# Release country of CD/Vinyl releases / Release identification methods
**URL:** https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139
**Category:** MusicBrainz
**Tags:** matrix, release-country
**Created:** [February 12, 2020, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139 "2020-02-12T20:10:10Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 7
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/122 "2020-03-08T16:31:50Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> I’ve got only one - Firefox, but maybe I will like Vivaldi.
I never believe in going all “fanboy” and picking only one browser. They all have pros and cons so I use more than one.
I like Vivaldi’s attitude - privacy is built in, even if it is using Chromium underneath. But little things like how that Right Click search work can save so much time. It just seems to fit my odd head.
---
### Author:  [@jesus2099](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/jesus2099)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/123 "2020-03-08T17:34:20Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> I was very happy with Opera for some years, but later my then old machine struggled with its system requirements. And then I was used to Firefox again and didn’t like to change back. But I think, I’ll try Vivaldi.
I was a user of Opera until v12 then I had to migrate do Vivaldi and Firefox, depending on needs.
But I was able to migrate my custome searches from Opera presto to both of them:
In Vivaldi, it’s just a search like in Opera.
But in Firefox:
1. I press Ctrl+B to display bookmarks/favourites
2. I created a “Searches” folder in there (right click, add)
3. I add a favourite/bookmark in this folder (right click, add)
4.1. I paste my custom search URL `javascript:c="%s";if(c.indexOf("-")>0){c=c.split("-");self.location.href="http://www.minc.gr.jp/db/AlbInfo.aspx?CAT1="+c[0]+"&CAT2="+c[1]}`
4.2 I call it `minc (catalogue number)`
4.3 I put a keyword for it `mc`
Then if I I want to find data for [WPCL-11496](https://musicbrainz.org/search?query=catno%3AWPCL-11496&type=release&limit=25&method=advanced) release, I just type [`mc WPCL-11496`](https://www.minc.gr.jp/db/AlbInfo.aspx?CAT1=WPCL&CAT2=11496).
The advantage of Firefox over Vivaldi, for this kind of _advanced_ JavaScript searches, is that I can launch it from any tab. In Vivaldi, JavaScript search won’t work from a new blank tab, you have to load any pages first.
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 5:53pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/124 "2020-03-08T17:53:28Z")
> [@jesus2099](#):
>
> I was a user of Opera until v12 then I had to migrate to Vivaldi and Firefox, depending on needs.
I even paid for my first Opera v3.xx back in the 1990s…
> [@jesus2099](#):
>
> Then if I I want to find data for [WPCL-11496](https://musicbrainz.org/search?query=catno%3AWPCL-11496&type=release&limit=25&method=advanced) release, I just type [`mc WPCL-11496`](https://www.minc.gr.jp/db/AlbInfo.aspx?CAT1=WPCL&CAT2=11496).
And we know where you got the idea of the letter searches - from that huge innovator Opera. 😉
@jesus2099 any idea of how to hack Firefox to get a context menu for the search like Vivaldi? That would then avoid the need of a copy\paste step to search a barcode number.
---
### Author:  [@kellnerd](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/kellnerd)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/125 "2020-03-08T19:56:56Z")
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> any idea of how to hack Firefox to get a context menu for the search like Vivaldi
Now you’ve made me curious to get this feature in Firefox, too 😉
> **[Context Search – Get this Extension for 🦊 Firefox (en-US)](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/contextual-search/)**
>
> Download Context Search for Firefox. Search selected text using your preferred search engines or AI chatbot. Right-click or Alt-click on selected text to respectively launch the context menu or the icons grid. You can also perform searches using...
> **[ContextSearch web-ext – Get this Extension for 🦊 Firefox (en-US)](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/contextsearch-web-ext/)**
>
> Download ContextSearch web-ext for Firefox. Select text and search from the context menu or a tiled popup using any of your installed search engines. Add new search engines with a right-click, edit favicons and query strings. POST compatible, simple...
I found these two extensions to achieve this. The first one is a bit more popular, but I installed the second one because it requires less permissions 🧐 🤪
Bonus feature: Mark text and hold right mouse button to get a quick menu with icons:
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/126 "2020-03-08T20:02:07Z")
Well found @kellnerd - every browser usually has a way of nicking the ideas from every other browser. 😉
This certainly speeds up those extra searches for further information. Discogs search is excellent as it takes \* anything \* you through at it: Cat Numbers, Barcodes, etc. I also check for missing Wikipedia\data links at the same time. Google\Amazon\EBay also can be useful when desperate.
Tricks like this make tracking down more details on a release much quicker.
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/127 "2020-03-08T23:01:53Z")
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> I never believe in going all “fanboy” and picking only one browser. They all have pros and cons so I use more than one.
It’s not about fandom. One part is loyalty to a great open source project. There are numerous useful plugins and if I use Vivaldi as standard browser, I have to have an additional repository integrated for updates (sometimes malfunctioning, was with Opera).
> [@jesus2099](#):
>
> But in Firefox:
>
> 1. I press Ctrl+B to display bookmarks/favourites
> 2. I created a “Searches” folder in there (right click, add)
> 3. I add a favourite/bookmark in this folder (right click, add)
> 4.1. I paste my custom search URL `javascript:c="%s";if(c.indexOf("-")>0){c=c.split("-");self.location.href="http://www.minc.gr.jp/db/AlbInfo.aspx?CAT1="+c[0]+"&CAT2="+c[1]}`
> 4.2 I call it `minc (catalogue number)`
> 4.3 I put a keyword for it `mc`
Doesn’t work for me. The javascript isn’t executed. Only the cat# is displayed. Are there security settings to alter?
> [@kellnerd](#):
>
> I installed the second one because it requires less permissions 🧐 🤪
I prefer this one too!
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Tricks like this make tracking down more details on a release much quicker.
And it’s necessary to speed it up. I roughly calculated how long it would take, to add all of my records to MB - properly! I’ve got no huge archive (about 500 CDs and \<100 Vinyls). But I’ve spent most of the day adding only scans for two existing releases, including a check for matching details. Okay, there was a 24 page booklet included, but there are nearly no scan images available in MB even for more popular releases.
And there will be lots of relations to add too. It will be a lifetime project (if I’m lucky!). I’m a bit depressed right now … 😔
And the [“funny” disco stripes on scanned CDs](https://ia801604.us.archive.org/7/items/mbid-7d9f25ae-45b7-4a66-a8f4-d15986ef1bb8/mbid-7d9f25ae-45b7-4a66-a8f4-d15986ef1bb8-25616483159.png) make the images almost useless. ☹
And there are no new Doctor Who episodes for a long time. 🤧
---
### Author:  [@jesus2099](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/jesus2099)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/128 "2020-03-08T23:33:53Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> Doesn’t work for me. The javascript isn’t executed. Only the cat# is displayed. Are there security settings to alter?
It only works with ABCD-1234 catalogue number with an hyphen-minus sign in it.
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 8, 2020, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/129 "2020-03-08T23:42:31Z")
> [@jesus2099](#):
>
> It only works with ABCD-1234 catalogue number with an hyphen-minus sign in it.
OK, got it. But this is a Japanese site and I think they want me to sign in…
Nevertheless it’s a funny playground, thanks! I’ve never done this.
---
### Author:  [@jesus2099](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/jesus2099)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2020, 7:27am UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/130 "2020-03-09T07:27:27Z")
It’s just to show off a technique when you n need a search with split arguments. 🤓
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2020, 9:41am UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/131 "2020-03-09T09:41:54Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> I roughly calculated how long it would take, to add all of my records to MB - properly! I’ve got no huge archive (about 500 CDs and \<100 Vinyls). But I’ve spent most of the day adding only scans for two existing releases, including a check for matching details.
Yeah… time consuming is the word. I lost my Sunday to a six disc boxset which I wasn’t even planning to look at for ages. Just someone changed a date at Discogs and kicked off a chain reaction of research and scanning. One of those cases where I had looked at this in my first pass through of identifying my discs, only to now realise with my current knowledge levels that I had a “new to MB” version. At least there wasn’t any booklets - just the six jewel cases. 😜
But I don’t mind this sudden deep research. Not only did I put that music on for the first time in ages, but I also learnt a heap more about the band due to having to read up on an error. And it was an interesting one as Wikipedia had the wrong release date, which had led to the band’s own website copying that wrong date in the blurb for an anniversary release! The research on Discogs in the edit notes especially helped chase out proof of the date. A few other outside sources helped. Along with the paperwork in the boxset in hand. And MB had the correct date all along. But an interesting lesson in not trusting sources. Even when you think they are the “trustable” ones.
My physical collection is a similar size to yours. Probably took a year to rip them all to FLAC. Now three years in to getting proper tags via MB. Clocked my 100,000th edit to MB this weekend. Haha… yeah, addictive, but I have rediscovered so much music I had forgotten about. (Problem is my Digital Only collection is probably double the size of the physical… never ending 😂 )
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> And there are no new Doctor Who episodes for a long time. 🤧
But there are many old episodes still out there to watch. I’d rather watch repeats of the 60s\70s\80s. (But this is really off topic and you’ll get us told off 😉 )
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2020, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/132 "2020-03-09T19:39:40Z")
> [@jesus2099](#):
>
> It’s just to show off a technique when you n need a search with split arguments. 🤓
I’m delighted. I haven’t known about that. And in this manner you probably may build even more complex search strings.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> One of those cases where I had looked at this in my first pass through of identifying my discs, only to now realise with my current knowledge levels that I had a “new to MB” version.
Yes, that’s the the core problem. If you really take it seriously, it’s getting very time-consuming. It’s no longer only about a matching catalog number. So you have to do scans, research about distribution, manufacturing (thanks again for the List of SID codes!) … and then you have to think about it. ‘Is it possible that it’s a British release although it’s manufactured in Germany?’ and so on.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> My physical collection is a similar size to yours.
Only, you do edits for relaxation. I lay down, listening to music, that’s less helpful. 😧
But today my spirits are raised again (at least a bit). I’ll continue adding scans of albums in (relatively) good condition. Relationships may be added later and can be done by anyone once the information is available in the form of images. Til then I have to find a structure for my efforts. Maybe there will be no full optical documentation of some releases.
Probably it will be a lifetime project, but even if it’s only three years … that’s a long time standing at the start. I probably should stop thinking about how to finish it as fast as possible. I have purposely tagged my files with the wrong release because of a brighter cover image, so why panicking that there’s no fully matching release available.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> I have rediscovered so much music I had forgotten about.
Me too, and it was interesting and joyful. 🙂
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Problem is my Digital Only collection is probably double the size of the physical
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> (Problem is my Digital Only collection is probably double the size of the physical… never ending 😂 )
The same, but with a slightly higher chance, that they are tagged correctly. And for sure it’s a good thing that there will never be an end. The collectors worst nightmare - the completion of the collection. Nothing more to collect!
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> But there are many old episodes still out there to watch.
None I haven’t seen I suppose. Except there would be a newly released animated reconstruction. But I haven’t noticed something like that. But, of course aside the new reconstructions, I haven’t viewed most of the Hartnell episodes for a long time. Surely worth watching again. But it was the first Sunday with this year without a new one.
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2020, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/133 "2020-03-09T20:46:41Z")
When I add scans it depends on mood and today’s OCD level. Bare minimum is a front scan and a rear scan. That usually covers the main differences in this release and keeps the taggers happy with a new cover. Next I’d add a CD scan and maybe the page in the booklet with the credits.
I have seen this then used by other editors to then scour for more details of the credits. And I have done similar myself.
Many booklets I will never scan due to the effect of scanning damaging the book due to having to flatten it out. In those cases I have often “borrowed” images from Discogs - but with full credits to source.
But when my OCD really kicks in I want to fully scan something rare. Like the boxset I did at the weekend. I could probably have cheated by reusing other images for the common bits, but that’s not the way I work. I also see that MB is giving me a backup of the scans once I have uploaded them. It works both ways.
For me this is part of a project of making my music more and more accessible through a KODI media centre. Music and artwork sitting on one server to be accessed arodun the house. Or taken out on a phone\MP3Player\Car Stereo. I see my mission of “rip n tag” as also sharing knowledge of my collection.
We all work at different levels of details. So never think you are “not doing enough”. Even just adding one new Release a year is a positive for MB. So many people work in this project in so many different ways. We are all equally important 😉
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/134 "2020-03-09T21:21:01Z")
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Many booklets I will never scan due to the effect of scanning damaging the book due to having to flatten it out.
For most of my booklets that’s not the worst thing they’ve experienced. For new ones I will try to be carefully, but if I don’t, I would end up devastating my CD archive again. I like to have all in digital form.
An hour ago I found my ordered Billie Eilish CD in my post box. That was quite a surprise as I paid € 9.50 for tracked shipping from Germany…
Of course I scanned and added it instantly. Easy. Though 11 releases it shared the DiscID with one of them. The related Discogs release has a matching Mastering SID and a slightly different Mould SID, both 94xx - that’s from Austria. Lets say a true European release.
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/135 "2020-03-10T17:39:20Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> An hour ago I found my ordered Billie Eilish CD in my post box.
My copy was also accompanied by a new USB microscope 😃
So have I got my copy on the scanner pointlessly if you already uploaded it? haha… Darn…
BUT I pull up the scan of my hub and I see a subtle difference with my UK order from Amazon UK.
Exact same front of the CD but the hub is slightly different:
A0103216055-0101 14 A00 (yours is A0103216055-0101 23 A00 )
IFPI L554 (yours is IPPI L553)
IFPI 942P (yours is 941R)
Also same discID - but I pressed the “Set Track Durations” button to tweak a couple of lengths
[https://musicbrainz.org/cdtoc/.sz.uBlrSmIEGZ9p1wOcEckTqDE-](https://musicbrainz.org/cdtoc/.sz.uBlrSmIEGZ9p1wOcEckTqDE-)
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 5:55pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/136 "2020-03-10T17:55:01Z")
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> So have I got my copy on the scanner pointlessly if you already uploaded it? haha… Darn…
Do better, please.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Exact same front of the CD but the hub is slightly different:
Then it’s a different variant, although from the same plant.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Also same discID - but I pressed the “Set Track Durations” button to tweak a couple of lengths
I haven’t.
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 6:01pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/137 "2020-03-10T18:01:31Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> Do better, please.
Don’t think I could do any better. You have done a fine job on the scans and uploads. I’ve already abandoned my scan and am now using yours. Thanks for sharing 🥳
Also note - already the CueTools addon for EAC is downloading your cover when ripping…
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> I haven’t.
I did that hard task for ya 😉
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/138 "2020-03-10T18:11:52Z")
Again I managed to spent hours for one cd, although the release was already added, but it had strange features.
[Push the Sky Away](https://musicbrainz.org/release/e043f019-cd8c-4f21-ab78-c596121b617f) (limited edition)
The Mastering SID is LK97 (not in list), on the same side a mirrored code is visible: IFPI 9R100 (2400dpi scan added)
On the other side (printed front) another mirrored code appears: IFPI 9R101 (4800dpi added)
I could have scanned with 9600dpi but 4800 took long enough and I tried instead different angles…
The best are added to MB. Sorry for the dirt. I tried to clean it but put even more scratches to it.
I need a microscope!!!
EDIT: the strange codes appear on the accompanied DVD. I packed it away now. It’s absolutely unnecessary!
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 6:18pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/139 "2020-03-10T18:18:58Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> I need a microscope!!!
I just ordered the first cheapo one I found on Amazon. Am about to fire it up and see if it is any good.
[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07DRGR6LX/](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07DRGR6LX/)
Have played with an older one of these before and it is surprising how good they can be for cheapo.
---
### Author:  [@ernstlx](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/ernstlx)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/140 "2020-03-10T18:24:11Z")
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> Also note - already the CueTools addon for EAC is downloading your cover when ripping…
EAC isn’t available for Linux. But I’ll do without. I often use locally provided “incorrect” (brighter) images for KODI.
> [@IvanDobsky](#):
>
> I just ordered the first cheapo one I found on Amazon. Am about to fire it up and see if it is any good.
Please report if you’ve got it. But there is dust everywhere! I have to clean up this place first. So no hurry 😁
---
### Author:  [@IvanDobsky](https://community.metabrainz.org/u/IvanDobsky)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.metabrainz.org/t/release-country-of-cd-vinyl-releases-release-identification-methods/463139/141 "2020-03-10T18:35:30Z")
> [@ernstlx](#):
>
> Please report if you’ve got it. But there is dust everywhere! I have to clean up this place first. So no hurry 😁
For something that is only slightly more cost than a CD - it is surprisingly good. This cheapo one is just 640x480 - but it is showing just a couple of letters of the matrix info at a time. This is a cool little toy! I also bought it to attach to my phone for when I am out in the woods.
All kinda of neat little bits to it. The bright white LED is adjustable on the cable (like a volume control) so you can change the lighting levels. Magnification is also a physical dial.
As to dust - well, this will turn the dust into rocks!
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