TMDB Import FAQ

TMDB-Import Tool FAQ

🌐 中文版本

TMDB-Import is a Python tool for scraping episode data from various platforms and importing to TMDB. This document covers common issues and solutions.

ℹ️ TMDB-Import is an independent open-source project (fzlins/TMDB-Import). TMDB-Helper integrates its functionality.

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Configuration

Q: Multi-task concurrency fails after enabling "rename CSV on import"?

Cause: When rename_csv_on_import = true, the script renames import.csv to import_{tmdb_id}_s{season}_{language}.csv. But if save_user_profile = true is also enabled, Playwright locks the user profile directory, preventing multiple processes from running concurrently.

Solution:

1. Open config.ini
2. Ensure these settings:

   rename_csv_on_import = true
   save_user_profile = false

3. With save_user_profile disabled, each task uses an isolated temporary browser profile

⚠️ Note: After disabling save_user_profile, you'll need to re-login to TMDB each run (if login is required).

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Q: Scraped platform data is incorrect, missing episodes?

Cause: Most likely filtered by filter_words.

Check Steps:

1. Open config.ini
2. Check the filter_words setting:

   filter_words = 

3. If it contains filter words, check if normal episodes were accidentally filtered

How Filtering Works:

• Multiple filter words separated by commas
• If an episode name contains any filter word, it gets filtered out
• Example: filter_words = 预告,花絮 filters episodes with "预告" or "花絮" in the name

Solution:

• Clear filter words: filter_words =
• Or set precise filter words to avoid false positives

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Q: CSV file shows garbled characters (encoding issue)?

Solution: Set encoding in config.ini:

encoding = utf-8-sig

utf-8-sig adds a BOM marker at the beginning, ensuring Excel correctly识别 Chinese characters.

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Q: Backdrop image not showing after upload?

Check settings:

backdrop_forced_upload = false
backdrop_vote_after_upload = false

• backdrop_forced_upload: Force upload backdrop (even if one exists)
• backdrop_vote_after_upload: Auto-vote after upload

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Scraping

Q: Scraping fails for a certain platform?

Common Causes:

1. Platform page changes: Extractor may need updates
2. Network issues: Check connection or proxy settings
3. Invalid URL format: Verify the platform link is correct

Supported Platforms:

• Bilibili
• iQiyi
• Tencent Video
• Youku
• CCTV
• And more...

Q: How to view detailed scraping logs?

Add verbose parameter when running, or check terminal output. The terminal displays:

• Current scraping URL
• Detected platform type
• Number of episodes found
• Filtered episodes (if any)

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Importing

Q: TMDB import fails with login error?

1. Check TMDB credentials in config.ini:

   tmdb_username = your_username
   tmdb_password = your_password

2. Verify username and password are correct
3. If 2FA is enabled, you may need to use API Key instead

Q: How to import only specific episodes?

Edit the generated CSV file, remove rows you don't want to import, then re-run the import command.

Q: CSV file deleted after import?

Check the setting:

delete_csv_after_import = false

Set to false to keep the CSV file for inspection.

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Multi-Task Concurrency

Q: How to scrape multiple platforms simultaneously?

1. Ensure save_user_profile = false
2. Recommended: enable rename_csv_on_import = true
3. Run each task in a separate terminal window

Q: Port conflict during concurrent tasks?

Each Playwright browser instance occupies a debug port. If port conflicts occur:

• Ensure save_user_profile = false
• Or stagger task start times

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Related Pages

• Independent Maintenance - Using TMDB-Import in TMDB-Helper
• Settings - Configure TMDB-Import tool
• FAQ - General TMDB-Helper questions

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