adding previously recorded video files

[ottoreck]

I have some shows that i recorded while i was evaluating SageTV on my prototype box. I've since movied all my hardware from that prototype box to my final box and got a new system drive and reinstalled SageTV.

Is it possible to add back the few recorded shows into this new version of SageTV so they are available to watch?

[stanger89]

The easy way is to put them somewhere accesible on the SageTV box and adding that location as a library import directory. They will then show up in the Video Library, where you can play them.

The other way is more complicated, you need to meet a few prerequisites.
1) You need to have access to the wiz.bin and sage.properies files from you previous install.
2) You need to have not used recorded with the new setup. This isn't strict, but if you do the following, anything you've recorded so far will end up in the Video Library.


If you meet 1) and optionally 2), do the following with Sage closed (not just asleep).
Copy all the recordings from your previous install to the same path on your new setup. Example:
If old files were in D:\*.mpg]
Copy them to D:\*.mpg on new setup.
Then copy the wiz.bin and sage.properties to the new setup's install dir (usually C:\Program Files\Frey Technology\SageTV\)

If you've only got a few recordings from your old install I'd go with the Library method, it's easier and maintains your fresh Sage install.

[carlgar]

Just define a Library Import directory (setup ->Detailed Setup) to where the files are, then restart SageTV. The files should then show up in the Video Library.

[pawn]

Originally posted by carlgar
Just define a Library Import directory (setup ->Detailed Setup) to where the files are, then restart SageTV. The files should then show up in the Video Library.

I notice you mention you stop and start Sage a lot to do regular setup changes, etc.. I find that putting Sage to sleep, then waking it up again accomplishes the same thing, but quicker.

[carlgar]

Originally posted by pawn
I notice you mention you stop and start Sage a lot to do regular setup changes, etc.. I find that putting Sage to sleep, then waking it up again accomplishes the same thing, but quicker.

The suggestion to restart is a carryover from a problem concerning SageTV not knowing the correct length of the programs. The post I recall stated that SageTV calculates the length on Startup. That post may have been in error, but that is why I suggested a restart.

[johnner]

OK. I've tried all this with Sage 1.4.10, and this is a HUGE problem.

I've uninstalled and reinstalled Sage 3 times. Each time, on successful install, I configure the tuners, then try Sage setup to add D:\mpeg to my library settings (for video library). When I do, Sage automatically shuts down and NEVER COMES BACK. Hence, the multiple reinstalls.

Also, I have PowerDVD installed for my DVD viewing. I want to view in Sage, but even when I point to the Cyberlink codecs, I still get the key not recognized error in Sage, just as if I'm using the default Hauppauge codecs.

THIS IS A MESS!!! EEEK!!!

I very much want to set everything so that Sage controls all the MPEG and DVD viewing. I see others have done it, and now I'm wondering who has it in for me that I can't do the same. :-)

[stanger89]

Sounds like a corrupt file in your library dir. Check for a 0 byte file.

[johnner]

You know, you might have a point there. For various reasons, I've been using PowerDVD to view Sage-recorded content. Now that I can use Sage to its fullest extent, I am trying to extend Sage's capacity in my setup. Anyway, PowerDVD drops a Default.PLS file into whatever directory it works in, which is zero-length by default.


THANK YOU. So far so good. Now we get to the wife/roomie/person-taking-up-space acceptance factor...

Stupid question: In terms of MP3s, do they have to exist in the same directory as my video library? Also, can Sage parse multiple directories?

[stanger89]

You can just add another library dir, Sage just searches them all and sorts the content for display accordingly.