My Movies for Windows Home Server
Posted on 15. Nov, 2009 by Terry Walsh in Media
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Experience Level: Standard
My Movies for Windows Home Server provides automated disc copying of Audio CD’s and movies from internal or USB attached optical drives, adding meta-data to copied discs, or movies already stored on the server by monitoring your movie folders.
Audio CD’s can be copied to various formats such as Flac, MP3, MP3hd and WMA, or a combination of two formats if you prefer a high quality lossless file as well as a small lossy file for mobile usage. Meta-data is downloaded from multiple internet data providers, and embedded into the files with both data and cover art, allowing you to browse and play the files from units such as Squeezeboxes, Media Centers, mobile devices and similar.
Movies, (DVD, Blu-ray and HD-DVD’s) are copied* to ISO or file format, or DVD’s to MPEG-2 format for Media Center extenders. Meta-data is downloaded and added from My Movies own Web service, and stored in the folders, making the data available for Media Center’s DVD/Movie library, XBMC, TViX, Netgear EVA, Dune, Popcorn Hour and other units or movie front-ends.
Movies already stored on your Windows Home Server are identified by the monitoring feature, and meta-data is added automatically. Downloaded meta-data is in the same way as when copying a disc made available to many different playback units and movie front-ends.
Should you need to edit the meta-data, the data for Audio CD’s can be edited directly from the server console, while movie data can be edited by connecting a My Movies Client, or changed to other titles if needed.
* Due to legality in several countries, My Movies does not backup copy protected discs. Users in countries that allow circumventing copy protections when backing up their movies can install SlySoft AnyDVD or AnyDVD HD directly from the console, to remove these copy protections.
Developer: Brian Binnerup
More Info: Download | Support Forum | Review
Release History
1.50 Build 9 (9th November 2009)
- Update: Minor changes to shared files between My Movies for WHS and My Movies for WMC
- Fix: Issue with Blu-ray copying where UDF driver broke
1.50 Build 4 (20th May 2009)
- Added: Configuration and Storage of backdrops, by moving meta-data storage to own settings tab
- Change: DVD library Connector renamed to Media Center MetaData Connector to better indicate that it works for both MCE 2005, Vista and Windows 7 which have different names of the libraries
- Fix: Issue with database going into single user mode
- Fix: Issue that could cause problems if auto backup started when disc copying from media changer was in progress
- Fix: Changed time to allow disc identification from 60 to 180 seconds, and the value can now be set with “IdentifyTime” value in “Media Changer” in registry. This is to awoid media changer to move forward to next disc before a disc have been identified.
- Fix: Issue that could give a dialog if you had mp3HD setting and mobile format set, even when not changing it
- Fix: Issue preventing HDI Dune integration to get meta data in correct language
- Fix: Issue that could prevent earlier installer versions to fail to license after upgrade
- Fix: Issue preventing second disc of multi disc title to copy if system is set to reject disc if no data is found.
- Fix: Issue causing path’s to be stored as local paths (X:\) instead of UNC paths (\\server\share) when using non-storage pool shares.
1.50 Build 3
- Added: Checkbox letting user choose weather or not to store Media Center meta-data
- Added: FileSystem access to new Power Pack 2 Windows Media Center group
- Fix: Issue that prevented Netgear TAG files to be created correctly.
- Fix: Issue that would cause the removal button for extentions to not work.
v1.50 Build 2
- Added: Storage of meta-data for TViX media players
- Added: Storage of meta-data for HDI Dune media players
- Added: Storage of meta-data for Popcorn Hour players YAMJ plug-in
- Added: Storage of meta-data for Netgear EVA8000 players
- Added: Support for Dacal PowerDrive DC016 Media Changer for automatic CD and/or DVD copying
- Added: Support for copying audio CD’s to the new mp3HD format. Encoders must manually be copied to the storage area.
- Added: Unique disc identification (DiscId and OnlineId) in movie monitoring for DVD ISO and Blu-ray ISO files.
- Added: Option to search in the list views to easier locate an entry.
- Fix: Issue that caused Edit Data function to not work on unidentified discs
- Fix: Issue that could cause problems with some titles including unicode characters
- Fix: Issue preventing some CD’s from starting the copy process.
- Fix: Issue causing CD’s with data tracks to fail on last track.
- Fix: Issue that caused movie covers not to show in monitoring properties dialog
- Fix: Disabled autorun for CD-ROM drives, to ensure that rootkits, ect. from CD’s aren’t automatically installed
For more, see developer’s website.
john fenton
07. May, 2009
i cant seem to get my movies working right, after install my server slows right down and in the addins tab it show that i have no addins, which i do, after uninstalling manualy (dont uninstall proberly) my server returns to normal and my addins re-appear in the addins tab
Brian Binnerup
08. May, 2009
john: Can I get you to create a support thread on our forums?
Jim Danforth
12. May, 2009
This is the best feature. Put all your movies on your server and access them from your Vista Ultimate! I never burn movies onto DVD to watch them anymore.
Keep up the good work!
Ron
18. May, 2009
How do you uninstall this Program. I’ve tried in the installed add-ins and get a message “Uninstallation Failed”.
Brian Binnerup
18. May, 2009
Ron: Please see this page:
http://wiki.mymovies.dk/Troubleshooting%20My%20Movies%20for%20Windows%20Home%20Server.ashx
Qwao
06. Jun, 2009
if you cant register on forum the software is useless…
Owao
06. Jun, 2009
Qwao: We ran into a pretty bad database problem yesterday, that required a full reconfiguration.
It unfortunately meant that there was a misconfiguration in the user settings, causing a temporary problem in activating new accounts.
It is solved now, please re-try.
I am sorry for the trouble.
Qwao
06. Jun, 2009
thanks
Brian
09. Jun, 2009
Built my WHS system from the ground up. Consider myself an experienced user with software but gave up on My Movies after several hours.Poorly explained with hidden costs. Just too labour intensive. Poor show
Brian Binnerup
10. Jun, 2009
I am sorry to hear that you gave up on My Movies.
It would be great if you can give inputs on what you gave up on, either on support@mymovies.dk or on our forums.
If anyone else is having issues, they are also very welcomed on our forums.
Edwin
26. Jun, 2009
I agree. It looks like a good tool, but I don’t like the hidden costs.
Brian Binnerup
28. Jun, 2009
Edwin: I am not sure why you find the costs of the product to be hidden. The fact that the disc copiers requires points, which you can either purchase or contribute data for is not something we try to hide.
It’s mentioned specifically on our product pages.
Have you anywhere read that these parts are fee, or is it because you expect all software on WHS Plus by default to be free?
Brian
30. Jun, 2009
Brian Binnerup. What a load. It may be mentioned, but the product page has to be studied to figure it out. Its not mentioned until your well underway having installed the add-in. Perhaps you should highlight the costs first. Also, most basic of the add-ins for commercial ware are free. Add-ins with more features tend to cost. Don’t worry, if your product works and is worth it, people will buy it. It just won’t be me.
Daniel
10. Jul, 2009
I am also wondering what costs are being mentioned here? I’ve used My Movies before and never ran across any costs. What features are granted with these charges, and what are the actual charges? I love My Movies, and I’m about to set up my first Home Server.
Thanks,
Daniel
Brian Binnerup
11. Jul, 2009
Both My Movies for WHS and My Movies for Media Center have some features that are free, and others that requires points.
Specifically for Windows Home Server version, the movie monitoring function is free, while the movie and music disc copiers requires 1250 points.
The 1250 points can be gained by contributing data to our service, or by purchasing the points.
Purchasing the 1250 points costs $50 (25 points per $1).
The pointing system is different from standard product costs on the following areas:
- You only pay for points once, they are permanent. This means that you do not pay for product updates, or new versions.
- You can combine contributions with purchased points, meaning that you yourself decides the product costs.
- The points works for our entire product suite. This means that points works on both the WHS software, the Media Center software and the Collection Management program. Within short time it will also work for access to our data service from other programs such as XBMC.
I agree with the posters that this can be a special scenario to understand compared to a standard product price, and we are trying to see how we can make it clearer how it works.
Regards,
Brian Binnerup
Ducky
14. Jul, 2009
I don’t think the costs are hidden at all. However, the contribution system is extremely confusing. I want to know whether I’ll be able to contribute enough to get enough points PRIOR to trying out the software. Otherwise, I’d be wasting my time.
Brian Binnerup
14. Jul, 2009
Contributing is done using the Collection Management client, and the features to do this does not require points.
So, yes, you can contribute prior to trying the software.
However, the best would be to create a trial on http://www.mymovies.dk/request-trial.aspx – then you have 21 days to evaluate, and during this period, either contribute your way to the required points, or decide if you would like to purchase the points.
Regards,
Brian
Ducky
16. Jul, 2009
So, Brian, I have to download and install the Collection Management client to my PC to find out whether or not I have enough material to contribute? Isn’t there a list somewhere on your website where I can make this determination? Thanks.
SKaustin
11. Jul, 2009
I’ve been using MyMovies for two years now, first the client/server edition on Vista, now the WHS edition. It works great for me and has become a mandatory program that I rely on to improve the use of my movie collection. I run across some bugs now and then, but nothing too major.
I’m not sure why anyone would complain about the “hidden costs,” I’ve been using it for free all this time, until this week when I decided to make a donation. The major features of collection management are free and work exceptionally well. Until recently, there weren’t any features that required points that even interested me. Now, the background art feature requires at least 500 points and I want to check it out, so I donated a bit – I felt I owed it anyway as long as I’ve been using the program and for how well it’s maintained by Brian.
The only thing missing that I *really* wish for in the MyMovies suite is the option to run all movies in Arcsoft TMT, not just the blurays and HD-DVDs. Now that’s a feature I would really donate for!
And, in the WHS version, I would like the option to get rid of the buttons/sections in the Console for the features I don’t use, like disk copier and music monitor. It really clutters up the console.
But all-in-all, it’s a fantastic set of programs.
bgglaser
15. Jul, 2009
There are two programs Tab Management and Tab reorder than can remove certain buttons/dections
Charles
20. Jul, 2009
I have been a long time user of MyMovies on the Media Center side, and couldn’t imagine using anything else.
So when I decided I needed to look at a NAS for distributed playback throughout my home I was pleasd as punch that MyMovies was available for Windows Home Server.
It made my decision almost a no brainer, Like another poster I do wish there was the option of TMT playback for everything as it has the upscaling feature.
As for “Hidden Cost” I don’t agree however the model is a bit confusing but not hidden.
And as much as I use their product, the amounts I have donated are miniscule.
I also agree with another poster don’t try to stream your video, Transcoders SUCK! buy a cheap mini like an ACER X1200 download TMT and install MyMovies connect to your files shares and be done with it.
Keep your Xbox/PS3 for gaming.
HSmith
17. Sep, 2009
Big limitation with this is if one has an ex485 for example and a NAS. My movies can’t connect to the NAS which is a big bummer.
I am uninstalling it and will see if there is an alternative as I have multiple HP MediaVault 5140’s with 2tb each that house all of ripped movies that I cannot access with My Movies.
ez223
15. Nov, 2009
The download link appears to be broken.
Joe
19. Nov, 2009
Should mention up front this is NOT FREE .
Not easy to remove this,l must dig down into folders and find the files to delete.
Rick
16. Dec, 2009
I will say i like the product. I do agree with other posters, it would be nice not to have the tabs on the server page. Also, My folder for media center only shows the front cover. I don’t get the details. Also does the software update to most recent version by itself? I can’t find version number anywhere in the app?
Mallik
24. Dec, 2009
What a waste of 10 minutes. Thought I’ll give this a shot – tried registering but can’t use gmail or yahoo email accounts because of “spamming”. Really? I don’t have any other email accounts and I don’t want to create one (used to have a domain but not anymore). I guess everyone is guilty until proven otherwise…
Beaubo
29. Dec, 2009
I am in my first year of school for networking, so I’m still learning. This year we evaluated home server and linux, and personally i found that home server was so much easier for the basics. So I decided to start my own home server. The only problem I am having is not quit enough experience in getting every thing on the net work. I’m trying to use my Blue ray to run the media for our tv and just can’t get it right. Every thing else is running great. Sorry to be a noob But can you help
Scott
29. Dec, 2009
I tried to use this tool and would be willing to pay the $50 for something that works.
My problem is the speed, the whole rip speed is excruciatingly slow.
In fairness, I do not think that it is the problem with the software – I just do not think the DVD burner is connecting to the HP unit as USB2…
IF I can figure that out, I will pay for this product.
Brian Binnerup
30. Dec, 2009
Scott: Your issue is very likely with HP’s Media Transcoder.
When enabled, it makes the DVD drive very, very slow.
Try disabling the HP Video Encoder in Services, which likely solves the problem.
andy
06. Jan, 2010
Transcoding with a 1ghz processor would make me want to kill someone. Straight copy willwork better.
Dave
26. Jan, 2010
Question – I have MyMovies on my WHS working (monitoring is all good).
I have my MCE on Win7 working and it connects perfectly with my WHS and I can see my movies.
When I attempted to load an ISO movie, it states that I do not have something to load it. I looked through forums and it says I can use Daemon tools. Do I install this on the server or the client?
Thanks in advance!
Brian Binnerup
02. Feb, 2010
Dave: You need to install SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive.
Brian H
17. Feb, 2010
Binnerup: Can you please respond to and address some of the issues users of MyMovies have been having regarding the errors/warnings in the system event logs with the following message:
“The configuration of the AdminConnection\TCP protocol in the SQL instance MYMOVIES is not valid”
This has aparently been causing my Win7 machine to sporatically shut down immediately. Time stamps of this error correspond with these crashes. Do you have a fix – I couldn’t see anyting in your forums.
Thanks!
Brian Binnerup
19. Feb, 2010
Brian: Can you link to a thread on this? The TCP/IP protocol configuration in SQL Server cannot cause your Windows 7 machine to shut down….