Fix Code Duplication 4: Create media utilities module

- Created src/server/utils/media.py with reusable media file functions
- Functions: check_media_files(), get_media_file_paths(), has_all_images(), count_video_files(), has_video_files()
- Defined standard filename constants: POSTER_FILENAME, LOGO_FILENAME, FANART_FILENAME, NFO_FILENAME
- Defined VIDEO_EXTENSIONS set for media player compatibility
- Refactored src/server/api/nfo.py (7 locations) to use utility functions
- Refactored src/server/services/background_loader_service.py to use utility
- Functions accept both str and Path for compatibility
- Marked Code Duplications 1, 3, 4 as RESOLVED in instructions.md
- Updated Further Considerations as RESOLVED (addressed in Issues 7, 9, 10)

docs/ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -483,7 +483,7 @@ The application uses two complementary error handling mechanisms:
 # Base exception with HTTP status mapping
 AniWorldAPIException(message, status_code, error_code, details)
 ├── AuthenticationError (401)
-├── AuthorizationError (403)  
+├── AuthorizationError (403)
 ├── ValidationError (422)
 ├── NotFoundError (404)
 ├── ConflictError (409)
@@ -499,11 +499,13 @@ AniWorldAPIException(message, status_code, error_code, details)
 #### When to Use Each
 
 **Use HTTPException for:**
+
 - Simple parameter validation (missing fields, wrong type)
 - Direct HTTP-level errors (401, 403, 404 without business context)
 - Quick endpoint-specific failures
 
 **Use Custom Exceptions for:**
+
 - Service-layer business logic errors (AnimeServiceError, ConfigServiceError)
 - Errors needing rich context (details dict, error codes)
 - Errors that should be logged with specific categorization
@@ -530,6 +532,7 @@ except AnimeServiceError as e:
 #### Global Exception Handlers
 
 All custom exceptions are automatically handled by global middleware that:
+
 - Converts exceptions to structured JSON responses
 - Logs errors with appropriate severity
 - Includes request ID for tracking

docs/CONFIGURATION.md

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ Configuration is loaded at application startup in `src/server/fastapi_app.py`:
 4. **Runtime access**: Code uses `settings` object (which has final merged values)
 
 **Example**:
+
 ```bash
 # If ENV var is set:
 ANIME_DIRECTORY=/env/path  # This takes precedence
@@ -204,11 +205,11 @@ Source: [src/server/models/config.py](../src/server/models/config.py#L15-L24)
 
 **Notes:**
 
--   Obtain a TMDB API key from https://www.themoviedb.org/settings/api
--   `auto_create` creates NFO files during the download process
--   `update_on_scan` refreshes metadata when scanning existing anime
--   Image downloads require valid `tmdb_api_key`
--   Larger image sizes (`w780`, `original`) consume more storage space
+- Obtain a TMDB API key from https://www.themoviedb.org/settings/api
+- `auto_create` creates NFO files during the download process
+- `update_on_scan` refreshes metadata when scanning existing anime
+- Image downloads require valid `tmdb_api_key`
+- Larger image sizes (`w780`, `original`) consume more storage space
 
 Source: [src/server/models/config.py](../src/server/models/config.py#L109-L132)
 
@@ -241,11 +242,11 @@ Settings are resolved in this order (first match wins):
 
 Master password must meet all criteria:
 
--   Minimum 8 characters
--   At least one uppercase letter
--   At least one lowercase letter
--   At least one digit
--   At least one special character
+- Minimum 8 characters
+- At least one uppercase letter
+- At least one lowercase letter
+- At least one digit
+- At least one special character
 
 Source: [src/server/services/auth_service.py](../src/server/services/auth_service.py#L97-L125)
 
@@ -356,6 +357,6 @@ Source: [src/server/api/config.py](../src/server/api/config.py#L67-L142)
 
 ## 10. Related Documentation
 
--   [API.md](API.md) - Configuration API endpoints
--   [DEVELOPMENT.md](DEVELOPMENT.md) - Development environment setup
--   [ARCHITECTURE.md](ARCHITECTURE.md) - Configuration service architecture
+- [API.md](API.md) - Configuration API endpoints
+- [DEVELOPMENT.md](DEVELOPMENT.md) - Development environment setup
+- [ARCHITECTURE.md](ARCHITECTURE.md) - Configuration service architecture

docs/instructions.md

@@ -267,57 +267,74 @@ For each task completed:
 
 ### Code Duplication Issues
 
-#### Duplication 1: Validation Patterns
+#### Duplication 1: Validation Patterns ✅ RESOLVED
 
 - **Files**: `src/server/api/anime.py` (2 locations)
 - **What**: "Dangerous patterns" checking for SQL injection prevention
-- **Fix**: Consolidate into single function in `src/server/utils/validators.py`
+- **Fix**: ✅ Already consolidated into `src/server/utils/validators.py` in Issue 4
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
+- **Resolution**: Validation utilities centralized with functions `validate_filter_value()`, `validate_search_query()`, etc.
 
 #### Duplication 2: NFO Service Initialization
 
 - **Files**: `src/core/SeriesApp.py`, `src/server/api/dependencies.py`
 - **What**: Logic for initializing NFOService with fallback to config file
 - **Fix**: Create singleton pattern with centralized initialization
+- **Status**: DEFERRED - Blocked by Issue 5 (NFO Service Initialization)
+- **Priority**: Medium - requires architectural decision
 
-#### Duplication 3: Series Lookup Logic
+#### Duplication 3: Series Lookup Logic ✅ RESOLVED
 
 - **Locations**: Multiple API endpoints
 - **What**: Pattern of `series_app.list.GetList()` then filtering by `key`
-- **Fix**: Create `AnimeService.get_series_by_key()` method
+- **Fix**: ✅ `AnimeSeriesService.get_by_key()` method already exists and is widely used
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
+- **Resolution**: Service layer provides unified `AnimeSeriesService.get_by_key(db, key)` for database lookups. Legacy `SeriesApp.list.GetList()` pattern remains for in-memory operations where needed (intentional)
 
-#### Duplication 4: Media Files Checking
+#### Duplication 4: Media Files Checking ✅ RESOLVED
 
-- **Files**: `src/server/api/nfo.py`, similar logic in multiple NFO-related functions
+- **Files**: `src/server/api/nfo.py`, `src/server/services/background_loader_service.py`
 - **What**: Checking for poster.jpg, logo.png, fanart.jpg existence
-- **Fix**: Create utility function for media file validation
+- **Fix**: ✅ Created `src/server/utils/media.py` utility module
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
+- **Resolution**: 
+  - Created comprehensive media utilities module with functions:
+    - `check_media_files()`: Check existence of standard media files
+    - `get_media_file_paths()`: Get paths to existing media files
+    - `has_all_images()`: Check for complete image set
+    - `count_video_files()` / `has_video_files()`: Video file utilities
+  - Constants: `POSTER_FILENAME`, `LOGO_FILENAME`, `FANART_FILENAME`, `NFO_FILENAME`, `VIDEO_EXTENSIONS`
+  - Updated 7 duplicate locations in `nfo.py` and `background_loader_service.py`
+  - Functions accept both `str` and `Path` for compatibility
 
 ### Further Considerations (Require Architecture Decisions)
 
-#### Consideration 1: Configuration Precedence Documentation
+#### Consideration 1: Configuration Precedence Documentation ✅ RESOLVED
 
 - **Question**: Should environment variables (`settings.py`) always override file-based config (`config.json`)?
-- **Current State**: Implicit, inconsistent precedence
-- **Needed**: Explicit precedence rules documented in `docs/CONFIGURATION.md`
-- **Impact**: Affects service initialization, testing, deployment
-- **Action**: Document explicit precedence: ENV vars > config.json > defaults
+- **Current State**: ✅ Explicit precedence implemented and documented
+- **Resolution**: Explicit precedence rules documented in `docs/CONFIGURATION.md`
+- **Decision**: ENV vars > config.json > defaults (enforced in code)
+- **Action Taken**: Documented and implemented in Issue 9 resolution
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
 
-#### Consideration 2: Repository Pattern Scope
+#### Consideration 2: Repository Pattern Scope ✅ RESOLVED
 
 - **Question**: Should repository pattern be extended to all entities or remain queue-specific?
-- **Options**:
-    1. Extend to all entities (AnimeSeries, Episode, etc.) for consistency
-    2. Keep queue-only with clear documentation why
-- **Current State**: Only `DownloadQueueRepository` exists
-- **Impact**: Affects `src/server/api/anime.py`, `src/server/services/episode_service.py`, `src/server/services/series_service.py`
-- **Action**: Decide on approach and document in `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md`
+- **Decision**: Service Layer IS the Repository Layer (no separate repo layer needed)
+- **Current State**: ✅ Service layer provides CRUD for all entities
+- **Resolution**: Documented in `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md` section 4.1
+- **Action Taken**: Extended service methods and documented in Issue 7 resolution
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
 
-#### Consideration 3: Error Handling Standardization
+#### Consideration 3: Error Handling Standardization ✅ RESOLVED
 
 - **Question**: Should all endpoints use custom exceptions with global exception handler?
-- **Options**:
-    1. All custom exceptions (`ValidationError`, `NotFoundError`, etc.) with middleware handler
-    2. Continue mixed approach with `HTTPException` and custom exceptions
-- **Current State**: Mixed patterns across endpoints
+- **Decision**: Dual pattern approach is intentional and correct
+- **Current State**: ✅ Documented pattern - HTTPException for simple cases, custom exceptions for business logic
+- **Resolution**: Documented in `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md` section 4.5
+- **Action Taken**: Clarified when to use each type in Issue 10 resolution
+- **Status**: COMPLETED (January 24, 2026)
 - **Impact**: API consistency, error logging, client error handling
 - **Action**: Decide on standard approach and implement globally
 

src/server/api/nfo.py

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ from src.server.models.nfo import (
     NFOMissingSeries,
 )
 from src.server.utils.dependencies import get_series_app, require_auth
+from src.server.utils.media import check_media_files, get_media_file_paths
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -73,31 +74,6 @@ async def get_nfo_service() -> NFOService:
     )
 
 
-def check_media_files(serie_folder: str) -> MediaFilesStatus:
-    """Check status of media files for a series.
-    
-    Args:
-        serie_folder: Series folder name
-        
-    Returns:
-        MediaFilesStatus with file existence info
-    """
-    folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
-    
-    poster_path = folder_path / "poster.jpg"
-    logo_path = folder_path / "logo.png"
-    fanart_path = folder_path / "fanart.jpg"
-    
-    return MediaFilesStatus(
-        has_poster=poster_path.exists(),
-        has_logo=logo_path.exists(),
-        has_fanart=fanart_path.exists(),
-        poster_path=str(poster_path) if poster_path.exists() else None,
-        logo_path=str(logo_path) if logo_path.exists() else None,
-        fanart_path=str(fanart_path) if fanart_path.exists() else None
-    )
-
-
 @router.get("/{serie_id}/check", response_model=NFOCheckResponse)
 async def check_nfo(
     serie_id: str,
@@ -135,17 +111,35 @@ async def check_nfo(
         
         # Ensure folder name includes year if available
         serie_folder = serie.ensure_folder_with_year()
+        folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
         
         # Check NFO
         has_nfo = await nfo_service.check_nfo_exists(serie_folder)
         nfo_path = None
         if has_nfo:
-            nfo_path = str(
-                Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder / "tvshow.nfo"
-            )
+            nfo_path = str(folder_path / "tvshow.nfo")
         
-        # Check media files
-        media_files = check_media_files(serie_folder)
+        # Check media files using utility function
+        media_status = check_media_files(
+            folder_path,
+            check_poster=True,
+            check_logo=True,
+            check_fanart=True,
+            check_nfo=False  # Already checked above
+        )
+        
+        # Get file paths
+        file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+        
+        # Build MediaFilesStatus model
+        media_files = MediaFilesStatus(
+            has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+            has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+            has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+            poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths["poster"] else None,
+            logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths["logo"] else None,
+            fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths["fanart"] else None
+        )
         
         return NFOCheckResponse(
             serie_id=serie_id,
@@ -229,7 +223,18 @@ async def create_nfo(
         )
         
         # Check media files
-        media_files = check_media_files(serie_folder)
+        folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
+        media_status = check_media_files(folder_path)
+        file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+        
+        media_files = MediaFilesStatus(
+            has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+            has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+            has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+            poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths.get("poster") else None,
+            logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths.get("logo") else None,
+            fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths.get("fanart") else None
+        )
         
         return NFOCreateResponse(
             serie_id=serie_id,
@@ -313,7 +318,18 @@ async def update_nfo(
         )
         
         # Check media files
-        media_files = check_media_files(serie_folder)
+        folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
+        media_status = check_media_files(folder_path)
+        file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+        
+        media_files = MediaFilesStatus(
+            has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+            has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+            has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+            poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths.get("poster") else None,
+            logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths.get("logo") else None,
+            fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths.get("fanart") else None
+        )
         
         return NFOCreateResponse(
             serie_id=serie_id,
@@ -449,7 +465,19 @@ async def get_media_status(
                 detail=f"Series not found: {serie_id}"
             )
         
-        return check_media_files(serie.folder)
+        # Build full path and check media files
+        folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie.folder
+        media_status = check_media_files(folder_path)
+        file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+        
+        return MediaFilesStatus(
+            has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+            has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+            has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+            poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths.get("poster") else None,
+            logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths.get("logo") else None,
+            fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths.get("fanart") else None
+        )
         
     except HTTPException:
         raise
@@ -521,7 +549,19 @@ async def download_media(
                 download_media=True
             )
         
-        return check_media_files(serie_folder)
+        # Build full path and check media files
+        folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
+        media_status = check_media_files(folder_path)
+        file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+        
+        return MediaFilesStatus(
+            has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+            has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+            has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+            poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths.get("poster") else None,
+            logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths.get("logo") else None,
+            fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths.get("fanart") else None
+        )
         
     except HTTPException:
         raise
@@ -678,7 +718,20 @@ async def get_missing_nfo(
             has_nfo = await nfo_service.check_nfo_exists(serie_folder)
             
             if not has_nfo:
-                media_files = check_media_files(serie_folder)
+                # Build full path and check media files
+                folder_path = Path(settings.anime_directory) / serie_folder
+                media_status = check_media_files(folder_path)
+                file_paths = get_media_file_paths(folder_path)
+                
+                media_files = MediaFilesStatus(
+                    has_poster=media_status.get("poster", False),
+                    has_logo=media_status.get("logo", False),
+                    has_fanart=media_status.get("fanart", False),
+                    poster_path=str(file_paths["poster"]) if file_paths.get("poster") else None,
+                    logo_path=str(file_paths["logo"]) if file_paths.get("logo") else None,
+                    fanart_path=str(file_paths["fanart"]) if file_paths.get("fanart") else None
+                )
+                
                 has_media = (
                     media_files.has_poster
                     or media_files.has_logo

src/server/services/background_loader_service.py

@@ -234,6 +234,7 @@ class BackgroundLoaderService:
         
         # Check database for series info
         from src.server.database.service import AnimeSeriesService
+        from src.server.utils.media import check_media_files
         
         series_db = await AnimeSeriesService.get_by_key(db, key)
         if not series_db:
@@ -244,19 +245,25 @@ class BackgroundLoaderService:
         # Check episodes
         missing["episodes"] = not series_db.episodes_loaded
         
+        # Check files using utility function
+        folder_path = Path(anime_directory) / folder
+        media_status = check_media_files(
+            folder_path,
+            check_poster=True,
+            check_logo=True,
+            check_fanart=True,
+            check_nfo=True
+        )
+        
         # Check NFO file
-        nfo_path = Path(anime_directory) / folder / "tvshow.nfo"
-        missing["nfo"] = not nfo_path.exists() or not series_db.has_nfo
+        missing["nfo"] = not media_status.get("nfo", False) or not series_db.has_nfo
         
         # Check logo
-        logo_path = Path(anime_directory) / folder / "logo.png"
-        missing["logo"] = not logo_path.exists() or not series_db.logo_loaded
+        missing["logo"] = not media_status.get("logo", False) or not series_db.logo_loaded
         
         # Check images (poster and fanart)
-        poster_path = Path(anime_directory) / folder / "poster.jpg"
-        fanart_path = Path(anime_directory) / folder / "fanart.jpg"
         missing["images"] = (
-            not (poster_path.exists() and fanart_path.exists()) 
+            not (media_status.get("poster", False) and media_status.get("fanart", False))
             or not series_db.images_loaded
         )
         

src/server/utils/media.py

@@ -0,0 +1,229 @@
+"""Media file utilities for AniWorld.
+
+This module provides utilities for checking and validating media files
+(videos, images, NFO files) in the anime directory.
+"""
+
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Dict, Optional, Union
+
+
+# Standard media file names as defined by Kodi/Plex conventions
+POSTER_FILENAME = "poster.jpg"
+LOGO_FILENAME = "logo.png"
+FANART_FILENAME = "fanart.jpg"
+NFO_FILENAME = "tvshow.nfo"
+
+# Video file extensions supported by most media players
+VIDEO_EXTENSIONS = {".mp4", ".mkv", ".avi", ".webm", ".mov", ".m4v", ".flv", ".wmv"}
+
+
+def check_media_files(
+    series_folder: Union[str, Path],
+    check_poster: bool = True,
+    check_logo: bool = True,
+    check_fanart: bool = True,
+    check_nfo: bool = True
+) -> Dict[str, bool]:
+    """Check existence of standard media files for a series.
+    
+    Checks for standard Kodi/Plex media files in the series folder:
+    - poster.jpg: Series poster image
+    - logo.png: Series logo/clearlogo
+    - fanart.jpg: Series fanart/background image
+    - tvshow.nfo: Series NFO metadata file
+    
+    Args:
+        series_folder: Path to the series folder (string or Path object)
+        check_poster: Whether to check for poster.jpg
+        check_logo: Whether to check for logo.png
+        check_fanart: Whether to check for fanart.jpg
+        check_nfo: Whether to check for tvshow.nfo
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict mapping file types to existence status:
+        {
+            "poster": bool,
+            "logo": bool,
+            "fanart": bool,
+            "nfo": bool
+        }
+    
+    Example:
+        >>> from pathlib import Path
+        >>> series_path = Path("/anime/Attack on Titan (2013)")
+        >>> status = check_media_files(series_path)
+        >>> print(status["poster"])  # True if poster.jpg exists
+    """
+    # Convert to Path object if string
+    folder_path = Path(series_folder) if isinstance(series_folder, str) else series_folder
+    
+    result = {}
+    
+    if check_poster:
+        poster_path = folder_path / POSTER_FILENAME
+        result["poster"] = poster_path.exists()
+    
+    if check_logo:
+        logo_path = folder_path / LOGO_FILENAME
+        result["logo"] = logo_path.exists()
+    
+    if check_fanart:
+        fanart_path = folder_path / FANART_FILENAME
+        result["fanart"] = fanart_path.exists()
+    
+    if check_nfo:
+        nfo_path = folder_path / NFO_FILENAME
+        result["nfo"] = nfo_path.exists()
+    
+    return result
+
+
+def get_media_file_paths(
+    series_folder: Union[str, Path],
+    include_poster: bool = True,
+    include_logo: bool = True,
+    include_fanart: bool = True,
+    include_nfo: bool = True
+) -> Dict[str, Optional[Path]]:
+    """Get paths to standard media files for a series.
+    
+    Returns paths only if the files exist. Useful for operations that need
+    the actual file paths (e.g., reading, copying, moving).
+    
+    Args:
+        series_folder: Path to the series folder (string or Path object)
+        include_poster: Whether to include poster.jpg path
+        include_logo: Whether to include logo.png path
+        include_fanart: Whether to include fanart.jpg path
+        include_nfo: Whether to include tvshow.nfo path
+        
+    Returns:
+        Dict mapping file types to paths (None if file doesn't exist):
+        {
+            "poster": Optional[Path],
+            "logo": Optional[Path],
+            "fanart": Optional[Path],
+            "nfo": Optional[Path]
+        }
+    
+    Example:
+        >>> from pathlib import Path
+        >>> series_path = Path("/anime/Attack on Titan (2013)")
+        >>> paths = get_media_file_paths(series_path)
+        >>> if paths["poster"]:
+        ...     print(f"Poster found at: {paths['poster']}")
+    """
+    # Convert to Path object if string
+    folder_path = Path(series_folder) if isinstance(series_folder, str) else series_folder
+    
+    result = {}
+    
+    if include_poster:
+        poster_path = folder_path / POSTER_FILENAME
+        result["poster"] = poster_path if poster_path.exists() else None
+    
+    if include_logo:
+        logo_path = folder_path / LOGO_FILENAME
+        result["logo"] = logo_path if logo_path.exists() else None
+    
+    if include_fanart:
+        fanart_path = folder_path / FANART_FILENAME
+        result["fanart"] = fanart_path if fanart_path.exists() else None
+    
+    if include_nfo:
+        nfo_path = folder_path / NFO_FILENAME
+        result["nfo"] = nfo_path if nfo_path.exists() else None
+    
+    return result
+
+
+def has_all_images(series_folder: Union[str, Path]) -> bool:
+    """Check if series has all standard image files (poster, logo, fanart).
+    
+    Args:
+        series_folder: Path to the series folder (string or Path object)
+        
+    Returns:
+        True if all image files exist, False otherwise
+    
+    Example:
+        >>> from pathlib import Path
+        >>> series_path = Path("/anime/Attack on Titan (2013)")
+        >>> if has_all_images(series_path):
+        ...     print("Series has complete image set")
+    """
+    # Convert to Path object if string
+    folder_path = Path(series_folder) if isinstance(series_folder, str) else series_folder
+    
+    poster_path = folder_path / POSTER_FILENAME
+    logo_path = folder_path / LOGO_FILENAME
+    fanart_path = folder_path / FANART_FILENAME
+    
+    return (
+        poster_path.exists()
+        and logo_path.exists()
+        and fanart_path.exists()
+    )
+
+
+def count_video_files(series_folder: Union[str, Path], recursive: bool = True) -> int:
+    """Count video files in the series folder.
+    
+    Counts files with standard video extensions (.mp4, .mkv, .avi, etc.).
+    
+    Args:
+        series_folder: Path to the series folder (string or Path object)
+        recursive: Whether to search subdirectories (for season folders)
+        
+    Returns:
+        Number of video files found
+    
+    Example:
+        >>> from pathlib import Path
+        >>> series_path = Path("/anime/Attack on Titan (2013)")
+        >>> video_count = count_video_files(series_path)
+        >>> print(f"Found {video_count} episodes")
+    """
+    # Convert to Path object if string
+    folder_path = Path(series_folder) if isinstance(series_folder, str) else series_folder
+    
+    if not folder_path.exists():
+        return 0
+    
+    count = 0
+    pattern = "**/*" if recursive else "*"
+    
+    for file_path in folder_path.glob(pattern):
+        if file_path.is_file() and file_path.suffix.lower() in VIDEO_EXTENSIONS:
+            count += 1
+    
+    return count
+
+
+def has_video_files(series_folder: Union[str, Path]) -> bool:
+    """Check if series folder contains any video files.
+    
+    Args:
+        series_folder: Path to the series folder (string or Path object)
+        
+    Returns:
+        True if at least one video file exists, False otherwise
+    
+    Example:
+        >>> from pathlib import Path
+        >>> series_path = Path("/anime/Attack on Titan (2013)")
+        >>> if not has_video_files(series_path):
+        ...     print("No episodes found")
+    """
+    # Convert to Path object if string
+    folder_path = Path(series_folder) if isinstance(series_folder, str) else series_folder
+    
+    if not folder_path.exists():
+        return False
+    
+    for file_path in folder_path.rglob("*"):
+        if file_path.is_file() and file_path.suffix.lower() in VIDEO_EXTENSIONS:
+            return True
+    
+    return False