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+---- Thread: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents (/showthread.php?tid=344793)
Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-20
Scenario: Running kodi 18 pointing to my own directory (/u/TV/kodi) under which there are sub-directories (sub folders) of main categories (00_TV, 01_Movies etc). Inside the '00_TV' shows directory there are 'genre' type directories (Crime, Documentary, Drama, Reality etc) and then inside these are final folders bearing the name of the relative TV show (Escape to the Chateau, Vera etc) - inside these of course or are the TV shows themselves (Vera.S09E01.mkv etc).
In the left-hand pane when the cursor/selection is resting on the TV show folder (eg., Vera) it shows "no information available". I have had a dig through other parts of the forums and asking the Delphic Oracle they call "Google" these days, but I am missing something or it can't be done. What I would like is to use a '.nfo' styled setup so when the cursor/pointer is resting on the folder "Vera", instead of the "no information available" it would be wonderful to show a blurb about what the folder contains like: Vera, a UK crime drama series starring.....".
I can see some reference to creating a .nfo with the show name (as we can for movie files etc) but despite my namings, different formats, and placement of the .nfo file (Vera.nfo), nothing is displayed.
Before I spend hours, days, weeks, 'life' on this little project, just seeking to find out if this is at all possible and if so am I on the right track, or is it not a 'feature' and I best not worry about it? Many thanks in advance for any input on my little issue.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - Karellen - 2019-06-20
Best start here and follow the guide... https://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: What I would like is to use a '.nfo' styled setup so when the cursor/pointer is resting on the folder "Vera", instead of the "no information available" it would be wonderful to show a blurb about what the folder contains like: Vera, a UK crime drama series starring.....".The nfo files are used to populate the library database. Once the database is updated, the nfo files are ignored. Kodi then operates from the database. Kodi does not use the nfo files as a way of displaying your information when you browse the library.
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: I can see some reference to creating a .nfo with the show name (as we can for movie files etc) but despite my namings, different formats, and placement of the .nfo file (Vera.nfo), nothing is displayed.read the guide above and other links in My Signature will be useful. But your example (Vera.nfo) is incorrect.
What is your reason from trying to operate exclusively from nfo files, and ignoring the infinitely easier method of scraping using the Kodi scrapers?
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-20
(2019-06-20, 01:16)Karellen Wrote: Best start here and follow the guide... https://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: What I would like is to use a '.nfo' styled setup so when the cursor/pointer is resting on the folder "Vera", instead of the "no information available" it would be wonderful to show a blurb about what the folder contains like: Vera, a UK crime drama series starring.....".The nfo files are used to populate the library database. Once the database is updated, the nfo files are ignored. Kodi then operates from the database. Kodi does not use the nfo files as a way of displaying your information when you browse the library.
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: I can see some reference to creating a .nfo with the show name (as we can for movie files etc) but despite my namings, different formats, and placement of the .nfo file (Vera.nfo), nothing is displayed.read the guide above and other links in My Signature will be useful. But your example (Vera.nfo) is incorrect.
Many thanks for this - I believe I am in the right part of the 'RTM' side of things, but what I find is if I create a "Some_Show_Name.nfo" file and put it either next the the folder in the hierarchy, so next to "Some_Show_Name", or if I put it into the folder "Some_Show_Name", the library refresh is successful but nothing changes when wanting the display on the left that I am after. So still seeking if this works or is something I cannot do for 'folders' specifically.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-20
(2019-06-20, 01:23)dmc1961 Wrote:(2019-06-20, 01:16)Karellen Wrote: Best start here and follow the guide... https://kodi.wiki/view/HOW-TO:Create_Video_Library
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: What I would like is to use a '.nfo' styled setup so when the cursor/pointer is resting on the folder "Vera", instead of the "no information available" it would be wonderful to show a blurb about what the folder contains like: Vera, a UK crime drama series starring.....".The nfo files are used to populate the library database. Once the database is updated, the nfo files are ignored. Kodi then operates from the database. Kodi does not use the nfo files as a way of displaying your information when you browse the library.
(2019-06-20, 01:05)dmc1961 Wrote: I can see some reference to creating a .nfo with the show name (as we can for movie files etc) but despite my namings, different formats, and placement of the .nfo file (Vera.nfo), nothing is displayed.read the guide above and other links in My Signature will be useful. But your example (Vera.nfo) is incorrect.
Many thanks for this - I believe I am in the right part of the 'RTM' side of things, but what I find is if I create a "Some_Show_Name.nfo" file and put it either next the the folder in the hierarchy, so next to "Some_Show_Name", or if I put it into the folder "Some_Show_Name", the library refresh is successful but nothing changes when wanting the display on the left that I am after. So still seeking if this works or is something I cannot do for 'folders' specifically.
Will try different .nfo formats as well while I muddle along.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - Karellen - 2019-06-20
(2019-06-20, 01:23)dmc1961 Wrote: Some_Show_Name.nfoNo, that is wrong. It must be named tvshow.nfo
As stated in the wiki... Be aware the nfo filename is actually tvshow.nfo. This is not meant to indicate that it is replaced with the name of the show.
https://kodi.wiki/view/NFO_files/TV_shows#TV_Show
Are you sure you want to go down the nfo route? It is more difficult, and if you don't get the nfo file right, it won't work, or it won't scan your episodes.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-20
(2019-06-20, 01:32)Karellen Wrote:(2019-06-20, 01:23)dmc1961 Wrote: Some_Show_Name.nfoNo, that is wrong. It must be named tvshow.nfo
As stated in the wiki... Be aware the nfo filename is actually tvshow.nfo. This is not meant to indicate that it is replaced with the name of the show.
https://kodi.wiki/view/NFO_files/TV_shows#TV_Show
Are you sure you want to go down the nfo route? It is more difficult, and if you don't get the nfo file right, it won't work, or it won't scan your episodes.
OK my fault there, I assumed 'tvshow.nfo' was the name they used to be supplemented by the actual show's name. I don't want to detail the TV episode files themselves, just an easy way when someone says, "What is that TV show about?" the panel info will show them before they decide to click/select the folder. Will have a play later on today when I get a moment in my day and see if that does it. Thanks for replying to my basic question on this one. As I run Linux in my life (my life is a bash shell) my Kodi setup does all kinds of wonderful Linux-ish based things around the Kodi setup, so I am always in the directories and files somewhere in the structure with automated scripts. Absolutely love Kodi and as always being a typical I.T person, trying to squeeze as much 'stuff' out Kodi as I can.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-20
(2019-06-20, 01:44)dmc1961 Wrote:(2019-06-20, 01:32)Karellen Wrote:(2019-06-20, 01:23)dmc1961 Wrote: Some_Show_Name.nfoNo, that is wrong. It must be named tvshow.nfo
As stated in the wiki... Be aware the nfo filename is actually tvshow.nfo. This is not meant to indicate that it is replaced with the name of the show.
https://kodi.wiki/view/NFO_files/TV_shows#TV_Show
Are you sure you want to go down the nfo route? It is more difficult, and if you don't get the nfo file right, it won't work, or it won't scan your episodes.
OK my fault there, I assumed 'tvshow.nfo' was the name they used to be supplemented by the actual show's name. I don't want to detail the TV episode files themselves, just an easy way when someone says, "What is that TV show about?" the panel info will show them before they decide to click/select the folder. Will have a play later on today when I get a moment in my day and see if that does it. Thanks for replying to my basic question on this one. As I run Linux in my life (my life is a bash shell) my Kodi setup does all kinds of wonderful Linux-ish based things around the Kodi setup, so I am always in the directories and files somewhere in the structure with automated scripts. Absolutely love Kodi and as always being a typical I.T person, trying to squeeze as much 'stuff' out Kodi as I can.
Ok so I created the tvshow.nfo and put it in a folder - no display in the left panel if I just click on the show name folder nor if I descend into the folder. If I do update the library the nfo file contents are shown on screen, but that is about it, it has no effect on the left-hand pane so I am thinking this is the wrong path/approach to get what I am after.
What I have been doing is using my Linux desktop to create a screen shot based MP4 which is just an enlarged screen shot of filmed 'text' on what the show is about etc, which I then save into the show folder - that works fine so I can keep doing this, would just be nice to click on the folder and have some metadata about its contents show up on the screen (left pane or somewhere).
Many thanks for your guidance but thinking I am on the wrong track so will dig a bit deeper in alternative routes to using .nfo files..... As I upload files to the kodi directory structure with scripts, was hoping something 'script-ish' could create info files as well....
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - jjd-uk - 2019-06-20
Does the nfo contain the show description within the Plot tags as that is what is supposed to show there? Could you post your nfo to https://pastebin.com
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-21
(2019-06-20, 18:56)jjd-uk Wrote: Does the nfo contain the show description within the Plot tags as that is what is supposed to show there? Could you post your nfo to https://pastebin.com
Yes have used <plot>blah blah blah</plot> and I have spoken 'xml' since it was a thing, so deleted yesterday's file, but created a new one - still no good.
Just posted based on the link to paste.kodi.tv - is that ok - never used pastebin before.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-21
(2019-06-21, 08:40)dmc1961 Wrote:Sorry, more info - yesterday's logs show it was complaining about the lack of <episodeguide> info in the tvshow.nfo file from yesterday and today when I put the lines in as per the wiki, it doesn't complain. Today also when I tell it to scan for new library content, same as yesterday. Perhaps it is not meant to work off nfo files this way?(2019-06-20, 18:56)jjd-uk Wrote: Does the nfo contain the show description within the Plot tags as that is what is supposed to show there? Could you post your nfo to https://pastebin.com
Yes have used <plot>blah blah blah</plot> and I have spoken 'xml' since it was a thing, so deleted yesterday's file, but created a new one - still no good.
Just posted based on the link to paste.kodi.tv - is that ok - never used pastebin before.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - jjd-uk - 2019-06-21
If you are updating an in place nfo file for something already in the Library you should be selecting Refresh in the Information window.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-21
(2019-06-21, 13:58)jjd-uk Wrote: If you are updating an in place nfo file for something already in the Library you should be selecting Refresh in the Information window.No I am just using a directory-like trawling through the directory structure - also my main setup is under /u/TV/kodi/00_TV, not off the $HOME directory of the user.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - jjd-uk - 2019-06-21
Havet those have definitely been added to the Library? as if they have you should have an Information item on the Context menu. Does the normal TV Shows Library node show them? as if not then the metadata has not been added to the Library database.
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - dmc1961 - 2019-06-22
(2019-06-21, 17:27)jjd-uk Wrote: Havet those have definitely been added to the Library? as if they have you should have an Information item on the Context menu. Does the normal TV Shows Library node show them? as if not then the metadata has not been added to the Library database.
Using my .nfo file that you will find at:
tvshow.nfo
The logs continue to show the following with the tvshow.nfo and just for luck The.Voice.nfo in the folder (The.Voice):
09:48:40.939 T:140370973275904 NOTICE: VideoInfoScanner: Starting scan ..
09:48:40.946 T:140370973275904 WARNING: No information found for item
'/u/TV/kodi/00_TV/Entertainment/The.Voice/', it won't be added to the library.
09:48:41.018 T:140370973275904 NOTICE: VideoInfoScanner: Finished scan. Scanning for video info
took 00:00
And tried to just put the file matching an episode name, all still rejected by the update process (The.Voice.S08E01.nfo):
10:03:37.408 T:140372348519616 WARNING: No information found for item
'/u/TV/kodi/00_TV/Entertainment/The.Voice/The.Voice.S08E01.mp4', it won't be added to the library.
This setup was a reinstall when a drive died on me and I installed version 18 about 2 months ago - I had run 16 then 17 over the years and tried the 'nfo' setup on the previous releases but it didn't work back then either.
Today I made sure the /u/TV/kodi folder (called 'kodi' in the library) was definitely defined in the "Video --> Files --> Source" setup and given the log files are showing it is scanning things under /u/TV/kodi, it tells me this part is set correctly. Being a Linux specialist I have actually written my own shell script setup to upload shows via NFS to the kodi server and using php web front-end interfaces I have written for show management, and love how much control I have over things - and the kodi setup is just beautiful.
Given I have a ton of shows in their own folders I can't always remember what a TV show is about (folder displayed as per my screen shot) so it would be great if the screen did give me something other than "no information available".
I also made sure that the 'kodi' source settings said my info is from Local (nfo) files, not TV databases externally.
I will keep tinkering with it as you have all given me great pointers and been my silent auditor on the setup process to make sure I check 'stuff'. My feeling is it still does not like the tvshow.nfo file for some reason or is ignoring .nfo files on the system
?
RE: Simple way to use left side panel in Kodi 18 to detail a folder's contents - jjd-uk - 2019-06-22
Your nfo appears to be malformed, adapting an existing nfo this works for me https://paste.kodi.tv/kipadeloxo
