Media collection import
Media scan in TVedia is the means by which users import digital media content into media library. TVedia's First Run Wizard helps users to import digital media content. You can also import more folders or files after finishing the First Run Wizard.
Media scan and import is a two step process, scan and then import.
In the first step, user instructs TVedia to scan all fixed disk drives for potential media folders. Heuristics are used to find the root folder of a group of media files. The media roots are then listed in the drive scan result list.
Users then need to go through the list to decide if a media folder found indeed needs to be imported into the media library. Very often, image files under program installation points and Windows system folders can cause the parent folder to be picked up as media folder. Users can simply delete them from the list, and they will not be included in future scans. For each media folder that needs to be imported, user goes through an import wizard to determine the type of the folder, and the method to incorporate metadata into media library. The media import is then queued up and performed at the background.
You can initiate the scanning process either from First Run Wizard or the Drive Scan Result page under Settings.
It's not necessary to go through the scan process to import a media folder you have in your mind. You can explicitly import files and/or folders using the context menu or the import action from the Browse Files page when browsing a local drive. In this case, the import wizard is initiated directly.
In the event that you need to start over again, you can use the Clear Media Library menu item from the context menu. The progress may take several minutes depending on the size of your existing media library. All previously imported media files will be removed from the library as a result.
Media Import Wizard
The Media Import Wizard allows users to import media files either automatically or semi-automatically with some manually entered metadata, which gives users more control over the import process.
First, you decide the type of the folder being imported. It can be mixed folder, music, other audio, movie, other video, music video, or pictures.
Second, you decide if only embedded tags are used. Embedded tags are present on most music files, which save you time and effort during import process, so it's recommended for most music files. Embedded tags are usually not available for picture and video files, so it's recommended to enter more information for these folders.
The next step asks users for folder structure where the media file is stored. The lowest level of the directory structure is assumed to hold the media files, and you can specify the meaning of its parent folders (e.g. the parent folder is album, and the parent's parent is artist). You may also specify a custom folder structure if no suitable structure is listed.
The next screen asks for patterns in the filename. It's useful when the filename contains extra information about the media being imported.
The last screen asks for information used to override existing information found using previous methods (e.g. user can override genre, album, artist, and year of release).
Embedded tags
TVedia can parse the following embedded tags: ID3V1, ID3V2, Windows Media, iTunes, FLAC/OGG, and APE.
Import progress display
During media import, the folder that's currently being imported is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen, where tooltip is usually displayed. You can use that information to monitor the import progress. Or you can go to the Media Import Progress page under Settings to see more detailed information, including the import queue, the media item just found, its properties and cover art if any is found.
Thumbnail generation
TVedia uses an advanced thumbnail generation engine to enhance user's graphical experience. Embedded cover art is extracted if found. Music album, movie cover art and artist images are downloaded from web services on the Internet if available. Video frame capture is performed for video files, and picture files are resized to generate the thumbnail. From the media files' cover art and thumbnail images, using tags imported into media library, TVedia can generate aggregated thumbnail images for artist, actor, director, genre, album, and folders. These aggregated images are updated when related media files are updated. For example, a new album belong to a genre is added, the genre's thumbnail is updated with the new album's cover art if available.
File change monitoring
To fully automate the media library update process, you can enable file change monitoring in the first run wizard. Once enabled, the imported media folders are monitored for any changes, including add, delete, rename and modification. You can simply copy files into previously imported media folders, and the files will be imported into media library automatically using the same importing parameters you have previously specified in the import wizard. You can even use an external tag editor to modify the tags on the files; TVedia will pick up the changes shortly after. Note, the file change monitor simply monitors the changes, and queues up the import requests. The import work is not performed until user starts TVedia; the import queue is then processed at the background.