How to manage Itunes?

OK need some help here. Below is a list of Current products at my House
Family Room - Mac Mini
Network Room -Mac Mini Server, AppleTV(V2)
Dads - MacBook Pro,Iphone 4, Ipad V2, Ipod Nano---Itunes User 1
Mom - MacBook Pro,Iphone 4, Ipad V2 ---Itunes User 2
Son - MacBook Pro, Iphone 3G -- Itunes User 3
Daughter - Iphone 3G(only used as Itouch) (currentley on Itunes User 2 Account)
House is controled by a Control4 System so i can push the AppleTV signal via HDMI to any room in the house.
So my question is this. How should i set up my itunes libraries. In a Ideal world i would like to have one location that stores all Music and Video. As a family we tend not to buy music or video from itunes. We typically would buy a cd or DVD and then load into our itunes library. In a ideal situation all of our computers would sync back to a central NAS Drive and we would share the same libraby, that way if one of us loaded a new CD into the system it would be availbile to all of us. We would each have our individual devices (iphones/ipads/ipods) that would synch to our individual macbook Pro's. So now hopefully that is as clear as mud but can anyone make any recomendations as to how i would accomplish this or even if it is possible.
Thanks
Mike

1. Click on the folder in the Finder's sidebar with the house icon, and then open the folder named Music. The iTunes folder inside is the default location of the music library; if the songs aren't here, follow these instructions to locate them.
2. Drag the files into the Library section of the open iTunes application.
3. Use the option in this article which best fits your needs.
(22256)

Similar Messages

How to manage itunes video HD and SD versions ?

I'd like to figure this out...
When buying itunes movies that come in HD, both the HD and SD (for iphones) versions are downloaded. Both versions are located in the itunes media folder under that movies title/name. In the itunes movies list, only one icon is displayed. That one icon represents two movie versions, HD and SD in the one folder. When you play on the computer or appletv, the HD version is played. When syncing the movie to an iphone, the SD version is copied.
I'd like to know the trick to managing two different versions of a movie, the same movie, in itunes. One high quality and a second lower quality for iphone compatibility. And have both versions represented by only one movie icon in the itunes movies list.
Purchased HD movies from itunes already somehow manages this itself.
When I add my own video to my itunes library, I add one higher quality for appletv, and a lower quality of the same for the iphone.
Iphone will not accept higher quality appletv video. I can create a lower quality version, but when added to the library, it shows as a second listing in the itunes movies list.
I end up with two duplicated icons for those two movies. One higher quality I added to the library, and a second icon for the iphone version I added to the library.
I would like to package the two versions together under one icon. Like itunes HD purchases are managed.
I'd like to know the trick to change that to one icon representing the two versions, if possible. So that I could "package" two versions of the same movie and have only one movie icon displayed in the movies list.
Trying to figure out the trick itunes uses to package different versions, when purchasing movies that automatically come in two versions.
I know..i know, i could make one "universal" quality movie of that one movie, playable on both appletv and iphones, but I prefer manually creating two quality versions to retain the best video quality AND fit the big screen tv properly for the higher version. Universal quality movies work fine for the iphone, but look bad when played using appletv on a big screen.

I came across this guide:
http://www.m4.com/blog/noteworthy-geek-stuff/how-to-create-and-tag-hd-sd-dual-ve rsions-of-a-movie-for-itunes/
I found that you can skip the MetaX section completely, and still have success.
And as to "STEP 3: Adding the ContentID tag", in the guide... way too messy.
You DO need to add a number (the "ContentID" tag), so I made up a little trick.
To keep all ContentID tags in my video different from others, I simply use the alphabet
where the number 1 is the first letter A, and 2 is B, 3 is C, and so on.
Then for the two movie formats in the two open SUBLER windows, after adding the same ContentID tag
to both windows, I entered the same number for the first 4 titles letters using the alphabet trick.
Example, the movie THE SHINNING, I used only the first four letters in the name "SHIN" then subsituted
the numbers 19 for S, 8 for H, 9 for I, 14 for N to end up with the ContentID tag of 198914.
Enter this same number in the ContentID tag space for "BOTH" SUBLER windows.
They must be the same for the two movie versions.
So basically for the movie THE SHINNING (ripped from my DVD movie catalog),
I ripped first to appleTV file format. Then converted that to iphone format.
Ending up with two file formats of the same movie.
Then used SUBLER to open both files in separate SUBLER windows.
Then I needed to add the "NAME" tag and enter the movie title in both SUBLER windows.
I then added the ContentID tag in both SUBLER windows and entered my title number schemed 198914 for both versions.
PS.. Also be sure to add the same movie picture icon to both files in SUBLER.
If you need a icon picture for your movie, try searchig:
http://www.albumart.org/index.php?srchkey=Girl+Group+Anthology&itempage=1&newsea rch=1&searchindex=Music
Then I followed the guide to mark the appletv version format as "HD" (check box under OTHER SETTINGS in SUBLER window) and make sure both are selected as "MOVIE" in the drop down.
In other words, BOTH movie versions in the two SUBLER windows MUST contain the same
tag, picture icon, all info duplicated exactly, EXCEPT... for check mark the appleTV version box as "HD".
Then save the two files (see the guide on how to save the file).
Last, add the two video files to your itunes library.
Both files should end up listed under ONE movie icon in your itunes movie library.
And display "HD SD" under the one single movie icon in itunes for your movie.
Keeping it simple, minimal tags, i.e. "NAME" , "ContentID" , "picture icon", and then
creating your own simple ContentID number, seems to do the job for basic DUAL
video listing in the itunes movie library.
When you then add video to your iphone, itunes knows to add the SD compatible version.
And your itunes movie library isn't all messy with duplicate listings for the same movie.

Choice in how I manage iTunes on iPhone and two computers?

OK - so first off, because as I read the history this appears to be sensitive, I HAVE read a considerable amount of previous threads on this. It's hard to believe that at this point (Apr 2010) there is still no third-party software for this? Apple must have made it virtually impossible!
At any rate, here's my situation:
(1) I have two computers - one iMac which holds my primary iTunes (computer 1), one new MacBook (computer 2), and one iPhone 3Gs.
(2) I also have MobileMe which syncs everything just fine in terms of contacts, calendar, etc.
(3) My iTunes and Music folder for my iMac IS located on an external drive off of my iMac (computer 1) and not on the actual hard drive.
Again, to stipulate, I understand:
(1) iPhone is set up to sync to only ONE computer
(2) I can authorize up to 5 computers. (My issue with this is that I have considerable amounts of my own music imported that will not appear as the "authorized" music. And, I do this regularly so I don't want to have to keep duplicating the MP3 import - I'll quickly become out of sync or lose track of them.)
(3) Trying to sync from iPhone to new iTunes library will wipe out iPhone or vice versa
And, I have read this thread on the code changes that can be made:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10972003
Plus I read this thread on iTunes library being an external drive:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=11148807
SO, now that I've made my case for being informed, I'm asking for your help in how to make my choice to structure my situation.
My basic desire is to have the same library on all three places - I don't need different things in different places. Same thing. And, I pretty much have access to all three devices all the time (one is not physically located somewhere else). I would, however, like to be able to purchase on any of the three and then have it added to the library for all three - and I think that's where I run into my problem.
Option 1? My iTunes library and entire music library IS located on an External Drive off of Computer 1. So, technically, could I just set my MacBook (computer 2) iTunes to pull from that library? Then, any new purchases would go into that same library, accessible by both? The risk here, I think, is that I cannot try to sync to the MacBook when I am NOT on my home network with access to that external drive? In fact, on my MacBook, should I set it up this way iTunes will be "missing" it's library completely? Second risk - how stable is this plan? Am I likely to corrupt/kill/worse my iTunes library from this set up? (Caveat: It is backed up nightly on a second external)
Option 2? Do the code changes posted in the articles linked in this thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10972003
But my iPhone is not jailbroken, nor do I intend it to be - does that matter? And, how stable is this? Honestly, I don't like the idea of monkeying with iTunes code.
Option 3? Copy my iTunes library from Computer 1 and then set up as iTunes library on Computer 2. Designate one computer / iTunes as the one I both buy music on and sync with my iPhone - then can I manually transfer music added to my iPhone into the Computer 2 iTunes (hit cancel when it says it will delete the library if it's synced. go into iPhone and choose songs to manually transfer?) Not sure this is possible...
Option 4? ? ? Is there something else here I've missed?
I hope this all makes sense - I've spent a lot of time reading about the options and think I understand each, I'm just wondering your advice in terms of which is the best solution.
Thanks!
Message was edited by: akcorcoran

My basic desire is to have the same library on all three places - I don't need different things in different places. Same thing. And, I pretty much have access to all three devices all the time (one is not physically located somewhere else). I would, however, like to be able to purchase on any of the three and then have it added to the library for all three - and I think that's where I run into my problem.
Short answer:
I'd suggest a variation of your option 3, but use "home sharing" to greatly simplify the process of keeping them in sync. If you really need to sync the iPod with different machines, then maybe your option 2 is best, but I share some of your apprehension about that solution.
Long answer:
I have a similar issue: three desktop machines, one PC in my office, one Mac in my wife's office, and one Mac connected to the audio system in our living room. I have an iPhone, and so does my wife. I also roam the house with my Macbook. We keep all three desktop machines synchronized in terms of the basic collection of music, and my wife and I synchronize our individual iPod devices to our respective desktop machines.
My solution was to (despite the many complaints about this feature) employ "home sharing". Basically, not only do we share our libraries, but we've also enable home sharing on all three machines, all registered using the same Apple ID. We further more have set the "home sharing" options so purchases are automatically purchased.
It's wonderful. If I buy something at the iTunes Store on my PC, we've configured "home sharing" so it magically shows up on the other machines, with no intervention on my part, just as do purchases that my wife makes on her Mac. And on those occasions where I rip a new CD, while "home sharing" won't magically transfer it for me, it does have feature that you can (a) look at another computer's library, showing only those tracks that don't exist on the current machine; and (b) you can drag and drop music, right in iTunes, from one machine to another. Thus, in comparison to the nightmare of my pre v9.0 manually synchronizing of libraries, "home sharing" has made this much easier.
And in this set-up, my wife and I can each maintain our separate playlists for determining what's sync'ed to our respective iPods. Yes, playlists and ratings are not synced between the three PCs, but it makes it possible for us to take advantage of this to make our own playlists. (This feature is probably less of an issue for you than for us, but it's very useful for us.)
The only problem I see is that it sounds like you want to sync your iPhone with multiple computers, whereas I've explicitly decided I want to sync with a single computer.
I'll answer some of your questions below, but this is a configuration that we use, doesn't involve working around any iTunes features (like the manual manipulation of the iTunes library ID) or problems with file contention. We also have a built in backup of our iTunes library, so if one machine dies, at least all of the media files themselves are safe. (Having said that, I do backups, as well, so I've got a double redundancy.)
Option 1? My iTunes library and entire music library IS located on an External Drive off of Computer 1. So, technically, could I just set my MacBook (computer 2) iTunes to pull from that library? Then, any new purchases would go into that same library, accessible by both?
That might work, but you'd have to think about, in addition to your media files (the mp3 and other audio and video files), whether you'll put the library database file itself (the separate file that keeps track of what media files are available to iTunes, where they are located, the playlists, rankings, play counts, etc.) on that shared drive, too. If just the media files are there, then I suspect that might work, but anytime you add or remove content, you'd have to update the other library, at I think it would be more cumbersome than the "home sharing" approach.
If you decide you want to keep the iTunes library on this shared drive, too, that might eliminate the need for the syncing process, but you might run into trouble if you're not careful about ensuring that the references to that external drive are identical on the two machines. Also, if you try running iTunes at the same time on the two machines, I can imagine that you might have file contention issues on the library database itself.
Bottom line, might work, but seems that you would have the choice between a cumbersome solution and a fragile solution.
Option 2? Do the code changes posted in the articles linked in this thread ... But my iPhone is not jailbroken, nor do I intend it to be - does that matter? And, how stable is this? Honestly, I don't like the idea of monkeying with iTunes code.
You don't need to jailbreak your phone to do this. And I suspect that it's reasonable robust solution as I've seen CNET training videos that advocated for precisely this solution.
This seems like an acceptable work-around if you're trying to sync phones in disparate locations (home and office). But it seems unnecessary if the machines are on the same network, and like anything where you're trying to tweak software behind-the-scenes, I'd worry about it being susceptible to it breaking on new updates to iTunes. Apple isn't going to ensure that some hack like this won't be broken in future releases. I'd be shocked if they tested this scenario in future releases.
Option 3? Copy my iTunes library from Computer 1 and then set up as iTunes library on Computer 2. Designate one computer / iTunes as the one I both buy music on and sync with my iPhone - then can I manually transfer music added to my iPhone into the Computer 2 iTunes (hit cancel when it says it will delete the library if it's synced. go into iPhone and choose songs to manually transfer?) Not sure this is possible...
As I described, I'd suggest a permutation of this option, where you use "home sharing" to keep the machines in sync. I'm not sure if I follow your thought process on "hit cancel when it says delete library...", though. Were you thinking of using the iPhone to sync the machines? If you have a home network, that's not necessary. Or are you saying that it's important to sync the iPhone with multiple computers for some reason that I'm not understanding.
By the way, if the issue is that you want to be able to manage your iPhone from either machine, what I do is I've designated one of my computers as my "iphone sync" computer. When I want to manage this (e.g. download apps for my iPhone, etc.) when I'm not at that machine, I "remote" into that machine from wherever I happen to be sitting. (I use Mac "screen sharing" to access my wife's Mac from my Macbook, I use Microsoft "Remote Desktop" for Mac when I want to access my PC from my Macbook, and I use a free VNC client when I want to manage my Macbook or my wife's Mac from my desktop PC.) Yes, when I sync I have to plug in the iPhone into the cradle in my office, but because I can access that desktop PC from wherever I happen to be, I find that to be a manageable solution (e.g., I'll update apps and podcasts on my desktop my Macbook in the basement, and then walk up to my office and just drop my iPhone into the cradle when I want to sync). I'd love remote syncing, but Apple ain't there yet.
Message was edited by: Rob Ryan

How to manage itunes with two ipods

I have two iPods, a 60G photo and a 30G video. I have two macs, one at work, the other at home. My iTunes on the work computer has about 50G of music, and about 15G on my home computer. Until now, I have only synced the big iPod with the work computer and small iPod at home. I just got a very big external drive, and want to keep everything there. That raises several questions I thought someone here might know how to answer.
1) Where are the files so I can just copy them onto the ext hard drive? (I can probably find this for myself, but with my computer skills on mac, it will be frustrating, I imagine. Since I have the other questions, I thought htis one might be easy.)
2) How can I merge the two files? I know I have some duplicates, adn I know how to get rid of them once the two are merged, but how do the two files merge together in one iTunes file on my new hard drive?
3) Once the two are merged, can I set it so that certain types of music are put on one iPod, and other types on the other?
Thanks a lot, in advance.
Brad

1. Click on the folder in the Finder's sidebar with the house icon, and then open the folder named Music. The iTunes folder inside is the default location of the music library; if the songs aren't here, follow these instructions to locate them.
2. Drag the files into the Library section of the open iTunes application.
3. Use the option in this article which best fits your needs.
(22256)

How to manage iTunes files.

I uploaded music from a hard drive borrowed from a friend. At first all was well. Now I have music in personal iTunes files that I did not put there and certain music files in the main file cannot be accessed because the file is not complete. This seemed to happen after I upgraded to the latest version of iTunes.

Mattm333 wrote:
Thanks!
A great article and helpful even though somewhat outdated.
Just a little, not had time to update the screenshots, but the content is still good.
It did not address the physical folder layout on disk. iTunes just wants to center on Artist instead of Album.
Yes it does... Often all you need to do is add a common Album Artist when Artist differs from track to track on the same album.
tt2

2 ipods now, don't know how to manage itunes

Hi all,
This is my first post and I've browsed the archives but really haven't found an answer to this question.
I have an older ipod (no clue what generation) and my daughter just bought a nano. I'm used to using itunes with 1 ipod but now the second one is throwing me off.
I know there's the settings tab where you can copy just select playlists to an ipod. So I've created a playlist for my daughter and copy just her songs into that playlist and update the nano that way.
But now my question is if I import a CD let's say into itunes and I want the CD on my ipod it seems that if I click the option to share entire library just to get the CD on my ipod then I end up with all her music.
Do I have to drag and drop each song from the CD into a playlist I create for myself? Now we have 2 playlists, 1 for me and 1 for her. I've been updating the ipods that way but I'm wondering if there's a better way.
Any help would be appreciated.

There are two options:
Restore the new device using a backup from the old device.
Setup as new device and sync the content desired from iTunes on the computer to the device.

How to manage Itunes Match library on IPhone.

I hate seeing my whole library even though it is not downloaded. Can't they have a My local library tab and a separate match tab so I can choose what I want put onto my local phone? I have turned of the show all music option in the music settings however now I cant find a way to add music from match. Any suggestions?

Hi
There are only two options. The first is to show all which includes music that has been downloaded as well as the music in the cloud. The second is to show only music that has been downloaded.
So you will to have show all music turned on so that you can download additional tracks.
An alternative is to turn off match on your phone and sync by wifi or cable.
Jim

How to prevent iTunes for Windows from "Updating iTunes Library"? (Library is on a NAS and managed by iTunes for Mac. Now getting update wars between Mac and Windows versions of the player.

How to prevent iTunes for Windows from "Updating iTunes Library"?
My library is on a NAS and managed by iTunes on a Mac. I can connect from wife's Windows laptop using iTunes for Windows but every time I do, it Updates iTunes Library. Next time I log in from my Mac it Updates iTunes Library in return. It appears I'm experiencing "Update Wars" between the Mac and Windows versions of iTunes. I would like to allow my wife to stream iTunes songs to her new laptop but I don't want any updates from this source... prefer to manage the library from my Mac and not allow Windows to do any thing other than listen to existing playlists.
Thanks for any help/suggestions.

Connect the PC to the library on the NAS. Wait while "updated".
Under Edit > Preferences > Advanced make sure the media folder is correctly pointed at the media folder on the NAS. If not correct, close iTunes, wait a few moments, then open iTunes again.
Close iTunes on the PC. Do not open iTunes on the Mac.
Copy the library files, iTunes Library.itl, iTunes Library Extras.itdb, iTunes Library Genius.itdb, sentinel and the folder Album Artwork into an empty iTunes folder on the PC, for example C:\iTunes.
Click the icon to start iTunes and immediately press and hold down SHIFT. Keep holding until prompted to choose or create a library. Click choose and browse to the copied .itl file, e.g. C:\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl
The library should now work properly on the PC, however check the setting for the media folder. If needs be correct, close iTunes and reopen.
Open iTunes on the Mac. It will update again, but that should be last time.
tt2

HT5646 should I set up a different account for each child? if so, how do I manage itunes money between two kids?

should I set up a different apple account for each child? if so, how do I manage itunes money between two kids?

Hello staatsfamily,
Having a separate Apple ID for each child will allow each child to keep their purchases and iCloud information separate. It will also allow you to provide an iTunes Store Allowance for each child:
With iTunes Allowance, you can send a monthly iTunes Store credit to anyone with an iTunes Store account. It's a great way for parents to manage their children's spending on the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store.
Once you have created an Apple ID for each child, you can provide an iTunes Store allowance to each Apple ID. The following article will guide you in how to set this up:
iTunes Store Allowance
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2105
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

Does Apple have a way to manage iTunes accounts on Corporate owned devices, meaning if someone leaves the company how does the company access the purchase apps as they are the owner of them.

Does Apple have a way to manage iTunes accounts on Corporate owned devices? So, if someone leaves the Corp. how would the company have access to all purchased apps for any device.

If the apps were purchased using a corporate iTunes account, someone at the company should have the password. If they were purchased under a user's iTunes account, even though the device was owned by the company, the apps are tied to the user's Apple ID and do not belong to the company.

How to manage eBook's collection by iTunes?

Few days ago, while I googling for How to manage eBook, I found that iTunes is capable to do that.
* So, I decide to use iTunes ... cos my Music was manage by an iTunes too. I used iTunes from 4.x until the latest 9.2.
* I stop updating when iTunes' size is bigger and bigger than before.
So, I'd tried to add my eBook collection (Mostly in PDF) to iTunes.
Firstly, my music was stored in D: Music > iTunes and my eBook was stored in D: Document > eBook
Usually, in order to add a Music, I used File > Add Folder to Library > iTunes
In order to add an eBook, I used File > Add Folder to Library ... and I change D: Music > iTunes to D: Document > eBook.
But everytime ... after I add the eBooks, the items was appeared in the Library ... but nothing happens with both my D: Music > iTunes and D: Document > eBook ... is my step's RIGHT? Please help me ...
Thank you

Checked already. After importing from D: Data > Documents > eBook ... there is NOTHING change in the following folder:
* C: My Documents > Music > iTunes
* D: Data > Documents > eBooks
* D: Data > Multimedia > Music > iTunes
So, it means ... my eBook was listed in iTunes but NOT added into D: Data > Music > iTunes
While in order to added a Music ... I used File > Added the Folder to Library > directed to my FDD and choose the folder and "click" > and all music's file was copied and manage within D: Data > Music > iTunes
While in order to added an eBook ... I used File > Added the Folder to Library > directed to my FDD and choose the folder and "click" > and all eBook was listed in iTunes ... but there are no data copied into D: Data > Music > iTunes. So it means the datas were still stored in FDD.
If I unplugged the FDD, iTunes is unable to open the eBooks

How to manage Music Videos and Podcasts of my iPod manually in iTune?

Can anyone tell me how to manage Music Videos and Podcasts of my iPod manually in iTune? Because I can't see the Music Videos and the Podcast section in iTune under Device when my iPod is connected to my computer. Thanks

iTunes doesn't have a separate *Music Videos* section. In iTunes these are just part of the main Music library. To manually drag a music video to yout iPod drag it onto the iPod or a compatible playlist. To remove, look for it in Music on the iPod and delete.
I think podcasts only work properly when placed on the iPod via the sync tabs. If you manually drag and drop then the files may get treated as general audio & video files.
tt2

I am completely in the dark about how to manage devices and use iTunes, are there tutorials available?

I am completely in the dark about how to manage my iTunes and devices.
I have a desktop with Windows 8 (ugh!!) and I have iTunes for Windows. My wife has a iPod Touch and I have an iPad 2 and an iPhone 4S. Currently, the only devices associated with my Apple ID are the desktop and the iPad. How do I add the iPod and my iPhone to the devices and how do I put "puchased" iTunes on my wife's iPod when attached to the desktop?
Thanks.
SEE

Try posting to the Enterprise forums... you'll probably get more appropriate responses and better exposure to individuals with similar setups/issues.

HT5622 I have been using one apple ID for my family as it makes it easier to manage itunes purchases/rentals on all of our devices. Now that my kids are getting old and my wife has recently purchased an Iphone, I can see that I need to change my strategy

I have been using one apple ID for my family as it makes it easier to manage itunes purchases/rentals on all of our devices. Now that my kids are getting old and my wife has recently purchased an Iphone, I can see that I need to change my strategy. I plan to add a few more iphones to the family very soon. What is your recommendation to manage all of our devices (iphones, itouch, apple tv) for my family? Can I continue to function with one apple ID or is it time to take the leep into attempting to manage multi-apple ID's?

There's a few ways of managing multiple devices on a single computer (and keeping seperate content on each). The following document is worth checking through:
How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer

How to share iTunes with my wife ? (i'm a noob)

Hello all.
i'm a noob in Mac world and iTunes also (i'm coming from PC world so...) so sorry in advance if i don't use the correct Mac vocabulary...
So here is my problem:
my wife and i share a Mac Pro.
we also share one iTunes.
Let's say that our whole music list represents 100 songs.
40 songs are "her list"
40 songs are mine
20 songs are shared
How to configure iTunes to manage such a situation please ?
Note: last week, i created 2 iTunes librairy: one for her (name: VRN), one for me (name: VV). In her iTunes librairy, i've put only her songs. Same thing in mine. Until today, everything seems to work correctly BUT:
1. with this setting, i don't how to manage share songs.
2. today, when i try to listen my music, i have this msg: "iTunes can find the original file...do you want to look for it ? " i don't know why !!!
Thanks for you help

You can authorize her computer to play your music, then sync the music to her iPhone as she does any other music.

How to manage Itunes?

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