Updates: Automatic media.json Generation on Boot

[Jstudner]

Previously, I was generating the media.json file by running a separate Python script (media.py) every time files were added, removed, or edited on the SD card. This process was cumbersome and required a computer connection, which was inconvenient.

With the latest firmware update, Nomad now automatically generates the media.json file every time it boots. This means that when you unplug the device, add or remove media files on the SD card, and plug it back in, the system will scan the card and update the media.json file automatically with the current content.

The scanning process searches all supported media directories (/Movies, /Shows, /Books, /Music) and outputs filenames and sections to the serial monitor for debugging and verification.

This improvement removes the need for a separate computer or manual intervention for updating the media index, making the experience much smoother and more user-friendly. I really should have started it like this, but for some reason I was under the impression it was a hard thing to do.

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Behind the Scenes: How It Works

• On boot, the generateMediaJSON() function runs.
• It removes any existing media.json file.
• It scans the /Movies, /Shows, /Books, and /Music directories on the SD card.
• For each supported media file found, it logs the filename to the serial monitor.
• It builds a JSON document indexing all media with associated metadata (like cover images).
• The JSON is saved back to /media.json on the SD card.
• This JSON file is then used by the web UI and streaming services to present your media library.

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Benefits

• No more manual syncing via Python scripts.
• Plug-and-play media updates.
• Easier debugging with serial output showing detected files.
• Keeps the media index accurate and up to date.

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If you want to see the debug output, open your serial monitor at 115200 baud during boot.

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Thanks for following along and happy streaming!

— Jackson