm and contain a URL to the internet stream. STRM files can also be added to the video library and can have cover art, summaries, etc.

Some internet sites may have an add-on available that can also access these media streams, rather than having to manually create STRM files. See Add-ons for more information on how to find and install add-ons.

Media Flags
Where supported by the skin, allows displaying of extra video file information through the use of modified file naming
Stub Files
  • If you have a collection of DVD's and Bluray disks but do not want to rip them to a hard drive, then a Media Stub File allows you to add the collection of disks to the Kodi Video Library.
  • It is a simple text based file that is added to your Source in exactly the same way as any other Movie or TV Show, which is then scanned or scraped into the library.
Trailers
Trailers can be scanned or scraped into the library along with the movie metadata and artwork. Watch the trailers independently or specialised add-ons can be used to re-create the cinema experience by playing trailers before viewing a movie.



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