| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
apd
Junior Member
Greece
378 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Feb 2009 : 16:34:09
|
Hi Alessio,
As I said in a previous post (to which I got no reply), I return to the forum after a long while. So I thought I'd write a few thoughts to sum up how my XMM experience - hopefully, you'll find them useful.
I started using XMM 3 years ago, v. 4.6 I think. Although it's quirky and not very easy on the eyes, I like the fact that you keep working on it, so I've sticked to it. The problem is that although you bring more and more new features, somewhere along the way you have lost your focus. XMM is primarily a cataloguing software, not an HTPC app or Media Center/Player. Try something like Meedio and you'll see why XMM will never get there.
The reason we like XMM is its ability to handle large databases. And yet, after 3 years:
It still cannot sort the grid using two or more criteria. If, for example, I want to sort the grid "by genre and by director" it should be done with two clicks on the headers - not through an awkward "tree" that shows one genre at a time.
If I rename my files or move them to a different location, the only solution is to reimport them.
The use of filters is ony additive. There's no way, for example, to see "all the action films EXCluding those earlier than 1960".
Also, there is still no serious export/print capability (only the MovieCard really works). The (x)HTML DB has been abandoned to what it was back then and the templates are rudimentary and still not editable - despite the fact that many users have asked for these capabilities.
I could go on like this, but I suggest you take a look at "J River Media Center" to see how smoothly most of these things could be worked out. If they had the Magic Scripts, I think they'd put you out of business ;(
Maybe this all sounds harsh, but I really like XMM at what It can do best. It's a shame to see your energy wasted to unnecessary or secondary features... |
|
|
Hal J.
New Member
Brazil
58 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2009 : 17:27:52
|
| I really agree with you... |
 |
|
|
Alessio Viti
Forum Admin
Italy
9171 Posts |
|
|
apd
Junior Member
Greece
378 Posts |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 07:59:59
|
Hi,
I'm glad you didn't take it the wrong way. As for ideas, I think the wishlist and the suggestions thread contain a lot; take your pick - I already mentioned a few issues above. BTW, let me bring back a very old request: usually, the director's name is listed as "christian name" "surname" (John Carpenter). It would be nice to be able to convert the string to "Carpenter, John". Even if there is a middle name or an initial, it shouldn't be too difficult to invert the string... |
|
|
|
shaurya
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 18:47:37
|
Not to highjack the thread...
I can not export in XML without error
I can not use the bundled Videobrowser (mediabrowser) with movies on my pc
I can not call XMM in command line to request for XML export
I simply want XMM to be open enough to send and receive information so I can enjoy any HTPC software of my choice.
Alessio, I hope that you will not take it negatively. XMM is great but unfortunately I am not able to use it with any HTPC software because of the above issues. The market share of Vista media Center is 50% and pretty much every one wants feature like XMM but Vista doesn't provide it. Support for Mediabrowser was a step in right direction but it seems to me that it was not a long term strategy but rather a mere bundling effort. If XMM can fully support just the Videobrowser then they would have whole lot of Vista users as potential customer base.
I am soooooo sorry for my rant but...
Regards, Shaurya |
|
|
|
Alessio Viti
Forum Admin
Italy
9171 Posts |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 19:03:45
|
Hi Shaurya,
The XML is my primary objective right now, I simply haven't enough time the last weeks to work on it.
I will surely finish it before start to make other features. I will write to you by email.
Thank you very much for your patience!
Alessio |
http://www.facebook.com/pages/eXtreme-Movie-Manager/47220214342?ref=mf
 |
|
|
|
shaurya
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
|
|
caunt
New Member
56 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2009 : 19:02:02
|
Alessio,
First and most important. . . Thank you for so much work and for continuing to answer and respond to questions and requests! I still think you have the best non-proprietary solution (ok, I haven't even bothered to look at others in years)
I think I must agree with apd though: focusing on your strength is very important. Making the database even more useful - like the multiple sort mentioned. I think a lot of you work has much improved this, like the importing functions from disk. I still wish more pieces were more accessible, like I still can't add actors to the actor database from TV series. You get so many requests from so many people - that's why I think apd is correct: you need to think about the focus of XMM. Maybe even about a work ratio: 50% bug fixing, 35% improving foundations, 15% new features ?? And maybe you do!
Anyway, I hope your wife and baby are well, and that XMM always comes after them :)
Take care, I really do appreciate your work and realize it is difficult to know what is most important when so many ask so much. |
|
|
|
shaurya
New Member
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2009 : 15:39:09
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alessio Viti
Hi Shaurya,
The XML is my primary objective right now, I simply haven't enough time the last weeks to work on it.
I will surely finish it before start to make other features. I will write to you by email.
Thank you very much for your patience!
Alessio
Hello Alessio,
Now that Media Browser is not bundled with XMM, shall I presume that there would be no real effort in providing integrated solution to support it.
I noticed there is a new version today and XML and other export related functionality is not present. Would it be possible for you to share with us what your plans are as far as export features of XMM in general and where XMM wants to go in future as far as its compatibility/integration with ANY HTPC software. I mean to ask whether XMM would provide any generic and decent export functionality for any particular HTPC software or XMM doesn't want to go that route. I would appreciate your candid response.
Regards, Shaurya
|
|
|
|
Alessio Viti
Forum Admin
Italy
9171 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2009 : 08:54:59
|
Hi Shaurya,
I will be sincere, i was really busy last weeks and I have not develop XMM so much. I have just and new little features, just this.
Of course I am ready to work on XML, since the Media Browser (that is a good product) will not be bundled anymore.
I am working both on XML and NFO export right now, and also in a new Grid for Main Window (movies).
I will write you an email today to define how I have to work to get XMM the best for HTPC.
I am really really sorry for my delay.
Thank you,
Alessio |
http://www.facebook.com/pages/eXtreme-Movie-Manager/47220214342?ref=mf
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
after all these years...