How to Use This Documentation

The Path

Try It → Understand It → Build It → Ship It

Note: This flow is a guideline, not a strict sequence. You can jump to the section that fits your needs, but we recommend starting with the Quick Start to see the server in action before diving into the implementation details.

I. Getting Started

Part I introduces the Gracenote Video MCP Server and how to start using it. Topics include:

1. Intro — What the MCP server does and what data it returns.
2. Live Demo — Try it in the browser with zero setup
3. Quick Start (CLI/Proxy) — Connect Claude Desktop, MCP Inspector, or LM Studio via the STDIO proxy. No custom code — just configure and chat
4. Use Cases — Three patterns (catalog enrichment, search & discovery, recommendations) so you know which path fits your project

II. Implementation

Part II explains the basic architecture behind the Video MCP Server and its interaction with LLMs to deliver grounded responses. By the end of this section you will have a working connection and understand the basics of implementation. Topics include:

1. Architecture — How the LLM reasoning loop works.
2. Connecting to MCP — Direct HTTPS connection from your own Python code. Provides the reusable mcp_utils.py module (GracenoteClient) that all cookbook examples import
3. System Prompt — How to customize the LLM's behavior for your use case
4. Best Practices — Caching, error handling, UX patterns, production checklist, security

III. Solutions (Cookbook)

Part III presents working solutions that demonstrate how the Video MCP Server can deliver value. Each solution is a standalone, runnable script that imports mcp_utils.py from Section II. By the end of this section you will have code you can adapt for common use cases. Topics include:

1. Catalog Enrichment — Batch CSV enrichment, scheduled jobs, database integration, Docker/K8s deployment
2. Search & Discovery — Streamlit prototype for natural language search
3. Personalized Recommendations — CLI script → REST API with Redis caching

IV. Reference

Part IV provides reference information that is useful as you develop Video MCP server solutions. Topics include:

1. Tool Reference — All 5 tools with parameters, constraints, and response formats
2. Customer Dashboard — Where to find your credentials, query logs, and usage data
3. FAQ — Common questions about access, data, and integration
4. Troubleshooting — Auth errors, connection issues, query problems, with solutions