2014-01-08, 01:34
Good Afternoon Guys -
Recently, I set up my network to use mySQL with XBMC instead of using XBMC standalone. The reasons for this was due to an extensive media collection plus the fact that I am primarialy running XBMC on Raspberry Pis which can be rather slow when indexing things. After integrating mySQL, I didn't get the results I thought I would so wanted to ask a few things.
Below are a couple of questions about how XBMC uses mySQL as well as methods I may use to get a better working system. If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!
1. What exactly does the mySQL database store for XBMC?
After creating my database, I installed XBMC (Windows) on the same local machine and added my sources therefore starting scraping. I monitored the database and saw it was being written to - but - the XBMC profile folder (C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\XBMC) went from almost nothing to over a gig. Will the images / fanart still need to reside on each local XBMC installation?
2. Is there a way to scrape media prior to adding it to an XBMC source to where XBMC will use existing metadata and each/the local instance does not have to scrape it?
When adding media to a XBMC source folder, I usually first scrape it with Ember Media or Media Center manager - with XBMC compatible options checked. Once done, I update my library and XBMC still seems to scrape it again excepts I believe it stores the data somewhere locally (Storage partition on SD card for Raspberry Pi) Is there any way to get around this - or - a way to make a central location such as mySQL database or share to save time, processing, and bandwidth?
3. What is the best protocol / method for sharing media over a network between Windows & Raspberry Pis?
I currently use have about 8 shares in Windows and connect from the Raspberry Pis using SMB. I know that there are other options, but don't know if using one of them may solve any of my issues.
Originally, I thought mySQL was the answer for all of my Library issues, but perhaps I had the wrong idea going in.
Here's what I have to work with:
Hardware
- x1 "Server" - Windows 7 x64 / Plenty or resources / Stays on 24/7 / Stores all media on 8 drives using SMB shares
- x2 Raspberry Pi's - One connected to server via switch, the other a wireless bridge
- x1 Roku - Currently using Plex (hosted on same Windows Server, but thinking of going to Rasberry Pi if I can get this worked out
Software
- XBMC for Windows (Newest Release) - Installed locally on server to help build database
- mySQL 5.5 x64
- openElec 3.2.4 on Raspberry Pis
I'm open for any suggestions - Thanks for your help!
Recently, I set up my network to use mySQL with XBMC instead of using XBMC standalone. The reasons for this was due to an extensive media collection plus the fact that I am primarialy running XBMC on Raspberry Pis which can be rather slow when indexing things. After integrating mySQL, I didn't get the results I thought I would so wanted to ask a few things.
Below are a couple of questions about how XBMC uses mySQL as well as methods I may use to get a better working system. If you have any suggestions, please send them my way!
1. What exactly does the mySQL database store for XBMC?
After creating my database, I installed XBMC (Windows) on the same local machine and added my sources therefore starting scraping. I monitored the database and saw it was being written to - but - the XBMC profile folder (C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\XBMC) went from almost nothing to over a gig. Will the images / fanart still need to reside on each local XBMC installation?
2. Is there a way to scrape media prior to adding it to an XBMC source to where XBMC will use existing metadata and each/the local instance does not have to scrape it?
When adding media to a XBMC source folder, I usually first scrape it with Ember Media or Media Center manager - with XBMC compatible options checked. Once done, I update my library and XBMC still seems to scrape it again excepts I believe it stores the data somewhere locally (Storage partition on SD card for Raspberry Pi) Is there any way to get around this - or - a way to make a central location such as mySQL database or share to save time, processing, and bandwidth?
3. What is the best protocol / method for sharing media over a network between Windows & Raspberry Pis?
I currently use have about 8 shares in Windows and connect from the Raspberry Pis using SMB. I know that there are other options, but don't know if using one of them may solve any of my issues.
Originally, I thought mySQL was the answer for all of my Library issues, but perhaps I had the wrong idea going in.
Here's what I have to work with:
Hardware
- x1 "Server" - Windows 7 x64 / Plenty or resources / Stays on 24/7 / Stores all media on 8 drives using SMB shares
- x2 Raspberry Pi's - One connected to server via switch, the other a wireless bridge
- x1 Roku - Currently using Plex (hosted on same Windows Server, but thinking of going to Rasberry Pi if I can get this worked out
Software
- XBMC for Windows (Newest Release) - Installed locally on server to help build database
- mySQL 5.5 x64
- openElec 3.2.4 on Raspberry Pis
I'm open for any suggestions - Thanks for your help!