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    Next step in setting up external DVD library, please

    Ok, I've gotten some great tips on how to use DVDfab here, but now I'm just about ready to actually set up my external DVD library.

    I have purchased DVDfab, have a 1TB Western Digital Harddrive and my Argosy Media Player is on its way to me as I type this.

    My problem is, I have several complete seasons of TV shows on DVD that my family and I watch regularly and I'm trying to figure out the best way to set up this "library". Typically, if we put in a disc, we just "play all" - it's very rare that we just want to see a specific episode. BUT, if I just copy the entire disc, I'm worried about it taking up way too much space on my harddrive. However, if I copy the episodes individually, it'll take forever. I understand there's a way to "copy the main movie", but will we still have "chapters"? Say, we didn't want to watch one episode and wanted to skip to the next one on that disc - will we be able to do that without manually fast-forwarding?

    And, what type of file extension do I need to use for the Argosy to be able to recognize and play? How do I do that? Do I copy the main movie/disc/individual episodes and then convert or rip them? I'm so lost...

    #2
    This is what I think you should be doing for the Argosy.

    Producing MKV files of each episode using DVD Ripper. These will turn out at about 400Mb for a 40 min episode.

    Then you structure the library in directories and name the files like this:-

    TV Series\NCIS\NCIS S08\NCIS S08E01 - NCIS S08EXX

    This will give you the best of both worlds. Each episode will play consecutively or you can watch all, or individually while saving space.

    My good friend, Maineman may like to comment as he has an Argosy.
    "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

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      #3
      great, thanks, gregiboy! Unfortunately, now I have to put this project on hold because my trial of dvd ripper has expired and I can't buy it right now.

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        #4
        Ok, I've got my Argosy Media Player all hooked up and I thought I would just see how the movies and TV shows that I shrunk for my cell phone would look (mp4's) and, suprisingly, they look pretty darned good.

        I've noticed something, though: When watching a movie, whenever a new chapter starts, the player displays the chapter number at the bottom of the TV screen. Is there any way to turn this feature off? I really don't need to know what chapter we're watching.

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          #5
          What model Argosy did you purchase?
          I don't see how this is a function controlled by the Argosy.
          There is limited functionality via the remote...at least with my HV335T.

          Is the chapter number the only data displayed?

          You can toggle the 'info" button on and off via the Argosy remote.
          The data should be displayed on the top of the screen.

          What are you viewing the files on?...TV?
          Are you able to control the info displayed via the tv remote?

          Is this chapter info reproduced when played back from your phone, pc ?

          Too bad your trial ran out and you can't do any additional conversions until you purchase the module
          If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

          You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and... blow. | Lauren Bacall | "To Have and Have Not" (1944).

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            #6
            I can't remember which model I bought, but it was $89 from Amazon. I haven't tried the info button while something is playing, but I did notice a pattern last night. The displaying of chapters only happens in movies that I copied when I was still using trial version of DVDfab, so I'm going to try to copy another one tonight (now that I'm a paying user) and see if that's where the problem originated.

            While we're on the subject of "info", is there a way that I can type in the synopsis for each episode, so if we want to know which one it is we can just press the info button for that episode?

            I'll post results about the chapter display mystery when I find out.

            Thanks!
            Last edited by skatterbrane; 12-09-2010, 06:28 PM. Reason: added "info" question

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              #7
              Ok, I figured out that it was a setting I had checked in another program that I use to format movies for my phone. Once I unchecked it, everything was fine.

              Any info on my "info question" above?

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                #8
                If the Argosy is a Realtek or Sigma based chipset, I would suggest NOT !!!

                I think you are expecting too much from a media player and I regard that sort of crap unnecessary as it dilutes development on the core product which is to PLAY MEDIA CORRECTLY.....
                "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

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                  #9
                  Ok, thanks, Gregiboy - not a big deal. I just thought it would be cool, if possible.

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