Media Browser Big Refactor branch.

So a few days ago I hinted on about the Big Refactor branch of the Media Browser project and then bombed out when a later SVN update seemingly removed everything that I had previously seen.  Well, I didn’t look very closely, but it didn’t go anywhere…they just incorporated into the XML to be turned on or off and had changed it all to “off” by default.

So, after compiling another build this morning and actually building an MSI with it instead of using the devinstall batch, I decided to see what I could do with this build…and it’s pretty freakin’ awesome.

There’s really not a whole lot that has changed once you get into the core of Media Browser…the settings, views and whatnots are pretty much unchanged.  I know that everything that makes it work has been redone to make it quicker and more stable, but I’m not getting into any of that.  What I’m going to show is the new root page.

So, let’s go start to finish with the screens.  I didn’t get a chance to let all of my images cache, so some of the screens will be somewhat incomplete, but I wanted to get these to you all since you’ve been waiting patiently.

First, we have the ProgramData folder which you’ll notice is a bit different.  Not everything in there comes with the new build because I didn’t do a cleanup before running the MSI.

Now you’ll see the entire Cache folder has been slightly changed/added to:

Looking at the XML, you’ll see some new additions.  The root page…

…weather and sync views!

OK, OK…enough with the technical stuff, I know.  Here’s the new root page (remember, not all of my images had loaded yet, so don’t go thinking the posters don’t work because they do!).  I’m loving the display of the latest added shows!  Notice the weather display at the bottom right!

The rest of the screens are just shots of a few different views and whatnot.  I haven’t done any comparisons or looked very closely, so I can’t say for certain if much, or anything, has changed from what you’re using now.  Enjoy!

Default detail view with actors page:

Vanilla Cover Flow view:

Vanilla detail view:

Vanilla Strip view (I think this is new, but I don’t use Vanilla themes, so I’m not sure.  You just scroll left and right).

Vanilla settings/config:

Well, that’s all I have for now.  There is also a new popup menu if you hit play on a folder containing multiple shows, but I could not produce this since I’m remoting in and there is no keyboard shortcut for it.  Basically, you go to a folder containing multiple shows, hit the “Play” button and you will get a popup menu to play random episodes or all (it actually may work for single titles so you can go directly to playing without entering the details screen).  Another very nice addition.

I have to say, I’ve been testing Media Browser ever since they resumed development when it was still Video Browser and I never dreamed it would get to where it is now.  I’m continually amazed at what these guys have done and continue to do.

Thank you Media Browser team and hope all your fans enjoy this sneak peek at what is to come!