Overview

My Films supports multiple databases, or multiple configs (like profiles) for the same database.

Multiple Databases

You may use as many databases as you wish in MyFilms, such as one for Movies, another for Documentaries, another for home videos, or even a separate database for Adult films.

Simply use the Setup Wizard to create a separate config for each database you have or create.

Then you may use all the features described below for Multiple Configs.

When to use Multiple databases? 

1. If you already have multiple databases it is likely easier to keep them separate.
2. If you do not need or wish to 'grab' movie data for some films such as home movies or documentaries that do not have data on most websites.
3. If you wish to manage different databases separately in your movie catalog software.
4. If your data is not structured in a way to easily 'filter' the data for each Config, for example if you have no way to easily find all documentaries, or all adult films. See PIN Protection for more details on the pros and cons of using multiple databases vs filters to protect or control access to some films.

Multiple configs

You may keep all your films and videos in one database, and create separate Configs for the same database. Configs are somewhat like Profiles, and can be used to:

• filter each config to display only specific movies, such as documentaries, children's films, home videos, adult films, etc. (see Filters Setup for details)
• select different grabber scripts, or even different methods for importing data (example, do not grab data from the web for home videos, but just import the files)
• select different options for different users, such as different display items, views, start options etc.
• password protect each config separately
• display different artwork (covers, fanart, etc)
• keep track of who has watched or rated films separately (see Multiple Users). Although you can also do this with a single config, creating a separate config allows you to filter it and sync only some movies to Trakt if you enable Trakt for your config (see Trakt Setup under Multi-User Setup for details). In addition, if you use a centralized database in a network setup you can set separate users for each client and keep their 'plays' and ratings separate.

 Tip: You may use different configs with any catalog type, even for External Catalogs if you have multiple databases, or choose to export different  movies to different XML export.files.

Setup multiple configs or databases

Whether you use multiple databases, or multiple configs for the same database, the only difference is the Catalog File (XML) you select in Setup on the General tab:

• multiple configs - select the same XML catalog file for each config
• multiple databases - select a different catalog XML file for each config

Use the Setup Wizard to create as many Configs as you wish and select options the same as you would for a single Config.

If you customize many settings and wish to use those for another config/database, you can Copy the config and modify a few settings if required (such as the catalog XML if it is a separate database).

Access different configs/databases within MyFilms

Choose MyFilms DB/Confg

Once you have created multiple configs, either for the same or different databases, you do not need to exit My Films or MediaPortal to access them. You can simply switch databases/configs:

1. Use the left arrow key to access the My Films Menu
2. Select Options
3. Select Choose MyFilms DB/Config
4. Select the Config/DB you created in Setup

Display a Config Menu 

You may choose to display the Config Menu whenever you start My Films.  

1. Go to My Films Setup General tab
2. Select the option 'Always Display Config Menu'

Each time you start My Films, the Menu/list of your Configs will display. This is the same menu that displays if you use the Options Menu > Choose MyFilms DB/Config described above.

As of v 6.0.0, when you press Esc/Back you will return to your Config menu before exiting My Films, 

Note:  You cannot select a Default Configuration when you choose to display the Config Menu.

Add to Basic Home

If you use a skin that offers a Basic Home Editor you can use the Start Params button in the above screenshot to generate startup (hyperlink) parameters for your config or database and add links for each of your databases or configs, to your Basic Home menu. See Hyperlink Parameters for more details.

Security

Use the Security settings on the General Tab in Setup to password protect a Config - either different configs for the same database or for different databases:

• Password - Enter a password to protect this configuration.
• Repeat - to confirm the password.

Note: Security settings are per Config, some may be password protected and some not. 

See PIN Protection for further info.

Related

• Setup Guides