Video versions
Video library | Management | Video versions |
Introduction
Video Version is a new Kodi feature introduced in v21. It allows users to keep multiple versions of the same video title in the library.
Do you have the DVD, Bluray, 3D and 4K version of a title? Do you have the Theatrical Release, Director's Cut, Extended version or any other type of version for the same title? Do you dislike the same title being repeatedly listed in the library?
All these different formats and versions can be scanned into the library, then attached to a parent title in the library. Think of it as Movie Sets for the same movie.
This feature works on the movie library and may be expanded to TV shows and episodes in a later release of Kodi.
Understanding Versions
Kodi uses a parent/child method for video versions. i.e. one version is selected as the parent version, which is the default version, and other versions are added to this parent version. The default version can be changed as required.
Using Blade Runner (1982) as an example, to make the original US Theatrical Release as the default version of the movie, it would be selected as the movie to which all other versions are added to.
-Blade Runner (1982) - US Theatrical Cut [dvd] (parent movie; default movie) |- Blade Runner (1982) - Directors Cut [dvd] (child version) |- Blade Runner (1982) - Intl Theatrical Cut [dvd] (child version) |- Blade Runner (1982) - The Final Cut [bluray] (child version) |- Blade Runner (1982) - The Final Cut [dvd] (child version)
As this is a Library feature, the above has no effect on how the files are stored on your hard drives. Your video files can continue to be in their own folder, on different drives or in a single folder.
Versions are matched as follows:
- The scanner first checks for duplicate TMDB or IMDB UniqueID
- If no ID is matched, then the scanner checks for a duplicate Title+Year.
To increase the accuracy of the scan, especially when using nfo files, ensure:
- TMDB and IMDB ID's are included, correct and they are the same for all the versions
- The value in the <title> tag is clean and that all the versions use the same title. i.e. Use
<title>Blade Runner</title>
instead of naming the version like<title>Blade Runner - US Theatrical Release</title>
Settings
There are three settings that control the behaviour of Video Versions.
Settings level: | Basic |
Description: |
Settings ► Media ► Library ► Video Library ► Ignore different video versions on scan
|
Settings level: | Standard |
Description: |
Settings ► Media ► Videos ► All ► Select default video version
|
Settings level: | Standard |
Description: |
Settings ► Media ► Videos ► All ► Show videos with multiple versions as a folder
|
Creating a Version
There are two methods to creating a Video Version as detailed below. The methods can be used singly or in combination with each other.
For example, you may initially manually scan a single title, then run an Update Library to scan additional titles and using the pop-up notifications to create the Video Version, or vice versa.
Manual
When using the Manual method, ensure:
- The setting Ignore different video versions on scan is Enabled, and
- All video titles are already scanned/scraped into the library.
To create a Video Version, follow these steps.
- Highlight the title that either currently is, or will become, the default version of the title and call up the Context Menu
- Select Manage ► Manage versions
- The pop-up box will display details of the parent movie. It defaults to "Standard Edition" but this can be changed using the Rename button
- To add another version, select Add version
- If the message No similar movies were found in the library choose one of the following options:
- Browse files- Browse your source folders to find another version of the movie. It will be scanned once selected
- Browse library- Browse titles currently in the library and select the title from the library list.
- Cancel- Cancel the operation
- If the message No similar movies were found in the library choose one of the following options:
- From the pop-up box, scroll to select the next version to be added and press Enter or equivelant keypress
- From the next pop-up, select the version format. If a pre-defined name is not listed, add a new name using the New version... button
- The new version will be added
- To add additional versions, repeat these steps.
Library Update
When using the Manual method, ensure:
- The setting Ignore different video versions on scan is Disabled
Kodi will scan titles into the library until it encounters a duplicate at which time the scanning pauses and requires a user response.
To create a Video Version, follow these steps.
- Run the Update Library function, or navigate to your Source and from the context menu select Scan for new content
- When a title is scanned that is a duplicate of a title already in your library the Different movie version found dialogue will notify you
- Select Yes to add as a version or No to ignore and continue scanning
- When Yes is selected, the Add as a version to pop-up will offer the matching parent title
- After selecting the parent title, from the Choose version pop-up, select what type of version this title is. If a pre-defined name is not listed, add a new name using the New version... button
- The Update Library scanner will continue with the scan until it finds another duplicate movie.
Managing Versions
Add New Version
Remove a Version
Change Default
Return to top |
---|