83 replies to this topic

[Chopsus]

It's scarey how it all adds up .. the RRP (replacement value) of my DVD's and BD's is now over $37,000!  (obviously that's not what I have paid and it's taken 15 years to get to that level)... but that's after selling off more than half of the DVD's I had due to replacing them with BD's.

If We ever do get broken into, they will be the first, and hopefully the only, thing they will take as they are easy to convert to cash .... so it's worth insuring them as a specified collection and keeping the insurer fully in the loop every year.

[miata]

Chopsus, on 31 March 2012 - 11:09 AM, said:

It's scarey how it all adds up .. the RRP (replacement value) of my DVD's and BD's is now over $37,000!  (obviously that's not what I have paid and it's taken 15 years to get to that level)... but that's after selling off more than half of the DVD's I had due to replacing them with BD's.

If We ever do get broken into, they will be the first, and hopefully the only, thing they will take as they are easy to convert to cash .... so it's worth insuring them as a specified collection and keeping the insurer fully in the loop every year.

The scary thing is, the DVDs are almost worthless. I took the DVDs I had replaced with BDs to Cash Converters and they offered me $1 EACH! So they probably are no longer high on the list of items to steal. BDs could be a different matter.

[Chopsus]

Yes, but if they get stolen and they are insured, the insurance company still has to replace them, which will still be much more than what they are worth on the street.

Hopefully they would simply write a cheque for the agreed insured value in my case.

+ teenage thieves are not that smart.

Edited by Chopsus, 31 March 2012 - 02:15 PM.

[Ian13]

Well i only managed to get around to downloading the trial version of Movie Collectorz this weekend for my Mac.
Was easy enough for a non computer person like me to learn and operate.
Has all the features i need for storing my movie collection but i did find that it had trouble locating the right version of the movie even though i typed in the barcode number. Only entered 6 movies and of those 6, only 3 were accurate and the other 3 had no covers and incorrect info about that version of the movie. the 3 movies that failed were Lock Up (British version), Baraka (Aussie version) and Flags of our Fathers (Aussie version).
Only a 50% success rate. Not too good and hope it improves for i have another 500+ movies to go.

Was also wandering if this program had the capability to use the Mac's webcam to scan the barcodes like some of the other programs out there can.
Could not find any info when going through the tuturial, only info on the option of buying a scanner from the program designer.

cheers
Ian

[BladeRnR]

Ian,

What I have found with Movie Collectorz is it tends to have a hard time finding PAL titles. The Database is only as reliable as the information that is input by uploaders. I guess the ratio of NTSC vs PAL uploads is heavily in favour of NTSC. The hit rate on NTSC is 100% from my experience (And 95% of my titles are Region 1). Having said that, if it can't find a movie based on Barcode I tend to use the movie title and find the closest approximation (It's generally a Region 2 match that will suffice). The same goes for covers. There is a search function within the program that shows all available cover images.  

I do not believe Movie Collectorz supports the Mac's builtin WebCam. You need to purchase one of the 3 Barcode Scanner options (My CueCat is perfect and it's the cheapest option).

Blade

Edited by BladeRnR, 02 April 2012 - 09:08 AM.

[dave_con]

Ian13, on 02 April 2012 - 07:39 AM, said:

Well i only managed to get around to downloading the trial version of Movie Collectorz this weekend for my Mac.
Was easy enough for a non computer person like me to learn and operate.
Has all the features i need for storing my movie collection but i did find that it had trouble locating the right version of the movie even though i typed in the barcode number. Only entered 6 movies and of those 6, only 3 were accurate and the other 3 had no covers and incorrect info about that version of the movie. the 3 movies that failed were Lock Up (British version), Baraka (Aussie version) and Flags of our Fathers (Aussie version).
Only a 50% success rate. Not too good and hope it improves for i have another 500+ movies to go.

Was also wandering if this program had the capability to use the Mac's webcam to scan the barcodes like some of the other programs out there can.
Could not find any info when going through the tuturial, only info on the option of buying a scanner from the program designer.

cheers
Ian

At the risk of sounding like, "pick my product, pick my product!"...  My success rate with My Movies using either the barcode scanner or the barcode entry has been pretty good.  I can't quite remember from the set-up, but it knows that I'm in Australia and defaults it's database to Australian titles.  However, I do have quite a few movies purchased from the UK or the US, and when I enter their barcodes, it recognises that they're not Australian, and asks me if I want to check databases from other countries - I think every time it's found the right title.

One problem I've had (which isn't unrealistic, I guess) is that if you've purchased a disc on the day of release, it might not be in the database on that day!  But you can send off the information and they'll add it pretty quickly (or just wait a day or two for someone else to do it).

It doesn't apply to the iPad version, but if you're using it on a laptop/desktop, then you can earn credits for updating their databases and you get, errm, something (can't remember what, as I use the iPad version).

And I believe there shouldn't be any issues synching your devices at all, because the master copy is stored back on their servers, not on your PC (but when you synch it, it creates a local copy, so you don't always need an internet connection to view it).

[HomerJ]

The UI  (user interface) of these applications are terrible. Looks like it was created 10 years ago. I can't pay for such shite and prefer to use Blu-ray.com's free web based collection tool. It can be viewed anywhere on any web enable device. To add a movie simply search the Blu-ray.com database and click 'add to collection'. It now also supports importing barcodes.

http://www.blu-ray.c...on.php?u=135690

[SDL]

Chopsus, on 31 March 2012 - 02:14 PM, said:

Yes, but if they get stolen and they are insured, the insurance company still has to replace them, which will still be much more than what they are worth on the street.

Hopefully they would simply write a cheque for the agreed insured value in my case.

+ teenage thieves are not that smart.

I had water damage to VHS tapes and being new for old they valued them as DVD's and gave me a JB voucher.

As for the database, not sure it is enough evidence, I can put anything on there. You may also need a photo of your collection if it is worth so much.

[SDL]

One thing a few mention is finding the movies by barcode not working in all cases. The company's do not add movies as they come out it relies on the user network keeping the database as current as possible. Have scanned a few myself and added details, then it is amazing once it is on there how many others want to add more and more detail to it.

[Ian13]

BladeRnR, on 02 April 2012 - 09:03 AM, said:

Ian,

What I have found with Movie Collectorz is it tends to have a hard time finding PAL titles. The Database is only as reliable as the information that is input by uploaders. I guess the ratio of NTSC vs PAL uploads is heavily in favour of NTSC. The hit rate on NTSC is 100% from my experience (And 95% of my titles are Region 1). Having said that, if it can't find a movie based on Barcode I tend to use the movie title and find the closest approximation (It's generally a Region 2 match that will suffice). The same goes for covers. There is a search function within the program that shows all available cover images.  

I do not believe Movie Collectorz supports the Mac's builtin WebCam. You need to purchase one of the 3 Barcode Scanner options (My CueCat is perfect and it's the cheapest option).

Blade

Thanks for the feedback Blade.
May have to buy one of those scanners then if i decide to go with this program.
And yes, you are correct in saying that sometimes may have to find the closest possible match by manually searching for it and then having to edit it through the program if you really want it to be accurate to match your own version of the movie.
Don't mind doing that at all when time is a plenty or when totally bored (this winter when it is wet and cold)

[Ian13]

dave_con, on 02 April 2012 - 09:25 AM, said:

At the risk of sounding like, "pick my product, pick my product!"...  My success rate with My Movies using either the barcode scanner or the barcode entry has been pretty good.  I can't quite remember from the set-up, but it knows that I'm in Australia and defaults it's database to Australian titles.  However, I do have quite a few movies purchased from the UK or the US, and when I enter their barcodes, it recognises that they're not Australian, and asks me if I want to check databases from other countries - I think every time it's found the right title.

One problem I've had (which isn't unrealistic, I guess) is that if you've purchased a disc on the day of release, it might not be in the database on that day!  But you can send off the information and they'll add it pretty quickly (or just wait a day or two for someone else to do it).

It doesn't apply to the iPad version, but if you're using it on a laptop/desktop, then you can earn credits for updating their databases and you get, errm, something (can't remember what, as I use the iPad version).

And I believe there shouldn't be any issues synching your devices at all, because the master copy is stored back on their servers, not on your PC (but when you synch it, it creates a local copy, so you don't always need an internet connection to view it).

Thanks Dave appreciate any feedback
Wanting to download a trial version and have a play, you never know until you try, BUT
the only issue i have and henceforth the question - Does the database you create get stored elsewhere other than your own hard drive?
I don't want any sort of copy stored anywhere other than my own pc.

[dave_con]

Ian13, on 02 April 2012 - 12:04 PM, said:

Thanks Dave appreciate any feedback
Wanting to download a trial version and have a play, you never know until you try, BUT
the only issue i have and henceforth the question - Does the database you create get stored elsewhere other than your own hard drive?
I don't want any sort of copy stored anywhere other than my own pc.

You would have to read the fine print to be sure, but I'm pretty sure that it stores a local copy on your device, and also synchs that back to the "My Movies" servers (you have to log in and create an account when setting it up).  I'm pretty confident that's how it works, as I entered all my movies on my iPad, then I could get my wife's iPad, install the app, log-in, and it happily downloaded my catalogue onto her device.

I find that quite useful, as I don't have the wireless synching issues that some others have, plus there's the fact that it's backed up somewhere else should I ever lose a device, or upgrade, etc.

Of course if you're concerned about privacy, then that's something you need to take into account.

[dave_con]

dave_con, on 02 April 2012 - 01:18 PM, said:

You would have to read the fine print to be sure, but I'm pretty sure that it stores a local copy on your device, and also synchs that back to the "My Movies" servers (you have to log in and create an account when setting it up).  I'm pretty confident that's how it works, as I entered all my movies on my iPad, then I could get my wife's iPad, install the app, log-in, and it happily downloaded my catalogue onto her device.

I find that quite useful, as I don't have the wireless synching issues that some others have, plus there's the fact that it's backed up somewhere else should I ever lose a device, or upgrade, etc.

Of course if you're concerned about privacy, then that's something you need to take into account.

Actually, from looking at the settings, it seems that you can tell it not to store your database anywhere else (I think!).

Anyway, download the trial version, have a play, see what you think.

[Ian13]

Downloaded a trial version of DVDpedia.
Simpler layout than Movie Collectorz but did have the ability to scan the barcodes with the webcam. Worked great.

But only ever found aussie release movies (perfect accuracy) not any of my UK movies (not one)
Oh well, time to try another one and see how i go.

[David Williams]

I downloaded and paid for DVD profiler as well as the iPhone / iPad app. I entered almost 500 DVD and Blurays on the weekend using both iPad 3 camera an iPhone 4 camera. I have R1 DVDs as well as uk and Aussie ones. Same for Bluray. I had maybe 20 I needed to enter manually as the bar code had changed mostly. I can't fault it.

Edited by David Williams, 03 April 2012 - 09:14 PM.

[CHRIS08]

is there anything similar to dvd profilier but for video games.

[Ian13]

Downloaded the free version of My Movies last night for Win7 for my laptop.
I must say it was not as easy to learn to use as the others i have tried recently, and uglier in its presentation.
The fact that it is attached to Win Media Centre and the signing in and configuration of the seperate facilities within the program, makes it a headache for someone like myself who knows next to nothing about computers, nor the real patience or desire to put the time in to master it.
Couldnt get the damn webcam to configure to scan barcodes so had to do them manually.
The idea of uploading missing info about movies in your collection to earn points to unlock features after your 50 title quotea is too time consuming and would take quite a while and a heap of movies to reach the target of 2500 points considering you get i think from what i read 10 points per movie.

Man i think i will look elsewhere for a less complicated program than this one.

[Ian13]

David Williams, on 03 April 2012 - 09:11 PM, said:

I downloaded and paid for DVD profiler as well as the iPhone / iPad app. I entered almost 500 DVD and Blurays on the weekend using both iPad 3 camera an iPhone 4 camera. I have R1 DVDs as well as uk and Aussie ones. Same for Bluray. I had maybe 20 I needed to enter manually as the bar code had changed mostly. I can't fault it.

I'll give this one a go tonight.

[dave_con]

Ian13, on 04 April 2012 - 07:22 AM, said:

Downloaded the free version of My Movies last night for Win7 for my laptop.
I must say it was not as easy to learn to use as the others i have tried recently, and uglier in its presentation.
The fact that it is attached to Win Media Centre and the signing in and configuration of the seperate facilities within the program, makes it a headache for someone like myself who knows next to nothing about computers, nor the real patience or desire to put the time in to master it.
Couldnt get the damn webcam to configure to scan barcodes so had to do them manually.
The idea of uploading missing info about movies in your collection to earn points to unlock features after your 50 title quotea is too time consuming and would take quite a while and a heap of movies to reach the target of 2500 points considering you get i think from what i read 10 points per movie.

Man i think i will look elsewhere for a less complicated program than this one.

Ah well, that's a shame.  I don't have any of those problems with the iPad version - it's simple to set up, works and has a range of display options and features.  I guess they don't put as much effort into their desktop versions.

[Ian13]

David Williams, on 03 April 2012 - 09:11 PM, said:

I downloaded and paid for DVD profiler as well as the iPhone / iPad app. I entered almost 500 DVD and Blurays on the weekend using both iPad 3 camera an iPhone 4 camera. I have R1 DVDs as well as uk and Aussie ones. Same for Bluray. I had maybe 20 I needed to enter manually as the bar code had changed mostly. I can't fault it.

the 20 or so you needed to manually enter, were they mostly the Aussie movies by any chance?
Just finished reading some reviews on DVDProfiler and most of them complained about the poor database for Aussie purchased movies.

[David Williams]

They were a mix of US and AU oned from memory - but out of 500? - that's stuff all issues.

[Ian13]

Had a go at DVDProfiler last night.
Was easy enough to navigate and operate.
Layout and look not my cup of tea.

Edited by Ian13, 05 April 2012 - 07:21 AM.

[Ian13]

Also decided to take a look at Delicious Library2 for Mac's
Very simple program, in looks and operation.
its look and layout is very, lets say child like, toyish.
does a great job of scanning from the webcam and presents a great looking hi res cover art but the rest is awful
this program could not recognise or locate any of my aussie purchased movies

Edited by Ian13, 05 April 2012 - 07:20 AM.

[miata]

Ian13, on 05 April 2012 - 07:12 AM, said:

Had a go at DVDProfiler last night.
Was easy enough to navigate and operate.
Layout and look not my cup of tea.

You can customize DVDProfiler quite a bit though. It has changed quite a lot since first released over a decade ago too, so I guess they're always working on the appearance.

[bbar]

miata, on 05 April 2012 - 07:53 AM, said:

You can customize DVDProfiler quite a bit though. It has changed quite a lot since first released over a decade ago too, so I guess they're always working on the appearance.

Must admit I am very happy with it.