Understanding pyTivo Metadata Files

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Introduction

In the world of digital media, metadata plays a crucial role in organizing and managing our video collections. pyTivo, a popular media server software, relies on metadata files to provide a seamless viewing experience. However, creating these metadata files can be a tedious task, especially when dealing with large collections. This is where pyTivoMetaGen comes in – a command-line only, cross-platform metadata generator designed specifically for pyTivo. In this article, we will delve into the world of pyTivoMetaGen, exploring its features, benefits, and usage.

What is pyTivoMetaGen?

pyTivoMetaGen is a metadata generator for pyTivo, designed to simplify the process of creating metadata files for movies and TV shows. As a command-line only tool, pyTivoMetaGen is platform-independent, making it accessible on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its primary function is to generate metadata files in the required format, which can then be used by pyTivo to provide a rich and interactive viewing experience.

Understanding pyTivo Metadata Files

Before we dive into the world of pyTivoMetaGen, it's essential to understand the basics of pyTivo metadata files. A pyTivo metadata file is a text file that must be located in the same folder as the associated video file. The file must have the same name as the video file, but with a .txt extension. For example, if you have a video file called myVideo.avi, the corresponding metadata file would be named myVideo.avi.txt.

The Role of Default Metadata Files

pyTivoMetaGen also supports the concept of default metadata files. If a metadata file named default.txt exists in a directory, the settings in it will be used as defaults for all video files within that directory. This feature allows you to set up a centralized configuration for your video collection, making it easier to manage and maintain.

Customizing Metadata Fields

When creating metadata files, you can customize the fields to include information such as:

Series Title: The title of the TV series.
Is Episode: A boolean value indicating whether the video is an episode or not.
Series ID: A unique identifier for the TV series.
Display Major Number: The display major number for the TV series.
Callsign: The callsign for the TV series.
TV Rating: The TV rating for the video.
Showing Bits: The showing bits for the video.
V Program Genre: The genre of the video program.
V Actor: The actor(s) in the video.
V Exec Producer: The executive producer(s) of the video.
V Producer: The producer(s) of the video.
V Host: The host(s) of the video.
Episode Title: The title of the episode.
Episode Number: The number of the episode.
TV Rating: The TV rating for the episode.
Showing Bits: The showing bits for the episode.
V Guest Star: The guest star(s) in the episode.

Using pyTivoMetaGen

To use pyTivoMetaGen, follow these steps:

Install pyTivoMetaGen: Download and install pyTivoMetaGen on your system.
Create a metadata file: Create a metadata file with the required fields and settings.
Run pyTivoMetaGen: Run pyTivoMetaGen from the command line, specifying the metadata file and video file as arguments.
Generate metadata: pyTivoMetaGen will generate the metadata file in the required format.

Benefits of pyTivoMetaGen

pyTivoMetaGen offers several benefits, including:

Simplified metadata creation: pyTivoMetaGen simplifies the process of creating metadata files, making it easier to manage and maintain your video collection.
Cross-platform compatibility: pyTivoMetaGen is platform-independent, making it accessible on various operating systems.
Customizable metadata fields: pyTivoMetaGen allows you to customize the metadata fields to include information relevant to your video collection.

Conclusion

Q: What is pyTivoMetaGen?

A: pyTivoMetaGen is a metadata generator for pyTivo, designed to simplify the process of creating metadata files for movies and TV shows.

Q: What is the purpose of metadata files in pyTivo?

A: Metadata files in pyTivo provide a rich and interactive viewing experience by including information such as title, genre, actors, and more.

Q: How do I use pyTivoMetaGen?

A: To use pyTivoMetaGen, follow these steps:

Install pyTivoMetaGen: Download and install pyTivoMetaGen on your system.
Create a metadata file: Create a metadata file with the required fields and settings.
Run pyTivoMetaGen: Run pyTivoMetaGen from the command line, specifying the metadata file and video file as arguments.
Generate metadata: pyTivoMetaGen will generate the metadata file in the required format.

Q: What are the benefits of using pyTivoMetaGen?

A: The benefits of using pyTivoMetaGen include:

Simplified metadata creation: pyTivoMetaGen simplifies the process of creating metadata files, making it easier to manage and maintain your video collection.
Cross-platform compatibility: pyTivoMetaGen is platform-independent, making it accessible on various operating systems.
Customizable metadata fields: pyTivoMetaGen allows you to customize the metadata fields to include information relevant to your video collection.

Q: Can I customize the metadata fields in pyTivoMetaGen?

A: Yes, pyTivoMetaGen allows you to customize the metadata fields to include information such as:

Series Title: The title of the TV series.
Is Episode: A boolean value indicating whether the video is an episode or not.
Series ID: A unique identifier for the TV series.
Display Major Number: The display major number for the TV series.
Callsign: The callsign for the TV series.
TV Rating: The TV rating for the video.
Showing Bits: The showing bits for the video.
V Program Genre: The genre of the video program.
V Actor: The actor(s) in the video.
V Exec Producer: The executive producer(s) of the video.
V Producer: The producer(s) of the video.
V Host: The host(s) of the video.
Episode Title: The title of the episode.
Episode Number: The number of the episode.
TV Rating: The TV rating for the episode.
Showing Bits: The showing bits for the episode.
V Guest Star: The guest star(s) in the episode.

Q: Can I use pyTivoMetaGen with other media servers?

A: pyTivoMetaGen is specifically designed for pyTivo, but it may be possible to use it with other media servers by modifying the metadata format.

Q: Is pyTivoMetaGen free?

A: pyTivoMetaGen is free to use, but it may be subject to certain licensing terms and conditions.

Q: Where can I get more information about pyTivoMetaGen?

A: You can get more information about pyTivoMetaGen by visiting the official pyTivo website or by contacting the pyTivo community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pyTivoMetaGen is a powerful metadata generator for pyTivo, designed to simplify the process of creating metadata files for movies and TV shows. With its cross-platform compatibility, customizable metadata fields, and simplified metadata creation process, pyTivoMetaGen is an essential tool for anyone looking to manage and maintain their video collection. By following the steps outlined in this article and by answering the frequently asked questions, you can easily get started with pyTivoMetaGen and start enjoying a rich and interactive viewing experience with pyTivo.