Feature Request Add An Image Manager For MTM

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Hey guys!

We've got a cool feature request to talk about today that could seriously level up the MTM (presumably Media Tracking Manager) experience. It's all about adding an image manager, and trust me, this is something that could make a huge difference in how we handle media visuals. This suggestion is inspired by the awesome tv-logo-manager project on GitHub, so big shoutout to those folks for the inspiration!

The Idea: Integrating an Image Manager

The core idea here is to integrate functionality similar to the tv-logo-manager right into MTM. What does that mean in practice? Well, imagine being able to import images directly from links, upload your own, and then have them automatically converted into the formats needed for Logos, TV Shows/Video Groups, and Movies. Think about how much easier it would be to keep all your media looking consistent and professional!

This isn't just about making things look pretty, though. It's about creating a smoother, more efficient workflow. No more hunting down the right image sizes or wrestling with different file formats. An integrated image manager would handle all of that for you, freeing you up to focus on the stuff that really matters.

Why This Matters

Let's dive a little deeper into why an image manager is such a game-changer.

First off, consistent visuals are key. When your media library has a unified look, it's not only more visually appealing but also easier to navigate. Think about it: consistent logos and thumbnails make it a breeze to find what you're looking for. No more squinting at mismatched images and trying to figure out which show is which.

Secondly, time is precious. Manually resizing and converting images is a time-sink. An image manager automates these tasks, saving you a ton of effort. That's time you can spend actually enjoying your media, or maybe even tackling that backlog of unwatched movies (we all have one, right?).

Key Features We'd Love to See

So, what would the ideal image manager look like? Here are a few key features that are on our wishlist:

  • Import from Links: The ability to grab images directly from URLs. Find a great logo online? Just paste the link, and boom, it's in your library.
  • Upload Functionality: Of course, we'd need to be able to upload our own images too. This gives us the flexibility to use custom artwork or images that aren't available online.
  • Automatic Conversion: This is where the magic happens. The image manager should automatically convert images into the formats required for different media types (Logos, TV Shows, Movies, etc.).
  • Granular Controls: This is a big one. We're talking precise control over image cropping, resizing, and other adjustments. The goal is to get images looking exactly how we want them.

Getting Granular: Cropping Controls Like Channels DVR

Speaking of granular controls, let's talk about cropping. This is where things get really interesting. The suggestion here is to implement cropping controls that are similar to what Channels DVR uses. If you're not familiar with Channels DVR, it has a fantastic system for cropping images that gives you a lot of precision.

Why Channels DVR-Style Cropping?

The Channels DVR approach is all about maintaining the original image while defining specific cropping parameters. This is a huge advantage because it means you're not permanently altering your source image. You can always go back and adjust the crop later without losing any image data.

Here's how it works:

Instead of directly modifying the image file, Channels DVR uses parameters to define the cropped region. These parameters can be passed in a URL, like this example provided in the feature request:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/MIZ206.jpg?withCrop=0%2C25.901029748283754%2C100%2C50.715102974828376

Let's break down what this URL is doing:

  • The base URL points to the original image (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/MIZ206.jpg).
  • The ?withCrop= parameter specifies the cropping region.
  • The values after withCrop= (separated by commas) define the cropping coordinates and dimensions. This specific example is cropping the image to a certain rectangular area.

The Benefits of This Approach

This approach has several key benefits:

  • Non-Destructive Editing: The original image remains untouched. This is crucial for preserving image quality and allowing for future adjustments.
  • Flexibility: You can easily change the cropping parameters without having to re-edit the image. This is great for fine-tuning the look of your media.
  • Efficiency: By storing cropping information as parameters, you can quickly generate different cropped versions of the same image. This is much faster than manually cropping each version.

How This Could Work in MTM

Imagine how this could work in MTM: you upload an image, and then you have a set of intuitive controls for defining the crop region. MTM would store these cropping parameters and use them to generate the cropped images needed for Logos, TV Shows, and Movies. The original image would stay safe and sound, and you'd have complete control over the final look.

Linking to Functionality in #37

This feature request also mentions linking the image manager to functionality being implemented in #37. While we don't have the specifics of #37 here, it sounds like the goal is to create a system where these cropped image links can be used seamlessly. This could mean that MTM would automatically generate the correct URLs with the cropping parameters, making it super easy to use the images in other parts of the system.

This kind of integration is what makes a feature like an image manager truly powerful. It's not just about managing images; it's about creating a cohesive workflow where everything works together smoothly.

Conclusion: Let's Make This Happen!

So, guys, that's the feature request in a nutshell: an integrated image manager for MTM, with granular cropping controls inspired by Channels DVR. This is a feature that could save us time, improve the visual consistency of our media libraries, and make the whole MTM experience even better.

What do you think? Are you as excited about this as we are? Let's discuss this further and see if we can make this awesome addition a reality!

Summary of Feature Request

To recap, this feature request proposes integrating an image manager into MTM, drawing inspiration from the tv-logo-manager project. This would allow users to import images from links, upload their own, and automatically convert them into the formats required for various media types. A key aspect of the request is to implement granular cropping controls similar to Channels DVR, which preserves the original image while defining cropping parameters via URLs. This approach offers non-destructive editing, flexibility, and efficiency. The goal is to streamline image management and ensure visual consistency across media libraries, while also linking to existing or planned functionality (such as that referenced in "#37") for seamless integration.

By implementing these features, MTM can significantly enhance the user experience, save time, and improve the overall quality of media management.