ITunes Library - Server?

My wife and I each have our own macbook computers. Plus our 3 kids share a computer, and our three preteens each have their own iPod Nano. I just bought an AppleTV which I plan to hookup to our HDTV. We have a wireless network using the Airport Extreme base station. I have a 500GB external drive via USB hooked into the Airport Extreme.
In dreamworld I want my family to be able to access frontrow content via the AppleTV without having to have my computer (with my iTunes account) or my wife's computer (with her iTunes account) turned on.
1) What is the best tool(s) to accomplish having central multimedia (i.e iTunes, iPhoto, movies etc..)
2) Should I return the AppleTV and buy a Mac Mini?
3) Instead of the Mac Mini should I get a lower end iMac?
4) Are there more advantages or disadvantages to consolidating my iTunes library/account with my wife's? Is this even possible?
5) Should I invest in a NAS server?

It sounds like one of your issues is that the AppleTV is only able to find photos shared from a running instance of iPhoto (probably not Aperture?), but you can't run iPhoto on your Airport Extreme-attached USB disk - some MacOS needs to be running to host iPhoto. Ditto for a NAS server.
You could always push photos from your MacBooks out to a MobileMe gallery (for $99/yr, ka-ching), which AppleTV would happily access, but it seems excessively burdensome to send all your photo libraries out to "the cloud" just to get them back into the living room.
It sounds like replacing the AppleTV with a MacMini, and attaching that 500G disk to it would be your best bet. You could keep a "background instance" of iPhoto running which uses folder actions to automatically import any photos you push from your MacBooks to a designated shared folder, some scripting magic to generate slideshows from them, and FrontRow to run it all. If you want tunes on the TV you'd probably have to do something similar with your music libraries (if you don't want your MacBooks running.)
I don't think you want an iMac propped up next to the TV, do you?
The only advantages I see of the AppleTV are that 1) it's cheaper, 2) digital audio travels to the HDTV through the AppleTV's single HDMI connection (for the MacMini you'll have to use a $5 DVI->HDMI connector for video and digital optical or analog RCA cables to get audio into the TV) and 3) you'll have to add a 3rd party IR/USB receiver if you want to duplicate the full AppleTV livingroom experience (I just use a wireless keyboard w/trackball from across the room.)

Similar Messages

ITunes library server or NAS?

hello,
i'd like to setup an itunes library that can be connnected to a mac pro, macbook pro, 2 iphones, and a 1st gen appletv.
i have a wireless router and i will have several external HDs coming available when i upgrade some HDs in the mac pro.
i'd like to have itunes 'see' the remotely stored media as it's library and any changes made to the library from one computer updated to the next. is this possible and without too much headache?
i've looked into an NAS in the past and they always strike me as more expensive than necessary.
any ideas as to where to start? thank you for your help!
cheers,
sean

Hey Sean,
I've just recently gone through the process of moving my iTunes library off my laptop onto a new NAS. Had a few hiccups in the process (should have researched better beforehand). I'm still getting some interesting issues where random songs keep disappearing from the library... trying to sort that out now.
BUT... enough about me.
Basically what I did was I moved my entire existing iTunes folder from the original default Music folder to my new location on my NAS. So the iTunes folde ris the one containing iTunes Media, your library files, etc.
Then, create an alias (I think you can drag while holding command + alt?) of this iTunes folder and put that back where you just moved it from.
Obviously if the external HDD or NAS isn't connected then the library won't be found. But as soon as the connection is restored everything will be just like if the music was in your Music folder.
Performance wise, playing music over my wireless G network is fine, and surprisingly so is streaming video. Most people said that for video playback I would need a wired connection, but it seems to work so can't complain!
I would definitely go this route rather than an iTunes server. I tried that first, and you either have to rely on third party clients which I don't think are as good as iTunes, or you face limited functionality of using your library as a 'shared' library in itunes. Wasn't an option for me as I sync my iPhone regularly.
Anyways, hope this helps!

Itunes Library Server Limitations

I have decided to use one of my PC's strictly as a music server. My question is has anyone tried to do this? I currently have 90GB of music stored, but not even close too the size of my collection. When the hard drive runs out of space will ITunes ask if I want to start another library on another drive or just quit? I figure I will need 3 or 4 500GB drives for everything I want to load. My CD collection is close to 3700 albums. I already have it connected to my Home Theater via a Digital connection (Creative Sound Card X-Fi Elite Pro). If I am the first to try this I will keep everyone posted.

I have decided to use one of my PC's strictly as a
music server. My question is has anyone tried to do
this? I currently have 90GB of music stored, but not
even close too the size of my collection. When the
hard drive runs out of space will ITunes ask if I
want to start another library on another drive or
just quit? I figure I will need 3 or 4 500GB drives
for everything I want to load. My CD collection is
close to 3700 albums. I already have it connected to
my Home Theater via a Digital connection (Creative
Sound Card X-Fi Elite Pro). If I am the first to try
this I will keep everyone posted.
Well I found out what happens when the PC hard drive runs out of space. ITunes displays an erroe message and there are no options to continue on another drive. Only option is to delete something off of the drive. This is disappointing since I have two 500GB drives on the way. Am I the only one that decided to try this?

Can I share an iTunes library on a Mac Server?

What I would like is to have one iTunes library on my home Mac that is accessible on my MBP, iPad, and iPhone.
I would like to be able to be away from home, on my iPhone, iPad or MBP connected to the internet, and open iTunes and it be the identical iTunes library that is on my Mac running Apple server software at home. Is this possible without third party software?
I know it's possible to share designated folders, but is it possible to share one iTunes library similar to how its possible to share one Contacts library on the server? So that its seamless and invisible.
in other words, does the Apple server software make it possible to use home sharing over the internet?
has anyone done this?
I have never done this so thank you for your help in advance.

I have itunes match. its good but its not perfect. it downloads wrong versions of songs. for example it downloads the censored version of many of my songs. plus it doesnt do podcasts, movies, tvshows, books.
plus it doesnt show my smart playlists in the same track order as on my computer. its good but it has bugs and shortcomings.
thanks for the suggestion but i'd like to try the way i initially posted about.

How do i share my itunes library across accounts on my Mac mini server?

got the new server for the holidays and I migrated my entire itunes library from my old PC. It was my expectation that the accounts on the server would all have access to the same library, however, that does not appear to be the case. When my son logged in and we opened iTunes, the library was empty.
clearly the default is that each user would have their own library. What do I need to do for the library to be visible to all of the accounts? And what, if anything do I need to do so that additional accounts automatically have the correct iTunes library loaded?
Thanks
Rob

Is this 10.8 Server?

Best way to move iTunes library & media from MacBook to mini server?

First, I searched the forums (parameter: "itunes") and didn't see this addressed.
Second, I searched the web (using multiple parameters), and didn't find an answer on point. I saw discussions about moving the iTunes library (well, media files) to another location (but same computer) and discussion about manually copying everything (with warnings about ensuring that the volume name and path are exactly the same, or else it's totally messed up).
That said, I currently use SL on a MacBook and I'm getting a mini with SLS. Among other things, I'd like the core of my iTunes media to be on the mini (for direct playback to my TV and for serving/sharing to my Apple TV). I'll still use iTunes on the MacBook for selected media (like books).
My media includes both iTunes purchases and non-DRM'd media.
Question: does SLS come with Migration Assistant and will this move my iTunes library from my MacBook (with SL) to the mini (with SLS)? I'm not interested in a migration assistant to move servers (web, email servers) or apps, or documents for that matter, as this is not a server move (some discussions online focused on this).
If it doesn't, what's the best way to move my iTunes library and media from my "clien" machine to the server so that playlists, ratings, purchases, etc. are all intact?

MrHoffman wrote:
iTunes has its own private little world, and this question isn't really specific to Mac OS X Server, and the generic media-transfer discussion will likely receive better coverage over in the [iTunes forum|http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=149].
Mac OS X Server doesn't do anything special with iTunes, and likely doesn't do anything specific with it at all; you're going to a "different" Mac, and server makes this more akin to a transfer to a new Mac, rather than the "replacement Mac" sequence seen with Mac OS X client.
I'd be surprised if this music transfer wasn't something that could be sorted out (within the limits of the copyrights) from some FAQ over in the iTunes forum, or from some of the following support articles:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1449
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1329
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1848
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1203
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA38534
See if the folks over in the iTunes forum have something for this. (And again, server likely isn't relevant here; you're "just" going to transfer your music to a different Mac box here, and one that happens to run Mac OS X Server.
Thanks for the links - unfortunately, none of those are on point. The reason this is unique to server, I think, is that in the case of a regular mac to mac transfer, you would use Migration Assistant, and the move is easily done. But in seems like server doesn't come with Migration Assistant.
I suppose when I get it, I'll first try copying Migration Assistant to it, and try to run it. That will probably fail (but you never know), so my next attempt will be to have my MacBook move the media to the server (as if the server is simply network storage), and then copy over the library files. (I'm hoping that will enable the file paths to remain intact.)
The mini server is special in that it is the most appropriate home server, and home servers should be expected to do double duty - and outright server, and desktop. So, it would be handy for Apple to include Migration Assistant with the mini server.

Is there a way to access my iTunes library that's stored on my Mac Mini Server at home over the internet while I'm away on business?

Hello.
I've done a bit of searching on Google and have come up empty so far and am looking for your help.
Here's my situation:
I have my iTunes media files stored on my NAS on my home network along with my Mac Mini Server with the iTunes library files stored in my Dropbox folder. While I'm at home I can access all of my files without any problems from either my Mac Mini Server or my Macbook Air; however, I recently moved to San Diego for work and would still like to access the media that's on my NAS at home remotely from my Macbook Air so I can sync my iPhone and watch movies.
Is this even possible? If so, how would I go about setting this up?
Thanks!

The sessionstore.js file only exists while Firefox is closed. During shutdown, Firefox writes out that file based (I think) on recovery.js as of that point. When Firefox starts back up again, it reads sessionstore.js and deletes it. So if Firefox is running, it's normal not to see sessionstore.js. Anyway, sessionstore.js is going to be empty now.
Shadow Explorer might already have done this for you, but just in case...
You could try the previous versions feature. This is harder to get to on Windows 8 and 8.1, but I have read about a roundabout way. I can't test this myself, but here's what you do:
Let's say you have a Windows Explorer window open to your current Firefox profile folder. This is something like (with your username and semi-random profile folder name):
C:\Users\''username''\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\blahblah
Click in the address bar and change the C: to
\\localhost\c$
to yield (with your username and semi-random profile folder name)
\\localhost\c$\Users\''username''\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\blahblah
Press Enter to reload the folder contents that way.
Now when you right-click recovery.js, recovery.bak, backup.js or sessionstore.js and choose Properties, there should be a Previous Versions tab. Usually the most recent previous version dates back to the last time Windows created a restore point (e.g., system update or possibly scheduled on a more frequent basis).

During iTunes installation "Registering iTunes automation server"... I am getting following error messag from "Microsoft visual C runtime Library"... Runtime Error! Program: C:\program files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe

During iTunes installation, when it comes to installation phase "Registering iTunes automation server"... I am getting following error message:
"Microsoft visual C++ runtime Library"...
"Runtime Error! Program: C:\program files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe"
"R6034
An application has made an attempt to load the C runtime library incorrectly. Please contact the application's support team for more information."
My system is Windows 7 Enterprise - Service Pack1

Check the user tip below.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6562

My itunes library was on my PC. About two years ago I switched it to my Seagate server/hardrive. (itunes-preferences-advanced-change library). Last summer (2012) I bought a macbook, which seems to access the seagate server hard drive fine for word docs,

My itunes library was on my PC. About two years ago I switched it to my Seagate server/hardrive. (itunes-preferences-advanced-change library). Last summer (2012) I bought a macbook, which seems to access the seagate server hard drive fine for word docs, excel spreadsheets,etc. It also seems to have started its own library which is not complete. My PC died this summer (I still have it though).
Now when syncing any of the multiple devices (ipods,ipads, iphones) that we have with my mac book, itunes states that "an error occurred" or the "app cannot be found". Itunes wants me to erase the device and sync with my macbook. The message "The iPhone “Renee’s iPhone” is synced with another iTunes library on “Renee PC”. Do you want to erase this iPhone and sync with this iTunes library? An iPhone can be synced with only one iTunes library at a time. Erasing and syncing replaces the contents of this iPhone with the contents of this iTunes library."appears.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Renee

u can give try to using external enclosre and backup ur files. I hope u will get files back. or using external enclosre with ur hdd boot into Linux and try to mount ur harddisk.
there are multiple no of tutorial to mount apple partion in Linux.

Use macbook to manage 1 itunes library in a server

Hi all, I'm planning my move to MAC but need the answer to some key questions before.
I'm planning on having a itunes installed on a mac mini (server) connected to an external USB hard-drive holding all my music. I don't want to use this server itself (via mouse, keyboard, screen), I want to use it exclusively via my macbook/wifi (which will hold no music itself).
Is this possible? to have only one itunes library in the server and fully use and manage it via the macbook. Also I would need to move files and run programs on the server via macbook.
To throw in another variable... what if instead of a mac mini server, it was a regular PC with windows XP? would all this be possible too?
If this information is somewhere else, please point me out and I'll read it.
THANKS in advance for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

Jorge83 wrote:
Hi all, I'm planning my move to MAC but need the answer to some key questions before.
a wise choice, Jorge83 ! welcome to Apple discussions and the bright side of computing.
I'm planning on having a itunes installed on a mac mini (server) connected to an external USB hard-drive holding all my music. I don't want to use this server itself (via mouse, keyboard, screen), I want to use it exclusively via my macbook/wifi (which will hold no music itself).
Is this possible? to have only one itunes library in the server and fully use and manage it via the macbook. Also I would need to move files and run programs on the server via macbook.
yes. you may need to have mouse, keyboard and monitor connected to the mini for the initial setup. but once that is done, you can access/control the mini vis +screen sharing+ from your MacBook.
To throw in another variable... what if instead of a mac mini server, it was a regular PC with windows XP? would all this be possible too?
it would not be a simple as with the mini (there's no screen sharing possible between Mac and PC AFAIK) but it should be an option, yes. i can't provide any steps for that scenario but perhaps another user can.
good luck and happy holidays !

Restoring Itunes library on a windows home server

Help everyone! I have had my itunes library stored on my HP WHS for the past year. Over the holidays I reformatted my Imac HD as it was sooo slow. Reinstalled OSX 10.6 and the latest version of Itunes.
I have my WHS mounted and have clicked on the option key while opening Itunes, I for the life of me can't get Itunes to see the remote library. The error I get when trying to open this library is: An Itunes library file could not be found in the folder "Itunes Share". Please chose a different folder.
I have tried different folders within the share but no luck, I do notice there are files withing the music folder called "Musiclib.xml.lock" Is my problem that this file is locked and Itunes can't see it?
Please help, I urgently need my music back and my Apple TV content back.

I am trying to find the itunes library file on my windows home server. I believe all the files are on there. Yes it is logged into my WHS automatically, I can see the files on there ect.
Yes the WHS management software is installed on the Mac.
Just went to ilounge, but not sure what I should be doing. I've read about consolidating libraries but I can't open this library that is on my WHS.

Housing my iTunes library on my Windows 2008 R2 Server at home...

Greetings everyone!
I am a complete iOS junkie; needless to say I own multiple devices. And, over time my iTunes library has grown to over 50GB in size. Keeping this in mind, with how often I also change out computers, I decided to host my entire iTunes library on my server. The reason being mainly that the server is on RAID and backs everything up every single night, so if anything were to corrupt I could easily restore.
Now, I have iTunes 10.5 running on a new Core i7 notebook, which is permanently docked on the media shelf - and it's ONLY function is to run iTunes, auto-download all new purchases and updates, and to enable wireless sync to all of my devices in the house. I have a permanently mapped drive going to the server location where the iTunes library is stored...
Well, everything runs fine, however I am a bit surprised that with a very hefty 1GB Cisco network, that when iTunes gets to the sections "determining apps to sync" and then "determining tracks to sync", that these parts of syncing are incredibly slow.... but they do finish correctly.
Are there any thoughts out there on possible speeding up this process, besides having iTunes copy the whole library locally? I suppose if I needed to, I could have the library kept locally, and then a local backup job send a backup to the server nightly - but it was easier this way..... Any thoughts on this are appreciated
Thanks much!

I have CHANGED MY TUNE (LOL) - iTunes is not a happy camper when the installed default iTunes media location is always on mapped server drive. I have simply changed the following:
I allowed iTunes to make local copies of everything to the host machine (locally) and I have changed the default location of iTunes Media to the local drive. No more going over the network.....
I have set an automated backup in Windows every night to run at 1AM which will push it's backup set to the server... this way the library is always backed up. This has cut down by 800% the amount of time that syncing was taking...
OH WELL guys - I suppose I just typed my question too quickly without thinking it through. Thanks - have a great rest-of-the-weekend,
Mike

2nd home computer can't see itunes library on network server drive

Ripped CD library and streaming Airplay successfully to home system. Moved itunes library to network drive which is a Seagate BackupPlus connected to ASUS ac-68u router with USB 3.0. Have Apple Media server turned on for the asus router. Used iTunes Edit/Preferences/Advanced to change library location, Checked both “keep itunes media folder organized” and “copy music to itunes media folder when adding to library”. Turned on home sharing, used same apple id on both computers. Original computer (Win8.1) I ripped to can see and use the library fine, but the other one (Win 7 hardwired to router) shows only the 4 sample songs. Probably not permissions because I can use Windows Explorer to look at the cd titles in the Music folder. Aloha, Mike

I may have misunderstood, but the iTunes folder will only be there if you have copied it from your old computer to the iPod first. If you no longer have the old computer see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device,
tt2

Loging into home server to set location of itunes library

hi,
i have two apples a macbook and a macbook pro (both with os x 10.5) i recently moved my itunes library from my macbook pro to a home server and it will stream from the server to the macbook pro with no problem.
the itunes library on the server is in a directory owned by a user (me) on the server so i have to login as that user to access it. i put it there because i thought it was safer.
now i am trying to set the location of the itunes library on the server for the macbook to use. but i cannot cannot see the user file tree to click on to log in and set the location of the itunes library on the macbook the way that i did when i set the location of the itunes library on the macbook pro.
i can only see the "shared" directory on the server in the file window using the macbook.
when i clicked on the server using the macbook pro file window it displayed the user file system as well as the shared directories. so i just clicked on the user file system it prompted me for login, i did, i set the itunes library to that location and all was well. and itunes works on the macbook pro streaming from the server.
how can display the file system on server in the file window on the macbook to click on and log into and set the location of the itunes library on the macbook the way i did on the macbook pro?
they are both running os x 10.5 the server is debian linux.
please advise.
thank you.
Message was edited by: zander10
Message was edited by: zander10

I don't have advice for you but would love to learn how to do this. I also have two Macs and am in the process of setting up a Debian (or Ubuntu since I'm new at it) home server. I'll be paying attention to this thread.

ITunes library on an external server.

So I'm home on reading break from University and was looking forward to working on my iTunes library with all this time off.
Problem is, my MacBook is broken. Fortunately though, my iTunes library is located on an external server!
So my question is:
If I plugged my external server into my Dad's Mac Pro, set his iTunes library to mine and waited for it upload could I work on it and update it and then transfer it back to my MacBook no problem?

I went ahead and did it anyway, no slip-ups yet.

ITunes Library - Server?

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