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Getting media

At the time of this writing, the only supported method is importing files from your hard drive. As such, you cannot use PiTiVi to capture directly from a camcorder. For DV/HDV camcorders using an IEEE 1394 connection, you may use Kino or dvgrab to capture footage.

We would welcome good quality patches to implement the following:

  • Capture from a DV or HDV camcorder using an IEEE 1394 connection.

  • Capture from a webcam.

  • Dumping a network/Internet stream.

  • Importing from DVD.

  • Importing from an audio CD.

  • Downloading from content providers such as Jamendo, Magnatune, CreativeCommons, etc.

Importing files

Using the file chooser

You can import media into the Media Library by using the file chooser dialog, which has the advantage of letting you preview the files you want to import. To do so, use the Library ▸ Import Files... menu, the Import Files... button on the main toolbar, or press Ctrl+i.

The following file chooser dialog window will appear:

Filechooser dialog

Filechooser dialog

Press Ctrl or Shift to select multiple files at the same time. You can also import all the files contained in a folder (and its subfolders) by using Library ▸ Import Folders... in the menu bar.

Using drag and drop

The concept of drag and drop is a well-established method of bridging the gap between software applications. Simply select the files you want to import in another application (such as a file manager or a multimedia app) and drag them with your mouse onto PiTiVi's Media Library.

This feature can be used to:

  • Easily import music or video clips from a media player (such as Rhythmbox or Totem).

  • Allow using a full-fledged file manager (such as Nautilus, Thunar, Dolphin or Konqueror) instead of the file chooser dialog.

  • Import a combination of multiple files and folders at the same time.

  • Leverage the searching capability of another application (such as GNOME Shell, Tracker, GNOME Activity Journal, GNOME Search Tool, etc.).

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