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    Invelos Forums->DVD Profiler: Contribution Discussion Page: 1 2  Previous   Next
Is someone trying to kill off DVD Profiler?  New contributions seem to be declined for no reason
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DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantDieReinkarnation
Registered: June 10, 2007
Posts: 8
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I have an ever growing stack of nearly 100 movies I can not add to my DVD Profiler by UPC and many by DiscID because they are not in the system.  When I add them by copying similar copies of titles, provided scans of the new covers.  Links to the blu-ray.com for the same UPC code they are declined with a generic statement:

"

Sources for one or more of the changes and/or additions were not submitted. Please include the sources for your changes in the contribution notes, especially for cast and crew additions."

Except for I provided sources, images, updated disc-ids, and made absolutely no changes to cast or crew.  And no request for more information or easy ability to resubmit.  I have submitted changes before without issue.  I want to file these away but I can't until they are in the database so I don't lose track of them.  Should I be using a different program such Collectorz? 

It is frustrating enough that almost every title I own now prompts me to download child profiles for a boxset, for items that are not box sets.  Somehow those get approved.  Even though they are the exact same movie and just multiple discs such as UHD, 3D, Bluray, and DVD of the EXACT SAME MOVIE which by everything I have read and other forums posts on here are NOT box sets.  Instead they should just be additional discs in the same movie .  The software is very behind on technology and can't let me identify newer audio formats.  The approval process is apparently a joke.  Not even the hint of an update to the program in over a year.  It all screams that they want to kill it off.  Am I wrong?
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorAddicted2DVD
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 17,334
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When you copy info from one UPC to another (especially cast and crew) You must give the screeners the UPC number of the one you copied. If not they will be declined. This is what it sounds like you are doing wrong in your notes.

What you talk about on box sets... these are correct per the rules. Combo packs get a profile per format per rules. From the rules...

Quote:
Sets containing the same film on multiple media types (such as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack) are to be entered as a normal profile for the main media type (Blu-ray in this example), with all included media types checked. A combo which includes HD media (HD-DVD, Blu-ray) as well as DVD should use the details from the HD media in the main profile. However, you may add an additional profile by Disc ID for the DVD content and add this profile to the Box Set contents for the Blu-ray profile.
Pete
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantGrendell
One disc at a time...
Registered: May 8, 2007
United States Posts: 823
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DVD Profiler used to be huge, there was WAY more activity on the forums, in contributions, etc. It's now at a fraction of what it once was. And I believe the OP has listed some of the reasons. 
99.9% of all cat plans consist only of "Step 1."
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorscotthm
Registered: March 20, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 2,851
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Quoting DieReinkarnation:
Quote:
Not even the hint of an update to the program in over a year.  It all screams that they want to kill it off.  Am I wrong?

Absolutely!  There was a clear hint of an upcoming update as recently as March of this year. 

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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributor69samael69
Registered: April 1, 2007
Canada Posts: 185
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Is the OP poster located in Canada by chance? There is a growing trend where the Canadian release has a differing UPC, especially for BD.  I think this was less common say, 5 years ago. I know I have to create a lot more profiles for new releases than I did years ago. These are typically, for Canadian versions with bilingual sleeves. Special features are typically the same, but they also have different audio/subtitle tracks, i.e. English/French, so the disk ID is also different. Typically the Canadian versions eventually get added, but the uptake is a lot slower than American versions.

I've tried other collector programs to test them as I was having similar frustrations with missing profiles and for the ones I tried, their databases are typically less complete than DVD Profiler, at least for the stuff I'm adding and I'd bet good money a lot of the really old stuff is missing.

For DVD/BD combo packs, the solution is easy, I only assign a number to the parent profile. That way it only gets counted once. Who cares if it has child profiles.

As for new updates...what would you have them add? I'm all for updates, but updates just for the sake of it, seem pointless. I do expect we'll see an update soon to cover UHD 4K disks and their related audio formats. Other than larger cover scans though, there's not a lot I'd really want. About the only other thing I could think of is that I would like a better layout editor. When creating new alternate versions, it would be nice to be able to copy all cast AND crew at the same time or both cover scans at the same time for box set entries, but these are only small QOL enhancements and not really worth a full blown release. Personally, one thing I would love is to have an option for VHS.
 Last edited: by 69samael69
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorgreyghost
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Highest Rating
United States Posts: 1,439
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"it would be nice to be able to copy all cast AND crew at the same time or both cover scans at the same time for box set entries"

This is already included with the profile (DVD) copy and paste.

Do a copy profile, then paste only the portion needed (cast and crew) (cover images).

Select source profile, click DVD on the menu line, select Copy.
Select target profile, click DVD on the menu line, select Paste.

Place check in front of the needed items, select OK.
Registered: February 10, 2002
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributor69samael69
Registered: April 1, 2007
Canada Posts: 185
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Quoting greyghost:
Quote:
"it would be nice to be able to copy all cast AND crew at the same time or both cover scans at the same time for box set entries"

This is already included with the profile (DVD) copy and paste.

Do a copy profile, then paste only the portion needed (cast and crew) (cover images).

Select source profile, click DVD on the menu line, select Copy.
Select target profile, click DVD on the menu line, select Paste.

Place check in front of the needed items, select OK.


Ahhh OK...nice. I'll check it out, thanks
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorrdodolak
Registered: March 18, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
United States Posts: 1,639
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Quoting 69samael69:
Quote:
As for new updates...what would you have them add?


For starters, UHD BD support, new audio track formats, proper handling of re-releases with same UPC, proper handling of multiple disc releases within one profile, proper handling of episodes (descriptions, running times, marking of individual episodes as watched), larger cover image support, better support for digital copies (type [iTunes, UV, PC, Google Play, etc.], expiration dates), codecs, bit rates, and many other smaller improvements.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributor69samael69
Registered: April 1, 2007
Canada Posts: 185
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Quoting rdodolak:
Quote:
Quoting 69samael69:
Quote:
As for new updates...what would you have them add?


For starters, UHD BD support, new audio track formats, proper handling of re-releases with same UPC, proper handling of multiple disc releases within one profile, proper handling of episodes (descriptions, running times, marking of individual episodes as watched), larger cover image support, better support for digital copies (type [iTunes, UV, PC, Google Play, etc.], expiration dates), codecs, bit rates, and many other smaller improvements.


I did mention UHD BD support and new audio track formats. In my over 2000 DVD/BDs, I don't ever remember coming across a re-release with the same UPC. I don't mind how multiple disk releases work now, nor do I mind how multiple titles per disk works. Digital copies, it was no more intended for this purpose than it was intended for VHS...in fact, at least VHS has a UPC for the database to key on, and it saddens me that support was never added.

Adding support for digital copies isn't an added feature, it's a core functionality change that I don't blame then if they don't want to get in to it. There are hundreds of combinations of audio/video codecs out there, then the hosted services, like iTunes and Google Play and Sony, etc. How does one even begin to index that and fit it within the existing hierarchy. How does or can Invelos validate the entry? What happens when Google Play loses the distribution rights on a given title? This type of entry would muddy the DB and really should be separate software. DVD Profiler should to stick to physical media as it's sole supported type, but, if you wanted to enter them as local profiles, wouldn't a combination of flags and profile notes achieve what you're after? For locally stored media files, I highly recommend PLEX!! It does pretty much everything you're after, and more.

As for TV Episodes, are you wanting a profile per episode, similar to disks with multiple movies? While I wouldn't be against this, it seems like and awful lot of extra work for little gain and a massive backlog to enter. Wouldn't it be just as easy to add a note to the parent profile? Either way it's a manual step. I don't use the built in watched by functionality. I use flags. Gives me more versatility for filtering on selected people.
 Last edited: by 69samael69
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantFloorwalker
Dona Nobis Pacem
Registered: March 16, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
United States Posts: 943
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Quoting scotthm:
Quote:
Quoting DieReinkarnation:
Quote:
Not even the hint of an update to the program in over a year.  It all screams that they want to kill it off.  Am I wrong?

Absolutely!  There was a clear hint of an upcoming update as recently as March of this year. 

---------------


And here we are in mid-September.  And nothing. Squat. A great program with no clear sign of support.
Just in from somewhere left of the middle of nowhere
The Holy See  
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantLowpro
Registered: March 14, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 299
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To be honest, given the lifetime license model and the fact I bought this application during the early days of the DVD format, considering this I'm surprised we've seen the number of updates over the years that we have.  I'll certainly welcome any updates that are provided in the future, but feel no way entitled to them.  In fact, I don't even feel entitled at this point to online database access short of a subscription fee being introduced.  For those who haven't owned this application for as long as I have I can certainly understand the disappointment though when long periods of time go by between program updates.
My DVD/Blu-ray Collection
 Last edited: by Lowpro
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributor69samael69
Registered: April 1, 2007
Canada Posts: 185
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Quoting Lowpro:
Quote:
To be honest, given the lifetime license model and the fact I bought this application during the early days of the DVD format, considering this I'm surprised we've seen the number of updates over the years that we have.  I'll certainly welcome any updates that are provided in the future, but feel no way entitled to them.  In fact, I don't even feel entitled at this point to online database access short of a subscription fee being introduced.  For those who haven't owned this application for as long as I have I can certainly understand the disappointment though when long periods of time go by between program updates.


Yes, I'm in the same boat as you. Been around since the early days and version 1.0, when it was still Intervocative rather than Invelos, the split and the new software. The update cycles were more frequent in those days, when the software was young and immature, but still, for a lifetime license, I don't expect top tier support. On the other hand, as crass as it may sound, I probably would switch to something else if they went to a subscription model. I know they'll add support for 4k stuff and related audio formats eventually, which is really the only update the software NEEDS at the moment, and when I start getting them I'll just use BluRay for the time being and add a flag so I can go back and update them later...and if an update never comes, as long as the DB stays alive, the flag will keep 4k stuff identified.

All that said, it would be nice if someone from Invelos would chime in and speak to the rumors. 
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantMark Harrison
I like IMDB
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 3,321
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Quoting Floorwalker:
Quote:
A great program with no clear sign of support.


None of us like that.  We all wish Ken would keep us more up to date.

With that said, this is nothing new.  We see the same sentiments every year.  People come along and feel the program is dying.  It will eventually.  Maybe this is that point.  But historically speaking, this isn't a big deal.  Ken moves at his own pace and we find out about it when we find out about it.  Having been a user for many, many years, I have no doubt we'll see another update eventually.
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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorwidescreenforever
Under A Double DoubleW
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
Canada Posts: 5,494
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If it ain't broke ......  etc ..
In the 60's, People took Acid to make the world Weird. Now the World is weird and People take Prozac to make it Normal.

Terry
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorscotthm
Registered: March 20, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 2,851
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Quoting 69samael69:
Quote:
I know they'll add support for 4k stuff and related audio formats eventually, which is really the only update the software NEEDS at the moment, and when I start getting them I'll just use BluRay for the time being and add a flag so I can go back and update them later...

Or you could just create a custom media type, which is how I keep track of my (few) VHS tapes and growing number of digital media files.

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DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantMuerz
Registered: May 18, 2007
Luxembourg Posts: 7
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OP is right, the program isn't as powerful as it once was simply because the community feels a bit ignored and won't invest time in keeping the profiles up-to-date anymore. I honestly believe that the contribution rules system has to do with it as some users are frustrated about arbitrary rejections.

Even the German community which used to be really powerful and accurate on this site won't invest time anymore to create good profiles of blockbuster DVD releases. Surely, the DVD is dying but it is nevertheless telling a lot...
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