Linking to video files

Dodger · Post by **Dodger** » 2007-10-09 14:24:34

Hi,

I'm using Ant to create an .xml database to import into Media Portal with the My Films plugin.

Is there a way to link the database to the files on my hard drive so that they will automatically play when I choose the play option in Media Portal?

I've tried adding the full file name/directory to the Media Label, Source and URL fields [in AMC] all without success.

Maybe I am missing something blindingly obvious but I really can't see an option to link to the video file on my external hardrive...

leandervanhulle · Post by **leandervanhulle** » 2007-12-21 18:16:24

I also use Media Portal. Any sollutions for this?

bad4u · Post by **bad4u** » 2007-12-21 19:30:13

I installed Media Portal 0.2.2 some time ago and did some short tests with the MyFilms plugin - and movie files from harddisk can be started right from Media Portal without problems.

Just follow this checklist:

- Save the path to your moviefile to the URL field of AMC. To do this you can hit the small arrow on the end of the URL field, hit "Browse" and then choose the file. Now it should be played if you hit "Open URL" on the same menu.

- Be sure you have copied all files from the MesFilms Plugin archive to the same folders on the Media Portal installation. If you use Media Portal Version 0.2.2 take the files from the MyFilms v4.2.6a (for MP stable 0.2.2 version) archive and if you have installed Media Portal 0.2.3 take the My Films v4.3.2 (stable 0.2.3 MP Version) download.

- Open Media Portal Setup and go to the "Plugins" page. Activate (doubleclick) the "MyFilms" Plugin if its button is grey. Right click the button and choose "Configuration".

- On the general configuration page choose your AMC catalog file and the path where you have stored your pictures (if it's the same path it will be set automatically by Media Portal, else change it).

- Now care for the "Play Movie Section". Set "Ant item for storage file info" to "URL". Set "Path for Movies File search" to the path where you store your movies (this path will be used if the URL field does not contain a recent path to your movie file). You then can set "Search by Movies' Name" to the title you prefer for your AMC list (original, translated,..)

- Then go to "Title Order" section and set "Ant Master Title" to the title you use on your AMC list as the first one (original, translated,..).

- Save. Restart Media Portal. Goto "Plugins". Goto "Films". Choose a film from that you have stored on harddisk and linked to on your catalog. Start it. It should play now. If you leave fullscreen playback, it should continue playing in a small window on the left corner at the bottom.

- This should work for external hdds, too, as long as the movie is accessible on the same drive letter and folder which is saved on URL field in AMC.

- Let me know if this works for you