Personal Video Database
English => Support => Topic started by: lilhill on April 01, 2009, 07:15:17 pm
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Hi,
I have a bunch (1000s) of custom videos which I have loaded into PVD. I have a cover/screenshot of every video saved as JPEGs in a folder on my desktop. Each image has the same name as its source video.
Is there anyway I can import these images in bulk into PVD to their repective videos?
Possibly a script? I'm not familiar with writing scripts...
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Hi,
I have a bunch (1000s) of custom videos which I have loaded into PVD. I have a cover/screenshot of every video saved as JPEGs in a folder on my desktop. Each image has the same name as its source video.
Is there anyway I can import these images in bulk into PVD to their repective videos?
Possibly a script? I'm not familiar with writing scripts...
It is possible to load, using a script (plugin). How to make in another way, I do not know.
I can make a script, but there are questions:
- What version PVD?
- The image is a poster, a cover or a screenshot?
- To one film one image or a several?
If the version 0.9.8.20 it is possible not to answer questions 2 and 3: loading only one poster is accessible from a script.
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PVD Version: 0.9.8.20
Technically the images are screenshots (the images are the first frame of each video).
I just need to pair one image with each video in the database and would like the image to display as what I guess would be the "cover" image in the default view in PVD (under the title of the video).
I am going to need eventually use PVD on a server. Would this script work in that environment too?
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In the end, I guess I'm going to need a script that will either extract all the metadata from the video files (WMV and MP4) and pair it with a thumbnail then create a MySQL file that can be imported into PVD.
I have a program called GSpot which I am currently using to extract the metadata from the video file, and another program called VideoCharge which I am using to get a screenshot (cover image) from the video files.
The GSpot metadata extractor I have exports the metadata in a CSV file. I have simple script that will remove the columns from the CSV file that I don't want. I then import the CSV file into MS Excel under headers and import the Excel file into PVD. But I have no way of getting the correct cover image files to pair up with the correct video in PVD.
Is there a way to write a script that will do this all automatically in a couple clicks?
This seems very convoluted and involved for the amount of files I'll be processing in the future. Is it possible to write a script that will either:
A) use the two programs I already mentioned to pair the correct cover image with the correct metadata for each video and compile this information in a MySQL database for PVD import?
or
B) write a script that will extract the metadata and cover image itself and compile this information in a MySQL database for PVD import?
If anyone could help me out in either writing a script that would do this or pointing me in the right direction, that would be great.
I can provide the info for what metadata I would like extracted and more details about my project if anyone is willing to take on this endeavor.
I'm all but clueless when it comes to this kind of stuff...
Thanks!
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PVD Version: 0.9.8.20
OK. I will make loading of one your screenshot in poster field.
Technically the images are screenshots (the images are the first frame of each video).
I just need to pair one image with each video in the database and would like the image to display as what I guess would be the "cover" image in the default view in PVD (under the title of the video).
The field in the program under title is intended for posters. Screenshots, cover and disk image are located after the technical information on a movie. See first and second screenshots on a screenshots page (http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?action=screens).
I am going to need eventually use PVD on a server. Would this script work in that environment too?
If that works PVD, I think, the script will work also.
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Thanks a lot!
If I were to get someone to write a bigger completely automated script like I describe in the previous post, how long do you think it would take? Is that even possible?<br><br>
In the end, I guess I'm going to need a script that will either extract all the metadata from the video files (WMV and MP4) and pair it with a thumbnail then create a MySQL file that can be imported into PVD.
I have a program called GSpot which I am currently using to extract the metadata from the video file, and another program called VideoCharge which I am using to get a screenshot (cover image) from the video files.
The GSpot metadata extractor I have exports the metadata in a CSV file. I have simple script that will remove the columns from the CSV file that I don't want. I then import the CSV file into MS Excel under headers and import the Excel file into PVD. But I have no way of getting the correct cover image files to pair up with the correct video in PVD.
Is there a way to write a script that will do this all automatically in a couple clicks?
This seems very convoluted and involved for the amount of files I'll be processing in the future. Is it possible to write a script that will either:
A) use the two programs I already mentioned to pair the correct cover image with the correct metadata for each video and compile this information in a MySQL database for PVD import?
or
B) write a script that will extract the metadata and cover image itself and compile this information in a MySQL database for PVD import?
If anyone could help me out in either writing a script that would do this or pointing me in the right direction, that would be great.
I can provide the info for what metadata I would like extracted and more details about my project if anyone is willing to take on this endeavor.
I'm all but clueless when it comes to this kind of stuff...
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Welcome to the forum, lilhill.
I understand you're talking about custom videos, but I'm otherwise completed baffled as to why you might want to handle them this way. PVD uses MediaInfo to automatically extract video file information. Is there other metadata in your files that GSpot extracts that MediaInfo cannot? If so, how did it get there? PVD includes a screenshot maker (and 0.9.9 an automatic screenshot maker, although it presently works only for AVI's). If you want to include your existing screenshots, I suggest you consider using them as posters—which don't otherwise exist for custom videos.
Reset, if you're willing to write a script, it should be done in a way that it would be versatile and benefit the most users. This is something that some of us have wanted for some time. My suggestions:
- If you're only going to do one version, it should be one for 0.9.9.
- Match image files first by video filename, then by Title (or Title + Year) if there is no video file.
- Allow the user to specify the image type to be saved as—poster, cover or screenshot. This could be done, of course, by using three different scripts. If that's to much trouble, then I think most users would want this for posters.
- Add the imported images, rather than replacing existing images. If the script can't handle multiple images per video, it could still be run multiple times on different image file sets.
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I have a program called GSpot...
I removed your separate topic which was a duplication of this post. Sometimes starting a separate topic is a good idea, but duplication is not. Let's see where this one goes first.
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Hi Rick... Thanks for the welcome!
I'm working on a project which might be very large in a few years. Soon I'll be loading many video clips into PVD. These clips will be anywhere from a few seconds to hours long. The database will continue to grow and grow.
I was not aware of the MediaInfo program (?) or the screenshot maker. Unfortunately the very large majority of the files I'm going to be dealing with will be WMV and AVI. Any idea when the screenshot maker will be able to accommodate other file types?
As for the online part, I am going to need to collaborate with other people about the videos and video clips. I will also need them to be able to add/remove/edit information in PVD as well.
I guess the script that Reset is willing to make will work quite well in integrating with PVD and pairing the correct poster with the correct video.
How do I go about running MediaInfo to extract metadata from the custom files?
Thanks for your help!
Sorry for the duplicate.
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I've got to go to work. I'll be back in about 4 hours to check in and answer questions. Maybe sooner.
Thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it!
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Thanks a lot!
Early ;).
If I were to get someone to write a bigger completely automated script like I describe in the previous post, how long do you think it would take?
I don't know.
...Is that even possible?
Feasible all :). But I will not start this job.
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Reset, if you're willing to write a script, it should be done in a way that it would be versatile and benefit the most users. This is something that some of us have wanted for some time.
I completely agree.
- If you're only going to do one version, it should be one for 0.9.9.
For pictures I usually make two versions. For version 0.9.8.20 loading only one poster because of functional restrictions of a scripts engine. For version 0.9.9.5 loading of any quantity of any images is possible (now I work with prerelease of the fifth version given nostra for development). In version 0.9.9.4 one image of each type will be loaded.
- Allow the user to specify the image type to be saved as—poster, cover or screenshot. This could be done, of course, by using three different scripts. If that's to much trouble, then I think most users would want this for posters.
Idea good. Usually I add options in a script. But I will begin with posters.
- Add the imported images, rather than replacing existing images. If the script can't handle multiple images per video, it could still be run multiple times on different image file sets.
I think, addition will be in version 0.9.9.5. Or now in plugins. Now the problem consists in the program, instead of in scripts.
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If I were to get someone to write a bigger completely automated script like I describe in the previous post, how long do you think it would take? Is that even possible?
Everything is possible, believe me ;) The "problem" is that pretty everything except retrieving existing images is already there in 0.9.9 beta and it seems like Reset is going to write a script for images, so you will be ready to go pretty soon.
The improved screenshot maker and networking support will be available in the next beta which is coming out this weekend to 99%.
Reset, if you're willing to write a script, it should be done in a way that it would be versatile and benefit the most users. This is something that some of us have wanted for some time.
Consider an XML format making all possible fields available. You will make patch and probably a number of other users happy this way ;)
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I was not aware of the MediaInfo program
It's the DLL used by the program to read video file information when it scans them. Are you not seeing any such information (in the separate section toward the bottom of the video panel)?
I guess the script that Reset is willing to make will work quite well in integrating with PVD and pairing the correct poster with the correct video.
Yes. And on an ongoing basis, I expect you'll be able (in 0.9.9) to use one of your automatic screenshots as a poster in a one-step operation.
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I think, addition will be in version 0.9.9.5. Or now in plugins. Now the problem consists in the program, instead of in scripts.
I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean there is a problem in the program which prevents a script from adding additional images?
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I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean there is a problem in the program which prevents a script from adding additional images?
Yes ::)
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Okay. We'll just wait for that to go away. ;)
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Okay. We'll just wait for that to go away. ;)
Not before you teach me how to produce self fixing bugs :)
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Not before you teach me how to produce self fixing bugs
Ah, but there is no need. Each time you create a bug, the fix is simultaneously created deep within your subconscious mind. This, of course, is why you are able to "see" a future in which the bug does not exist. So it's really just a matter of allowing the miracle to happen. The rest of us, however, have to suffer the illusion of time until the bug and its fix converge. This might be too much to bear—if it weren't for 0.9.9.5 being released this weekend. 8)
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So I guess I've started a small wildfire...
Is the best suggestion to wait until this weekend? Is the new beta definitely coming this weekend?
Does the new beta support the extraction of thumbnails/posters from any type of video media file (WMV and MP4 specifically)
If this new beta is coming out this weekend, does that mean the script Reset is going to make will be obsolete in 4 days?
I guess Reset's script won't be obsolete if the new beta will only take thumbnails/posters from AVI files and not any other video media types.
This is getting confusing really fast...
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Is the best suggestion to wait until this weekend?
I suppose that depends on what you are waiting for, and why. It sounds like there are improvements coming that should interest you, but then there are considerable improvements already available in 0.9.9.4. As long as you take the recommended precautions, there's no reason not to run a beta and 0.9.8.20 at the same time. Then you can make your own decision as to which to use on a regular basis. (You probably don't want to run two databases "in parallel.")
It may not be a good idea for you to rush in switching to 0.9.9.5. Allow a little time for more experienced users to discover if there are any significant problems. On the other hand, if you can't wait, you could try 0.9.9.4 right now.
From the comments Reset has made, I assume his script will work in both beta versions, and he plans to write a separate one for 0.9.8.20.
I'm still curious... Is PVD not extracting the same information from your video files that you have been getting with GSpot?
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I updated to 0.9.9.4. The automatic metadata extraction is awesome! I had know about that, the last week of my life would have been a lot less stressful. I hope that the new beta coming this weekend will have support for creation of thumbnails from any video media type. Thank you nostra!
I didn't mean to convey that GSpot finds/extracts any metadata that PVD doesn't. PVD does just as good of a job. Both find everything there is to be found.
I guess I'll wait for other people to feel out 0.9.9.5 before I update to that and use Reset's script as it seems like it will work very well.
Reset, do you know when your script will be available? (I don't know how long these things take)
One quick question. Do I have to import the list of titles and the paths of the videos (via Excel or CSV file) into PVD before I can read the video file info for the metadata, or is there an option to scan a folder, add the videos, and read the video files all in one fell swoop?
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...next beta which is coming out this weekend to 99%.
It's very attractive news :D. But I'm afraid even to hope. I wait and afraid, afraid and I wait :).
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If this new beta is coming out this weekend, does that mean the script Reset is going to make will be obsolete in 4 days?
Is the best suggestion to wait until this weekend?
From the comments Reset has made, I assume his script will work in both beta versions, and he plans to write a separate one for 0.9.8.20.
I think, the script should work and in the new version.
Reset, do you know when your script will be available? (I don't know how long these things take)
If necessary the first version can be accessible, when you will return today from job.
One quick question. Do I have to import the list of titles and the paths of the videos (via Excel or CSV file) into PVD before I can read the video file info for the metadata, or is there an option to scan a folder, add the videos, and read the video files all in one fell swoop?
See Tools -> Scan folders for new movies/changed paths...
It will scan files, add them in a database and load the information from the Internet. Perhaps, it a little will help you.
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Thanks for the info, Reset...
Just let me know when the script is ready and I'll give it a test run... I really appreciate your efforts!
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Sorry for a delay.
I have meet the certain problems connected with loading of local files from a script.
I have set corresponding questions to nostra. The further actions will depend on its answers.
As I have given the promise to make a script, that, probably, I should make a plug-in.
As with plug-ins I yet did not work, the decision will be postponed for some days.
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The decision about the plug-in will be delayed for a few days or the decision about the script will be delayed for a few days? Do you think the script will be completed earlier?
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Regardless of exactly what Reset means, it's clear he needs input from nostra, and we know nostra's priority right now is to get 0.9.9.5 ready for release. I suggest you assume he's on task, and whatever the solution, it will get done in due course.
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Oh, I see... I wasn't aware that nostra was actually working on 0.9.9.5! Thanks for letting me know. I'm looking forward to the script and the update...
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The decision about the plug-in will be delayed for a few days or the decision about the script will be delayed for a few days? Do you think the script will be completed earlier?
The script cannot be finished in current versions PVD (nor 0.9.8.20 nor 0.9.9.4) because of program limitations. Nostra promised to correct defects to days off. As far as I understand, in version 0.9.9.5 of restrictions will not be.
For script creation the new version of the program which will appear in a few days is necessary. For creation of a plug-in I need a few days to understand ;).
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I wish all to afflict upset. In current versions PVD I could not achieve necessary functionality. I have exhausted all variants (script and plug-in, 0.9.8.20 and 0.9.9.4).
If nostra not give a hint, simply we wait the new version.
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Ok... Thanks for your efforts Reset!
Hopefully the new version will do the image extract automatically for any type of video...
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Does the new beta support the extraction of thumbnails/posters from any type of video media file (WMV and MP4 specifically)
Hopefully the new version will do the image extract automatically for any type of video...
With what types of video files you have problems? Versions 0.9.8.20 and 0.9.9.4 fine take screenshots from formats wmv and avi.
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I'm mostly working with WMV and MP4 (primarily WMV though).
Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I was unable to get posters/screenshots from the WMV files. I'll try again later tonight.
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With what types of video files you have problems? Versions 0.9.8.20 and 0.9.9.4 fine take screenshots from formats wmv and avi.
This is my fault. I recalled nostra saying "only AVI," but he actually said...
It works pretty good for AVIs, but not for DVDs and Matroska files... (actually this feature dows not work with these formats at all currently :( )
...so you're right—either existing version should work fine for lilhill's WMV and MP4's.
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I'll give it a try after I get off of work tonight. I didn't even look into it because I thought it wouldn't work. If that works then I don't think I'll need Reset's script, though it might be useful to others!
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I'll give it a try after I get off of work tonight. I didn't even look into it because I thought it wouldn't work. If that works then I don't think I'll need Reset's script, though it might be useful to others!
OK. If at you all turns out, I will change priorities of the workings out.
But, I think, the promised plug-in all the same I will make. It can be of use to beginners with already existing selection of images on a disk.
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But, I think, the promised plug-in all the same I will make. It can be of use to beginners with already existing selection of images on a disk.
That would be much appreciated.
Importing graphics files from near the movie file is one of the functions needed to implement tag functionality in PVD.
The components of which are:
Export text field data (Attempt described here http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=870.msg2535#msg2535)
Export graphics data to a file near the movie
Import text field data from a file near the movie http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=904.0
Import graphics data from a file near the movie
Unfortunately the meta data can't be written to the movie file as mediainfo.sourceforge.net will not support tag writing in the foreseeable future. http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?thread_id=1695277&forum_id=297609
The exporting functionality maybe useful to interface to other media players
http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=1002.msg2707#msg2707
http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=1254.0
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Reset, the thumbnail/image creation definitely works for WMV. I didn't try MP4. The only problem I have with this is that you have to do it manually for each video file. I have 1000's of videos. Will the script/plug-in that you make be able to do it automatically without having to click through for every video file?
If it had an option to select the first frame (or whatever frame the user would like) of every video and put it in the "poster" field (or whatever field the user would like) in PVD, that would be awesome!
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That would be much appreciated.
Importing graphics files from near the movie file is one of the functions needed to implement tag functionality in PVD.
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If it had an option to select the first frame (or whatever frame the user would like) of every video and put it in the "poster" field (or whatever field the user would like) in PVD, that would be awesome!
Oh.
I will try to consider all your wishes.
But, please, do not forget, that the developer of the program is unique nostra. I will readdress some questions to him.
Besides, I ask to appreciation that fact, that I'm engaged in developing of scripts and for Russian part of forum.
2 patch: Thanks for a collating.
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I just noticed the Images by ID (http://www.videodb.info/bin/imgid.7z) utility on the download page. I suppose it's been there a while. It's described as "program used to associate existing images on HDD with movies in the database." I assume this is relevant only to those who save their images outside the database. It seems the purpose of the utility is to assist new users who have existing data—including images.
This raises a question in my mind. Is it possible to start a database where images are saved outside the database, and after this utility is used to associate all existing images, change it so images are saved inside the database? If so, it seems to me this would be the best way to handle a conversion (i.e., data from another program) where images are involved. Once the conversion is complete, there would be little need for a script to do the same thing.
BTW, what happened with the script Reset was working on?
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his raises a question in my mind. Is it possible to start a database where images are saved outside the database, and after this utility is used to associate all existing images, change it so images are saved inside the database? If so, it seems to me this would be the best way to handle a conversion (i.e., data from another program) where images are involved. Once the conversion is complete, there would be little need for a script to do the same thing.
Of course, you just use this utility and then in PVD change the option "Save images in database".
BTW, what happened with the script Reset was working on?
I have no Idea, but I'll ask
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BTW, what happened with the script Reset was working on?
I make the sincere apologies for the undischarged promise. (http://i.smiles2k.net/aiwan_smiles/sorry.gif)
Unfortunately, now I have less spare time, than earlier. I remember about this script. I will make him as soon as I will have a possibility.
If it will not make earlier. (http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/derisive.gif)
Thanks for understanding.
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I make the sincere apologies for the undischarged promise.
No need to apologize—I was just curious. (http://i.smiles2k.net/aiwan_smiles/umnik2.gif)
Maybe the plugin you were thinking of would not be so necessary now that the Images by ID utility is available. Its not the same thing, but a new user could use it to get existing images into a database.
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Maybe the plugin you were thinking of would not be so necessary now that the Images by ID utility is available.
On this we disagree rick.ca unless I'm missing something.
You indicate Tag export/import (like ID3 for mp3) (http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=1193.0") has been added, but unless I am mistaken, the functionality Reset was adding is actually part of this and not yet available.
So Reset, I would still very much appreciate any progress towards acheiving movie tagging functionality.
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On this we disagree rick.ca unless I'm missing something.
You might be missing the fact I'm not looking for any disagreement. ;)
It simply occurred to me a new user facing the one-time task of importing existing images into a new database would be able to use this utility, and then no longer have a need for Reset's plugin. If that's true, Reset may be able to tailor the design of his plugin more toward your particular needs.
I have no personal interest in this. I've always manually maintained posters "beside" my movie files. Now my media manager, Media Center (to be more precise, the PvdImport (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=52145.0) plugin recently created by raldo (http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?action=profile;u=1654)), does this automatically as it updates MC with PVD meta data.
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I'm off topic here so have continued here (http://www.videodb.info/forum_en/index.php?topic=870.40;msg=5577)