TL;DR
I propose adding .EDL (Edit Decision List) support in ErsatzTV, following the Kodi/MPlayer format. This allows skipping, muting, or marking scenes without modifying the original media files—critical for shared media (e.g., via torrents). Alternatively, support for external chapters in the <media-name>.chapters.xml Matroska XML format could be added. Tools like jellyfin-plugin-edl and segment-editor could automate .EDL/chapter creation.
Reasoning
Many users handle media files they cannot modify directly (e.g., files from torrents). Adding support for .EDL or external chapter files would provide:
- External Control: No need to alter the original files.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with widely-used standards (e.g., Kodi, Jellyfin).
- Enhanced Usability: Integrated functionality for rolls (Pre-roll, Mid-roll, Post-roll, etc.).
Proposed Implementation
Support for .EDL:
Check for <media-name>.edl files in the same directory as the media. The format follows MPlayer/Kodi:
Start End Action
0.00 5.00 0 # Skip segment
10.00 12.00 1 # Mute audio
15.00 30.00 2 # Scene Marker
Support for <media-name>.chapters.xml:
Alternatively, check for Matroska-compatible chapter XML files:
<Chapters>
<EditionEntry>
<ChapterAtom>
<ChapterTimeStart>00:00:00.000</ChapterTimeStart>
<ChapterDisplay>
<ChapterString>Intro</ChapterString>
</ChapterDisplay>
</ChapterAtom>
</EditionEntry>
</Chapters>
Reference Tools:
Thanks!