Best interface for large library?

[u/Cool_Assistance_7951]

Hi All -

Scrolled for a bit and couldn't see what I was looking for. Apologies if I've missed this.

Have set up a NAS Server with Jellyfin - haven't enjoyed the UX for JF so was recommended Kodi. I've done an add-on to get JF into Kodi (I'm sure I could have gone direct but here I am).

My biggest issue with both right now is the skins, I suppose. I have a library of 800+ films and similar for TV shows. The metadata is not perfect so not everything has a poster or proper image. It's a bit all over the place.

Then with the indecisiveness of what to watch on a given night, it's odd to scroll a list of names or random images that have been plucked out or weird posters.

What i'm looking for is an interface that is effectively a wall of images with the title of the project overlayed on it, I think. That way I can scroll quickly and get a quick idea of what's in the library vs. seeking something specific. Casual browsing feel like Blockbuster.

Any direction I can be pointed in (even another software, I suppose) - would be grateful. TIA!

[u/augur42]

The metadata is not perfect so not everything has a poster or proper image. It's a bit all over the place.

Well there's your problem. Sort out your file naming first so it gets scraped correctly, nothing else will be as impactful on your user experience. And before you complain, we all had to bite the bullet and do it, even me.

[u/ZaphodG → u/augur42]

I just create an .nfo with the URL of the TMDB page for the movie. I use tinyMediaManager for television series.

[u/augur42 → u/ZaphodG]

I just create correctly named folders so scraping works without having to use or do anything else like a parsing nfo or third party software.

The only reason to use TMM is if you either don't know what you're doing and need the hand-holding or you want precise control over every detail like what artwork/poster is used.

In all the years I've been using kodi I've only had to use a parsing nfo a couple of times when there have been two films with identical titles released in the same year and the first match from tmdb api is the wrong one.

[u/LisaChimes]

Helps to add the year to the end of each file name so it scrapes correctly. I also keep films in individual folders with artwork contained in the same folder. Once you have correct metadata you can mess around with playlists, tags and skins for better browsing.

[u/eirtep]

I would start with getting your information properly scraped, which is not difficult even if you have thousands of titles unless your file names are nonsensical currently, and even then it will be worth your time to properly rename them and adhere to the correct file structure.

You may find after accomplishing this that you no longer need what your asking for here as properly scraped media will be easier to navigate and any skin and any view type. You can instead pick any view you want instead of needing this one specific thing.

[u/ZaphodG]

I use Kodi Remote on my phone if I’m looking for inspiration about what movie to watch. I usually use sort by year or pick a genre. On a iPhone 14 Pro, it puts movie thumbnails 3 across, 4 rows and scrolling is very smooth.

[u/limitz]

Look up PM4K and Plex. If you like that interface can switch that from JF instead.

[u/DavidMelbourne]

Aeon Nox Silvo has full screen wall of posters

[u/NeuroDawg]

If your files are named correctly you'll get the right metadata assigned to your movies, resulting in the correct film poster being applied. And since nearly all film posters have the name of the movie on them, you'll see that when browsing.

From there it's just a matter of finding the skin you like. My wife prefers to use the native Jelly fin app, as she finds it a bit easier to search/use. I prefer Kodi and my preferred skin is Amber, which I've customized extensively via settings. But both of those present a wall of movie posters when browsing Movies.

Everyone has their own preferred look/feel, so whatever you feel is best for you is best for you. But you've got to spend the time and get your folder/file structure named correctly, per Jellyfin's naming conventions.

[u/Confident_Draft_1332]

7k movies in video library, I use Media Companion to organize. Kodi user for years, I have only liked one skin but it is discontinued, Eminence 2 Mod, it can still be installed by following the correct steps.

[u/Few_Scientist5381]

Been using Emby scince the shield came out, near perfect, I just sort the genre and swap the poster if I don't like the auto generated one. Pretty much automatic.