Welcome to the Invelos forums. Please read the forum rules before posting.

Read access to our public forums is open to everyone. To post messages, a free registration is required.

If you have an Invelos account, sign in to post.

    Invelos Forums->General: Website Discussion Page: 1 2 3  Previous   Next
Congratulations...for the most part.
Author Message
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantRazrslash
Registered: September 30, 2008
Posts: 6
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
I'm sure it's no news to people here that DVDSpot is shutting down. I'm sure that name is taboo here. At any rate, I was devastated.  DVDSpot was all I knew. Well, I did know that DVDAF was just horrible, but 'knew' in the sense that I was used to the interface.

So I searched for an alternative, and it boiled down to the fact there arent a whole lotta credible profilers in the grind. I downloaded DVD Profiler and gave it a shot. At first I didn't like it, like most new things that are foreign to me. After about 20 minutes of tinkering, I saw the brilliance. I was so impressed I grabbed the registered version within the first 24 hours of trying it out(Okay, so partly because my collection is pushing 500). I gotta say: I love it.

Well, the software portion. The other night I decided to make things official and put it online.

In short, I almost dookied me a shooter. How in God's great earth can a software interface look so beautiful and it's online counterpart look completely and utterly horrifying? This looks like a Geocities website I made when I was 10. Am I missing something here? Is there some secret 'skins' option I'm missing? As much as I have company over to my place *cough cough,* most of my DVD viewing done by my peers will be done over the internet. And what better way to say unofficial than a framed layout with some hideous aqua-blue background with no depth.

In short, Congratulations on pulling me in from a competitor. I'm sure you guys will be seeing a lot more of us former DVDSpotters in the next few weeks. But please, please tell me that the online viewing portion is under some heavy redesigning, or that I'm just software ignorant.
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNewEnglander
Registered: 11/13/2003
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
United States Posts: 1,911
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Welcome aboard!

We're expecting an update to the online portion which will be called "DVD POP". It looks to be a reasonably priced subscription service that will be a major overhaul of the current online system. It is believed to be released at the same time the current beta goes final, along with a new version of DVD Profiler Mobile.
Signature banned: Reason out of date...
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorArdos
Registered: July 31, 2008
Reputation: High Rating
United Kingdom Posts: 2,506
Posted:
PM this userDirect link to this postReply with quote
First of all, welcome! 

Regarding the online functions, it is a bit lacking at the moment although there are rumours that improvements are being worked on but nothing has been confirmed or denied.

There is an unofficial system available called phpDVDProfiler. I've not used it myself but have seen some from those who do & it does seem better. You do need somewhere to host it though & a knowledge of php.

Again welcome

Edit: For an example of phpDVDProfiler, I've just found this link - http://www.dvdalistic.com/phpdvdprofiler/
 Last edited: by Ardos
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantMark Harrison
I like IMDB
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
United States Posts: 3,321
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userVisit this user's homepageView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Razrslash:
Quote:
And what better way to say unofficial than a framed layout with some hideous aqua-blue background with no depth.


You missed the Plum Peachy color scheme?

Hopefully the new product under development will be a MAJOR overhaul.  The online portion is the only reason I still update my collection elsewhere.
Get the CSVExport and Database Query plug-ins here.
Create fake parent profiles to organize your collection.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantRazrslash
Registered: September 30, 2008
Posts: 6
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Thanks for the welcomes. It is nice to hear that the issue is being remedied, although I'm not too crazy about the whole subscription thing (Let's be honest, who would?). I realize webspace isn't free, I guess I just can't fathom the thought that collections would take up that much space, considering most of the information is a mirror to that already compiled in the online database.

I guess the next question would be, whenever this DVD POP comes out, will there still be free webspace for us lowly people that like to keep some extra cash in our pockets? As I understand, it seems like DVD POP is still in development, so maybe this question doesnt even have an answer yet.

I would, however, if by any stretch of imagination, like to see at least some minor changes to the 'free' interface that stands now. (If DVD POP will be an addition rather than an over-write of the current online system).  I bought the software, but I might not be so quick to jump on some subscription service. I guess the part that gets me is the whole 'continual payment' psychology. Those 2 words just never sit right with me.

So, throw my name in the hat that says interface changes for free! Hoo-rah? I'm cheap, give me a break.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributortweeter
I aim to misbehave
Registered: June 12, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
United States Posts: 2,665
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Razrslash:
Quote:
I realize webspace isn't free, I guess I just can't fathom the thought that collections would take up that much space, considering most of the information is a mirror to that already compiled in the online database.

Most of the textual information won't take up much space.  But if the DVD POP allows me to upload my own cover scans at the resolution i use locally that will be greater than 2GB for 1000 profiles...and growing!
Bad movie?  You're soaking in it!
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantRazrslash
Registered: September 30, 2008
Posts: 6
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Let's be honest, the most fun part of compiling our collections is seeing those cover scans. If I wanted to catalog my collection with text, I'd crack open MS Word and copy & paste IMDb info. Text is boring. Cover art is more easily recognizable and tells you a lot about the movie (Judge a movie by it's cover, if you will). At the end of the day, my satisfaction of this program is seeing all my DVD covers together, united as one! (/lame). But seriously, it's freakin' awesome and gives me some sort of weird satisfaction that I collect waaaay too many DVDs.

Now I'm not an expert of webspace, actually far from it. But, couldn't something as simple as hotlinking the cover images cut down on the space used? I guess then the problem would switch over to bandwidth usage, but what do I know? I'm gonna take for granted the solution is that simple, because I'm naive.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantAstrakan
Registered: Feb 12, 2000
Registered: March 28, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
Canada Posts: 1,299
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Razrslash:
Quote:
Thanks for the welcomes. It is nice to hear that the issue is being remedied, although I'm not too crazy about the whole subscription thing (Let's be honest, who would?)...

I just want to reiterate the PHP alternatives to the "official" online listing:

They are:
phpDVDProfiler

or

phpMyProfiler

And here's examples of what those alternatives can do:

phpDVDProfiler: http://www.dvdalistic.com/phpdvdprofiler/

phpMyProfiler: http://demo.phpmyprofiler.de/

I don't use either, but it's my understanding they can both be customized quite heavily to suit your own preferences. Have a look at the first two links above for more info on either.

As for it being a subscription service... this is the first I hear of it, but I sometimes don't keep up on this stuff. NewEnglander, do you have a link to where Ken states it will be a subscription service?

KM
Tags, tags, bo bags, banana fana fo fags, mi my mo mags, TAGS!
Dolly's not alone. You can also clone profiles.
You've got questions? You've got answers? Take the DVD Profiler Wiki for a spin.
 Last edited: by Astrakan
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantAstrakan
Registered: Feb 12, 2000
Registered: March 28, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
Canada Posts: 1,299
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Razrslash:
Quote:
Now I'm not an expert of webspace, actually far from it. But, couldn't something as simple as hotlinking the cover images cut down on the space used?

Yeah, and I'm sure that's what will happen if we only get to use the default covers. But what tweeter is saying is that if we're allowed to upload our own custom scans, then it's a different ballgame altogether.

Bottom line is that not too much info has been released about the new online portion. Until Ken gives us more information most of what we have to say will be speculation.

KM
Tags, tags, bo bags, banana fana fo fags, mi my mo mags, TAGS!
Dolly's not alone. You can also clone profiles.
You've got questions? You've got answers? Take the DVD Profiler Wiki for a spin.
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNewEnglander
Registered: 11/13/2003
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: High Rating
United States Posts: 1,911
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Astrakan:
Quote:
Quoting Razrslash:
Quote:
Thanks for the welcomes. It is nice to hear that the issue is being remedied, although I'm not too crazy about the whole subscription thing (Let's be honest, who would?)...



As for it being a subscription service... this is the first I hear of it, but I sometimes don't keep up on this stuff. NewEnglander, do you have a link to where Ken states it will be a subscription service?

KM


If I recall correctly, the first time Online Profiler Plus was ever brought up, a bunch of us were having a private chat with Ken (Mr. Cole) at the old site (Intervocative.com) and he mentioned that it would be a subscription service and it would not be too expensive. We (Not Mr. Cole) were thinking that it would most likely be a yearly fee of maybe $10 if not silghtly higher.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize, DVD Profiler has a lot (I mean a lot) of premium users. Ken has always told us that "Space is not an issue". With what I want to think Ken would be adding to a plus version of the online (which would keep the regular version there for the non-payers, with hopefully some tweaking) would be a lot of customizational options.

Some things that I would expect to be added to a plus version would be:

1. More skins ( or color schemes )
2. Improved box set handling ( Well, it'd have to be as there is none now )

Of course, now I am drawing blanks. Maybe we can get Ken to give us his thoughts if we threaten to play more ABBA
Signature banned: Reason out of date...
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantRazrslash
Registered: September 30, 2008
Posts: 6
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
I guess I did forget to touch base on the alternatives to the official online catalog. I appreciate the links. As it stands, phpDVDProfiler looks to be a keeper. Almost exactly what I was looking for, with the exception of one facet. I already mentioned I was cheap; is it too late to say I'm also lazy?

Convenience is really what I was addressing. While I probably will go to an alternative source if an effective, official interface isn't introduced, it pains me (sorry for the redundancy hereafter)  to see such aesthetically pleasing software coupled with inferior site design. I guess that whenever I purchased the registered version I assumed the online portion would be evenly balanced. I'm far from angry or regretful of my purchase, don't get me wrong.

And for the second part of your post Astrakan, I'm not sure I understand uploading custom scans. I know this is going to sound degrading, but it's not: Why would anyone want to upload custom scans? Wouldn't people want the official covers of the DVDs they own? I'm failing to see the merit in custom scan uploads. When you say custom, I seem to think of someone crudely drawing a cover with some Crayons and glitter-glue (< Ok, so that's a bit degrading).
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorWinston Smith
Don't be discommodious
Registered: March 13, 2007
United States Posts: 21,610
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
AS has been mentioned there ar changes coming to the Online interface of some form. The existing interface has been around for a LOOOOOONG time, it is a little long in the tooth. However, it is also good to remember that our Online serves a totally different function from what you are used to. Being a two level system, Online coupled to Local Software, the Online serves as a repository dor data following specific Rules froim which we can download said data and then customize it LOCALLY to meet our specific requirements, since no two users have exactly the same parameters for what they want out of the Program.

Skip
ASSUME NOTHING!!!!!!
CBE, MBE, MoA and proud of it.
Outta here

Billy Video
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorsurfeur51
Since July 3, 2003
Registered: March 29, 2007
Reputation: Great Rating
France Posts: 4,479
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting skipnet50:
Quote:
....Being a two level system, Online coupled to Local Software, the Online serves as a repository dor data following specific Rules froim which we can download said data and then customize it LOCALLY to meet our specific requirements, since no two users have exactly the same parameters for what they want out of the Program.


As Skip says very rightly, everyone may customize his local database, so the online system is not so important. In fact, I even don't use it in the form it is, with rules that don't fit everyone's taste, and it's not a problem for me.

dvdprofiler is , as long as I compared with other programs, by far the best program to profile movies on DVDs or blu-rays, even without the online part.
Images from movies
 Last edited: by surfeur51
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorruineddaydreams
Registered: Dec. 2, 2002
Registered: March 14, 2007
United States Posts: 1,338
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Welcome Razr,

      The truth is that no one really knows exactly what Profiler Online Plus is going to cost or do... all we know is that the concept has been around for years, and that it is about to come to fruition.

      The subscription may seem a bit much to you now... but please realize that many of us have been with this program for 5+ years... and have only paid $25 (then) for it, and have gotten all the updates, new features, etc etc... I personally feel I owe it to Ken (the owner / creator) to purchase something else from him so that I can continue to support the company.
-JoN
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorNadja
Small and broken
Registered: March 13, 2007
United Kingdom Posts: 775
Posted:
PM this userView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Am I the only one who had never heard of DVDspot before this week?
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorMithi
Sushi Annihilator
Registered: March 13, 2007
Reputation: Superior Rating
Germany Posts: 2,216
Posted:
PM this userEmail this userVisit this user's homepageView this user's DVD collectionDirect link to this postReply with quote
Quoting Nadja:
Quote:
Am I the only one who had never heard of DVDspot before this week?

Yes!
I checked it out a while a go, but for one reason or another never got back to it.
Maybe there was no added value to DVD Profiler for me or it was to USA-centric for my needs (as one online system that I tried was).

I'm more than content with Profiler & phpDVDProfiler

cya, Mithi
Mithi's little XSLT tinkering - the power of XML --- DVD-Profiler Mini-Wiki
    Invelos Forums->General: Website Discussion Page: 1 2 3  Previous   Next