Import existing shows into NextPVR Database

[wayloncovil]

I've been using Emby as my DVR for the last year and I want to try the new version of NextPVR. (To be clear, I'm not wanting to use NextPVR in conjunction with Emby at this time.)
I have many shows recorded that I'd like to add to the NextPVR database.

I've looked around the forum and the Internet and I see vidimport.exe mentioned. I gave that a try but received the following error:
Unhandled Exception: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. at videoImport.Program.Main(String[] args)

It seems like vidimport.exe should do what I need. Is it still the preferred solution?

Alternatively...
Emby has .nfo files associated with each .ts file. These .nfo files contain a bunch of metadata associated with each show. I suppose it's feasible to traverse my recordings directory and extract the relevant data for each tv show and compile the import file that NextPVR needs to add the shows to the database. Any thoughts on what programming method would be optimal in doing something like this?

Thanks, everyone!

[Graham]

I have many shows recorded that I'd like to add to the NextPVR database.

I've looked around the forum and the Internet and I see vidimport.exe mentioned. I gave that a try but received the following error:

How did you record the shows that you are trying to add to the NextPVR database?

Vidimport was written to be used with NextPVR V4. The long way round might be to install NextPVR V4, use Vidimport to get shows into the V4 database, remove V4 but save the database, use the V4 database in V5.

Edit: I have just noticed your forum join date so I guess that you used NextPVR V4 to record shows. Do you still have the V4 database becasue it can be used with V5 ... Try copying the V4 database into the V5 data folder ... https://github.com/sub3/NextPVR/wiki/components ... Alternatively, Export Recordings in V4 Settings and Import Recordings in V5 Settings.

[mvallevand]

If you can provide me access to your library.db from Emby via OneDrive Goggle Drive etc I can see what I can do.

Martin.

[wayloncovil]

@Graham, thanks for your post. These were recorded in Emby so I can't do an expert from an earlier version of NextPVR. Thank you for your ideas!

@mvallevand
I see where you're going with this - database extract from Emby and write to NextPVR? Let me give this a try since I need to brush up on my XML and database skills anyway.
I took a look at npvr.db3. Would I be correct in assuming that if I were able to extract the data from the Emby database and format it correctly, writing the data to the SCHEDULED_RECORDING table would be the correct approach?
It looks like event_details is where XML data of the existing Emby recording would need to go, correct?
Is there any documentation surrounding the XML in event_details? Meaning, what elements are available, etc? I'm wondering if there are more elements available than what I'm seeing in my existing recordings in NextPVR. I'm also wondering which element defines the TV show series and the title. If I were to guess, I'm thinking the UniqueID is one of these?
Are there any write ups on NextPVR's database that might help me move ahead here?
Thanks!

[sub]

No, there is no documentation on the database.

Try doing a recording, then export it in the Setting screen, to give you an example file to work with. copy the file and fill with your own xml, filling in the fields you have, the import it.

You don’t have to populate the oid fields. Most of the others should be self explanatory.

[mvallevand]

It would be easier for me to write the import from Emby then it would be to document it if you want to send me the library.db. I wouldn't bother with the xml file.

After this is done, I'd be happy to share the code.

Martin

[wayloncovil]

It would be easier for me to write the import from Emby then it would be to document it if you want to send me the library.db.  I wouldn't bother with the xml file.

After this is done, I'd be happy to share the code.

Martin

Thanks, Martin.
I've sent you a PM with a link to the database.
Much appreciated.

[mvallevand]

I will have a look tomorrow thanks.

Martin

[mvallevand]

It was a pretty trivial conversion. I hoped your Emby database might have had more information from schedules direct or TMS to prevent duplicates in NextPVR but I don't see that.

Martin