Difference between "update library" and "scan for new content"

garyi Wrote:Suffice to say for new users/average Jo, the learning curve on the complexities of XBMC is more that apparent.

I guess at some point one day the whole library thing would have to be revisited, unless you really geek up and get lots of forum time most of the Library thing is intimidating at best.

Unfortunately I agree with you.

robweber Wrote:I don't think it is really that bad:...

Speaking as a big daily IRC helper specifically to do with Library, regex et al I can say for certain for alot of user it really is that bad.

garyi Wrote:Suffice to say for new users/average Jo, the learning curve on the complexities of XBMC is more that apparent.

The average Jo [sic] can fortunately be blissfully unaware of the nuances of "update library" vs "scan for new content".

Would some of the confusion be reduced if there was some renaming done?

Scan all sources for new content (aka Update Library)
Remove deleted content from library (aka Clean Library)

I think that Library mode and the scrapers provide an awesome experience and have had this b3e a major point of confusion for my two friends who tried out XBMC after seeing my rig. It would be nice if there was a bit more of a "wizard" type functionality (which could be disabled for advanced users) when adding sources. Maybe somebody has already requested that feature.

I think the Confluence skin being the new default may on it's own help out a lot because it has the "set content" option quite visible when adding sources (unlike PM3.HD and Aeon).

-Chris

wizards are the illicit spawn of satan's grandma and not a solution to anything.

spiff Wrote:wizards are the illicit spawn of satan's grandma and not a solution to anything.

Nice one. I have to agree, I'm not sure how a wizard will streamline the process much. As long as the person setting up the source takes the time to give at least a cursory glance to the 'Add Sources' screen, they will see the set content option. If they miss it, a quick search in the wiki for 'Video Library' will most likely bring up what they need. You really can't get much more step by step then the process outlined there.
I don't think we need to dumb down the procedures for people who don't want to take the time to read something unless they are forced to as they progress through a wizard.

I think confluence is even more complex, I really don't like all these hidden options, yes they are geektastic but others in the household would not have a clue on pressing right on videos (for instance) in order to 'find' TV shows and Films. Its just not good practice. I hate to keep mentioning my wife because she is far from thick, but she has no interest in how this thing works she just wants it to work. For that to happen I estimate takes me about half an hour or more a week to keep up to date and 'working'

The whole library thing in XBMC is very complex its not user friendly in the slightest and changing names is not going to help.

1. Videos needs to go, or at least be buried as 'file system' 'explorer' or what ever, it should never be needed in day to day use.

2. Setting content should be automated. I am not a programmer and what I am saying might be crap but surely scrapers could work out when you first add a source if the content is music/film/tvshow? Even if it had a stab then said 'we believe this source is tv shows yes or no?'

3. New additions to the library need to be automagically bought in, restarting is not an option, mine is running 24/7.

4. The update library thing only adds it never takes away. For instance the other day I finally got round to fixing season 6 of Southpark which had the shows wrongly numbered so the info related to the wrong show. I fixed them on the computer then updated the library. All that happened was I got double of everything. So then I had to delete the whole of season 6, then go back to videos into tv shows to scan for new content to get season 6 back and scraped properly. In the mean time it 'refound' sesame street a folder I physically deleted from the computer and removed from the library. Sigh. So I removed that again.

Its a constant thing. The good news is I am a geek so love it, but most people I have tried to promote this too soon move on when it comes to the whole library thing.

My feeling is XBMC is as far as it can be with the current library system, I don't see in its current state how it can be made more friendly. And I want to make totally clear I love the programme and the efforts that have gone into it, but the library is complex..

I should also add there is an extra level of complication going from "XBMC best guess of content" to "this is precisely what I have and 100% coverage"

But I would like to say that I have some decent experience of teaching users how to implement the library both IRL and in IRC. Its not until you have sat down with someone who is a blank slate and tried to explain all teh nuances to get to 100% accurate 100% coverage that you truely realise how hard it is.

Perhaps this is stating the obvious but perhaps it is not. Once you get the basics you are well on your way but far from skilled. It doesn't help that at least half of the library support requests illicit responses of "dont use XBMC use this other cool windows only tool to do this bit".

There are definately some areas that can be slickened up but lets not forget that whole swathes of the files users ask XBMC to identify are named by well meaning but ultimately completly unskilled users. Rubbish in rubbish out.

@garyi

Quote:The update library thing only adds it never takes away. For instance the other day I finally got round to fixing season 6 of Southpark which had the shows wrongly numbered so the info related to the wrong show. I fixed them on the computer then updated the library. All that happened was I got double of everything. So then I had to delete the whole of season 6, then go back to videos into tv shows to scan for new content to get season 6 back and scraped properly. In the mean time it 'refound' sesame street a folder I physically deleted from the computer and removed from the library. Sigh. So I removed that again.

You can used advancedsettings.xml to have the library do a 'clean on update'. This should remove files that no longer exist.

Thanks Rob, I think you have succinctly proven my point.