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    Invelos Forums->DVD Profiler: Desktop Feature Requests Page: 1 2 3 ...17  Previous   Next
Importing data from online resources like IMDB
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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Dear all,

For a long time now, I am getting more and more disappointed about the quality of DVD profiler's own database. Therefore I would like to have an option that make it possible to import the data from an other online source as for example IMDB.

Like today I needed to add 17 movies, but only 9 could be found in the database, that means that 8 I needed to enter every detail in manually. This means, that the databse has 47% missing movies to get the movies. Also often are the data, that can be found, far from complete and the back and front cover are the same. And I must say, I'm looking only for the movie details. So I select al regions and I don't care if the details are commin from a blu-ray or DVD.

The time, that DVD profilers intent (finding the movie by disc ID), as far I know it was the intent, is long gone already, because it's getting more and more only a movie database, then DVD database.
 Last edited: by Invisibleman
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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I understand that there are rules, from example IMDB, and that you can't use those data like so for an commercial database. But if DVD profiler would have the option, to import from IMDB, then DVD profiler knows that it is importing from IMDB. Because it is all arranged by DVD profiler.

And when it is known to DVD profiler, it is easy to add a note (or datafield) in DVD profiler that can not be changed by the user and that is mention the source where the data is comming from. If it knows the data is comming from IMDB, that DVD profiler then also can say, that it will not be uploaded.

If for some reason, you want to change the data and also be able to upload, you need then make a new entry for the complete movie/DVD and this you then can upload.

This way, everybody will be happy. Those who don't want those data in the database for DVD profiler and those who would like to see this option also. Also do I think, this then will make that the data stays localy as IMDB rules is saying.
 Last edited: by Invisibleman
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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And if there are any restrictions in why Invelos is not willing to do so, then I would like to hear from them and expleaning what those restrictions are and why they can't do like this.

Yes I do know there's an plugin for this, but this is double job and I have try this, but this way I did loose often those data also.

Or maybe another option would be that Invelos released the database setup, so a plugin could be created to add a movie from IMDB directly without the need of going by another external programm.

If you do or don't want this, then please also mention why or why not?
 Last edited: by Invisibleman
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLithurge
Paralysis by analysis
Registered: March 13, 2007
Posts: 1,278
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IMDB charge people to use their data. We pay a one off fee for the program, it's not practical to expect Invelos to pay the IMDB fee to use their data on this model. If they provided an official means in the program to import this data without paying the fee, whether the data is uploaded to the main database or not, they would most likely fall foul of IMDB's lawyers.

The only way it would become practical for Invelos to implement it is to obtain some form of regular fee from a significant proportion of the users.
IVS Registered: January 2, 2002
 Last edited: by Lithurge
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorParsec
Registered: June 15, 2012
Australia Posts: 428
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The problem is, you see it as a movie database whereas other people see it as a collection database. I belong to the latter group.

So, IMBD can tell me nothing about the disc or case I have in my hot little hand. It can't tell me what the audio format is or the extra features on the disc or in fact anything about the video format etc. All imdb is good for is maybe the cast and crew, and that's only if it's information is correct. And for every profile I have contributed a cast list for (and I admit that's not many), imdb has been wrong. True it can be used as a guide and I fully support this, but you really need to check it against the credits on the movie itself.

Personally I would prefer a system where once a release has been given a cast and crew list, that this list can be automatically applied to all profiles of the same movie. So that anyone submitting subsequent dvd, blu-ray, 3d or whatever profiles already has access to an approved cast/crew list. The list of course can be changed if incorrect (using the existing voting system) and there should also be cast/crew amendments possible. This could be useful for things like extended release versions etc where the cat might include more members, or even uncredited cast etc.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorNexus the Sixth
Contributor since 2002
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
Sweden Posts: 3,195
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It's the user built database that makes DVD Profiler unique and sets it apart from all the IMDb clones out there. But of course, if the users don't want to contribute to the database, it becomes less usable. So if you want a better database, I suggest you start by contributing the titles you own.
First registered: February 15, 2002
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorTheMadMartian
Alien with an attitude
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 13,201
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Lithurge and iPatsa hit the nails on the head.
No dictator, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever.
There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom.
Against this power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand.
The Centauri learned this lesson once.
We will teach it to them again.
Though it take a thousand years, we will be free.
- Citizen G'Kar
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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Quoting Lithurge:
Quote:
IMDB charge people to use their data. We pay a one off fee for the program, it's not practical to expect Invelos to pay the IMDB fee to use their data on this model. If they provided an official means in the program to import this data without paying the fee, whether the data is uploaded to the main database or not, they would most likely fall foul of IMDB's lawyers.

The only way it would become practical for Invelos to implement it is to obtain some form of regular fee from a significant proportion of the users.


Hello Lithurge,

I don't know about that. As far as I understand, is IMDB saying, that the data for free, can be used localy but not used in a commercial database. And also in an comercial data base it is possible to be used, as long as it is mentioned. And I think this is somethng Invelos can investigate and inform us thereselves.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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To Parsec,

I understand that it is a collection database, but the collection is based on DVD and therefore the most part is movie information plus some extra.

And I agree, that IMDB can't tell you what type of media you have on hand and such. But this can be added manually or a mix with DVD profiler database and/or IMDB. But all that IMDB already has, you don't need to fill in yourself. And also I agree, that IMDB will not be flawless, but so is also DVD profiler. I also have dvd's imported from DVD profiler where the actors name is misspeled and it looks like there are 2 actors, so you need to change this also. And like you I haven't contribute that much, because mostly I grab the information from DVD profiler. And the rest I take the information from IMDB and this I'm not allowed to contribute. I to be honest, I wonder how many people are using IMDB and enter those into DVD profiler and upload them anyway. But then it's being done by hand.

And a system like you disscibe, can help. But also here, I see lesser and lesser information for a movie/dvd anyway. Like I said before 47% I couldn't find informaton for anyway.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLithurge
Paralysis by analysis
Registered: March 13, 2007
Posts: 1,278
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lLink 1

You need to re-read point 3.

Profiler is a program designed to make money,  by including an official way to obtain the data invelos would fall foul off their stipulation it cannot be used for commercial use. Even where the data can only be stored locally.

Point four does not state it can be used free commercially with acknowledgement.

There is also this link 2 which makes it clear a fee is payable.
IVS Registered: January 2, 2002
 Last edited: by Lithurge
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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Quoting iPatsa:
Quote:
It's the user built database that makes DVD Profiler unique and sets it apart from all the IMDb clones out there. But of course, if the users don't want to contribute to the database, it becomes less usable. So if you want a better database, I suggest you start by contributing the titles you own.


That's my point exactlly. The database is becomming more and more useless. And I guess, that more people don't want to keep typing everything in all the time, that there are more like me, lazy if you will. But like you said, that if lesser users are contributing, then where is there a database at the end? Then it will be useless and all you have is a PC software that you can maintain yourself. And in the end will be vanished (Invelos will not update, when a new Windows or such will come out), because too less people will use it at all. Then what?
 Last edited: by Invisibleman
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantInvisibleman
Registered: March 26, 2007
Posts: 77
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Hello Lithurge,

Thanks for this information and it seems like indeed they may have to pay some fee. But how much, it is not to say. And yes, DVD profiler offers a payble but also none payble program. So maybe Invelos can investigate this and how much they have to pay.

Maybe if you compare that to their income, it will be peanuts or maybe not. I can't answer this question, because I don't know what they would need to pay and what they have on the receiving.

I know for my company, it a nice company but also not a multinational, they spend more than that on one add yearly.

And also if you compare DVD profiler with all other programm that are there, DVD profiler looks much nicer then all of them. Imagine how many new users they will get. But indeed, maybe Invelos will make this option then only for payable users.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorAddicted2DVD
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 17,330
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Ken (Invelos) has already stated he didn't want to use imdb data for DVD profiler. And I for one am thrilled about that. It is the last thing I would want. From doing the credits directly from the credits I see over and over again how inaccurate imdb actually is.... especially when it comes to the roles played.
Pete
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorParsec
Registered: June 15, 2012
Australia Posts: 428
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Hmm, quick question Invisibleman, your user profile says your collection is over 4000 strong yet you have never contributed a profile to the database. If you have had (like everyone else has at some point) to enter the profile information yourself, why haven't you then uploaded it to the database?

I suspect this is more the thing you are looking for, if more users contributed those profiles they had to fill in themselves, then your hit rate when adding new dvd's would most probably be greater.
 Last edited: by Parsec
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorLewis_Prothero
Strength Through Unity
Registered: May 19, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
Germany Posts: 6,730
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The other thing is:

If IMDb really is that great
and you are using DVD-Profiler only to keep track of the films you own.

Then: Why don't you simply become premium member there?
OK, the collection wouldn't have a local component, but since you'd have cloud-features from any device with Internet access that shouldn't be that much of a problem.
It all seems so stupid, it makes me want to give up!
But why should I give up, when it all seems so stupid?


Registrant since 05/22/2003
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorKulju
Registered: March 14, 2007
Finland Posts: 2,337
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Quoting Invisibleman:
Quote:

I understand that it is a collection database, but the collection is based on DVD and therefore the most part is movie information plus some extra.

Not true. I did a quick and rough calculation and one DVDP profile contains ~9 fields about the movie itself and ~25 fields that are related to that particular release. Some fields I counted as "neutral". So, this is a Collector program, not movie db.
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