Managing a LARGE music collection

[Bill Lott]

What is the best way to manage a large music selection? The collection is spread over several genres and exceeds 10,000 albums. How does the music library function work (Library 1, 2 3)? Should I split up the different genres to seperate databases?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[PhilB]

I dont think there is a best way, but rather only the way that suits your needs best. I would first get a solid backup of the 10K albums before I started work!

In my case, I struggled with this issue for some time before settling on the solution that works for my listening habits. Here is what I did:

Databases:
1 - All Artists: This ignores albums and just lumps each artist into 1 "vitual abum" so that I can play their entire body of work at once. I also choose 1 cover that I thought was best. These are only the artists that I (or the wife) perfer most ofen

2 - Classical:

3 - Compilations: Albums like "Billboard Top 100" and the like

4 - Soundtracks:

5 - Perfect Albums: There are some albums that I prefer to listen to as they were made. Personal choice on this.

6 - Everything else: Artists I have but am not familar with. Someday,. I might listen to them.

I use the XL Playlist to select individual tracks and have build a few playlists that are now quite large that play my favorites. I prefer this method over genres as I build playlists like "favorite rock" as opposed to the genre "rock".

[Bill Lott]

Thanks Phil. Sounds like the direction I will be heading.

I am curious however, how does the Music Library 1,2 3 thing work...

[PhilB]

I thinkit depends on how your tag your mp3 files. In my case, I tagged the tracks for each artist "Various Albums" and the then the 123 thing just lists

Artist/Various Albums/Track Name.

You can see this briefly on the video I posted up on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBaRogRBQ8

[samsonlov]

You can see this briefly on the video I posted up on YouTube.

Hey PhilB,

That looks really great - I watched it twice.

You so-called "DIYers" sure do some amazing work! -
I think you guys should license your skins to installers so they can sell them to their clients.
In my experience end-users value the work and are willing to (and do) pay significant $ for a customized skin.

Just 2 Questions:
1. What program did you use to record your video?
2. Can it record the mediaplayer full/screen and mediaplayer screen with a movie playing?
(to show everything actually working in XL in "real-time")

Marbles asked about this in a post - can't remember which one, but there was no answer when I read his post.

(If I don't find something soon, I'll be following Marbles' suggestion and breaking-out the "video camera" - except mine is a small Canon Elph.)


Thanks,
Samson

[PhilB]

Sorry, I must have missed the post question. Send a PM next time.

I used Camtasia studio and just did'nt record audio. It captures everything on the screen (or selected region) so it should work for you.

Glad you liked the work.

[samsonlov]

I used Camtasia studio and just did'nt record audio.

Thanks PhilB,

Camtasia Studio looks like a really cool piece of software, but for now I'll be using the free "Debut" - I downloaded it here: http://download.cnet.com/Debut-Video-Recording-Software/3000-13633_4-10684791.html.

Not fancy, I know, but it records XLobby really well, and with audio too. So until I decide to start recording tons of vids, i just can't justify spending an "extra" $300.00.

I didn't PM cause I thought others here would want to know what you used, but thanks also for offering.

Samson