Overview

If you are new to MediaPortal, here's how to set it up to use with My Films.

Installing MediaPortal

MediaPortal provides an excellent installer and deploy tool which makes it easy to install on all your PCs including a server and clients in a network.

If you are using MediaPortal primarily for My Films, you do not need to install the TV-Server option.

Before you install, be sure to read the section Preparing Your System to ensure your system:

• meets the latest requirements for the version of MediaPortal you are installing
• is properly set up with latest drivers and Windows updates

MediaPortal requires a number of Windows files, such as:

• DirectX
• MS Visual C++
• Windows Media Player 11 (must be installed separately if not already installed)
• MS SQL Express OR MySQL (only if you wish to watch/record TV using MediaPortal's TV-Server)

If any of these files are not already installed, or you do not have the correct versions, the installer will download and install them for you.

Multiple PCs

If you wish to install MediaPortal on multiple PCs you can use the Download Only option. Once all necessary files are downloaded, it provides the option for you to save them to a folder of your choice (such as a USB drive), copy them to each PC and run the setup (MediaPortal.DeployTool.exe) from there. This saves you from needing to download required Windows files on each PC..

For further details see Installing MediaPortal.

Codecs

If you already have a working movie catalog, chances are you already have the codecs required to play your movies. The general rule of thumb for MediaPortal is: if you can play the movie in Windows Media Player it should play in MediaPortal.

As of v 1.3.0 MediaPortal installs LAV codecs which should play most movie files out of the box.

If you do have any issues, please see the Codecs Guide for MediaPortal.

MediaPortal Setup

Once you install MediaPortal successfully, you may only need to select your remote or input device to get up and running.

Use the MediaPortal Configuration tool via the desktop shortcut or in the Start Menu Programs under Team MediaPortal.

Note:  A Help Button appears at the top right of every Configuration Screen. It will automatically open the related Wiki page to assist you in configuring the related settings.

See the MediaPortal Setup Guides  for further information

Warning: Be sure to leave the native Videos plugin enabled. MyFilms uses it to resume playback as well as for some persons info. You may also wish to install other MediaPortal plugins that integrate with MyFilms such as Trakt, SubCentral, Online Videos or BrowseTheWeb.

Select your Input Device

Go to the Section for Remotes and select the input device you use (see Remotes for a list of supported devices).

Note: you may need to select Expert mode (top right) to see all the remote configuration options.

Start with Green Button

If you wish to start MediaPortal using the 'green button' on your remote (especially MCE Remotes) then you must enable it under Additional 3rd part checks (since you need to disable Microsoft Media Center Services first.  See Green Button for details

My Films Installation and Setup

Once you have MediaPortal set up and working, download and install My Films - See Getting Started

Then:

1. Use the Setup Wizard to configure My Films to use your existing movie catalog
2. Verify the settings, especially paths on the Artwork Setup tab to point to the folders where your existing movie covers, fanart images etc. exist for your movie catalog.

Check the Wiki page for your movie catalog under External Catalogs to see any special setup considerations, supported features and field mappings.

For more information on setting up advanced features, see the MyFilms Setup Guides.

Support

If you have any problems with MediaPortal please check the extensive Wiki for a solution, or report your problem in the MediaPortal forums. If you are not sure where to start, you may post in the My Films forum and we will be happy to assist you.

For any questions or issues regarding My Films, please post in the My Films forum.. See Support for further information.

Thank you! We hope you enjoy My Films.

Related

• Quick Setup