I’d like to see the Plex Video File Scanner improved to import the metadata from Personal Media video files. Specifically, it would be helpful if the Comments field from the MP4 or other video file format was imported into the Summary field in Plex.
An advanced feature could allow mapping of video file metadata to the Plex library entries. For example, “Part of Set” in the media file could be mapped to “Collections” in Plex.
Where I would find this beneficial is a collection of cycling workout videos in my library. Several subscription services allow the download of their videos locally, which helps prevent streaming issues during workouts. I copied the workout descriptors into the Plex entry but they were all lost when I had to rebuild the server.
I’ve since starting saving the workout descriptions in the video file Comments field for more permanent retention–but I still have to also copy it to the Plex entry. There could be applications of this feature for other personal media, I’m sure.
I’ve searched the forums and can’t find this feature requested. I also couldn’t figure out how to force Plex to import Personal Media file metadata. I even tried setting the library to Movies and scraping for local metadata, but it didn’t import the Comments.
Plex should already read some metadata, e.g. titles, descriptions, release date, collections (-> album), even some cast/crew related details.
As for Plex’s summary field → use the mp4’s embedded Description attribute (I haven’t checked this in some time, maybe it’s actually the Long description instead).
Thanks, @tom80H! I was focused on trying to use the General properties of the video file (right-click Properties…) for ease of access. I completely blanked on the option to use Extended tags.
Using MP3Tag, I created an Extended tag for Description, added relevant data, and resaved the files. After Refreshing Metadata in Plex, it used the Description attributes to populate the library Summary. Sweet! Now I can save the data with the file AND have it imported by the Plex media scanner.
This is a helpful but messy work-around–I still think it would be helpful if Plex included better tag editing data, or simply imported the generic Comment field into the library Summary.
Just trying to follow your post…
You’re asking for Plex to pick up some file attributes as you can see/access/edit them using Windows Explorer instead of using the embedded metadata of a media container?
I’m not sure I understand why you want to do that…
If you want to store information about the video alongside alongside your file, the embedded metadata are the way to go (e.g. giving your information a dedicated designation, not just some random “comment” field to mix all possible information).
Good points. The embedded “Comment” field is actually a generic attribute, but I agree that extended tags are the better approach here.
The only extended tag I have confirmed that is mapped by Plex is:
Description → Summary
I might submit an alternate suggestion for the option to save library information to select extended tags in personal media files. This could be useful but will probably have a limited number of interested users.
Plex will read much more than Description from a file’s embedded metadata.
As for writing metadata into files from within Plex… there’s already an existing suggestion discussing such an option
