Ping, my iTunes Library, my disappointment !

At first glance Ping doesn't appear to be very intuitive.
My iTunes Library is full of information such as Play Count, Ratings and Genres etc. It also runs Apples Genius scripts to recommend tracks based on existing tracks in my library.
When setting my Ping profile up it asks me to add the music I like. It only suggests tracks I purchased from the iTunes Store. I don't purchase much from the iTunes store, most of my music (some 5000+ tracks) has come from a wide range of sources such as my CD collection.
Is Ping limited to tracks bought from the iTunes Store?
Can Ping not work more like LastFM? Where by any track I play is added to 'Recent Activity' or if I add Ratings to tracks this also appears in "Recent Activity'.
I'm I missing something? or is Ping not really "Social Networking" but another marketing tool, such as the Genius suggestions, being used to drive greater sales in the iTunes Store?

@David_N : +1, two marks, spot on, bravo!
My impression of Ping is totally underwhelming. Why in the world would only iTunes purchase history be considered and not library play counts, ratings, genre tags and so forth. No, really .. can this be explained? As it stands, Ping is utterly worthless to the musically-driven social net citizen and is not likely to have promise as a social networking platform in Apple's marquee media store. Surely Apple must realize how scale-free social networks form, right? Without well connected nodes capable of generating quality content, and without those nodes' wealth of preference data you've got nothing going on here. You see, had my library and playlists been pulled in I just might of cared enough to write some reviews, invite my tribe and hang around long enough for a little more Lala DNA to show up. Not a chance now.
Compare and contrast how hard Last.FM works to import and export user music preferences.

Similar Messages

One solution for Apple TV losing connection to its iTunes Library

In 2012 I bought an Apple TV3 to let me use the AirPlay features of my New iPad with my HD TV. All worked fine and still does. Later in 2012 I subscribed to Netflix and enjoyed streaming movies to my HD TV via the Apple TV. Having had such a good experience with it so far I bought another for our bedroom TV and another for a relative, hoping they would have the same great experience with it.
Both of my Apple TV units at my house have worked flawlessly since installing them. We can start watching a Netflix movie downstairs then go upstairs and carry on where the movie left off.
At my relative's house the experience was not so flawless and has resulted in about 2 months of frustration but happily their AppleTV3 is now also working as expected. It has been quite a journey to get to this point and had a surprising solution.
I am the 'go-to' person in my family for these things so I installed the Apple TV for my relative.
My relative has a Windows XP (SP3) PC running the latest iTunes (11.0.2), a BTHomeHub 2 router, connected by WiFi to the Apple TV. The PC was connected by ethernet cable to the router. I installed the Apple TV, set up the hdmi connection to the HD TV, connected it to the WiFi network, upgraded to the latest iTunes on the PC, added the Apple ID for Home Sharing to iTunes and the Apple TV and could connect to the iTunes library on the PC, all good so far. I could play video or music or podcast or view photos from the iTunes library on the PC but after a short time (a few minutes or so), if I tried to play a different video or music track the I would get the familiar spinning icon and the Apple TV would not play the media file. Often the Apple TV would still show the contents of the iTunes library but would not play anything from it. When it was in this state it was still possible to play iTunes Trailers or Purchased content or a Youtube video or display photos from my library. This proved it was still connected to the internet and to some extent my library on the PC because it could display photos.
Initially I thought it was a WiFi problem as that was how the Apple TV was connected to the router. So as I already had a Powerline ethernet link running from the router to the TV for the Humax Freeview box for the BBC iPlayer, I ordered a small network switch to share the Powerline ethernet cable with the Apple TV. However the same drooping connection problems were apparent. I tried changing the QoS settings on the Powerline link, tried to prioritise TCP or UDP or both , but no improvement. I decided to abandon the Powerline link in case it was 'too slow', perhaps that was the issue.
I tried one of the Apple TV units from my house, where they were working fine and I got the same problem, at my relative's house it behaved like their unit, it would connect play a movie (all the way through if we let it) but after a few minutes if trying to play something else it would not play anything further. I tried their Apple TV at my house and it worked there, so the unit was not at fault.
At various times while troubleshooting these problems I have unistalled iTunes, reinstalled it, uninstalled Bonjour, reinstalled it (it comes with iTunes), searched the registry and cleaned it (Warning: do this at your own risk as you risk destabilising Windows), I have tried disabling my firewall on the PC and/or on the router, uninstalled the Antivirus / Firewall software (Norton) on the PC, I have added the Ports required for the Apple TV to my router and firewall software, I have read many, many forum posts about what has worked for other people and I tried them all in various combinations.
I decided having tried the above that the problem must be the Windows PC, so I swapped it for a few days with a laptop, connected wirelessly to the router. I had an iTunes library on the laptop so I shared it with the Apple TV and stopped iTunes running on my relative's PC. For a few days it actually worked, the Apple TV would play one movie/music track and I could select another and play it after a few minutes, a partial solution had been found except the laptop was needed elsewhere and I wanted the Windows PC to be the source for the iTunes library. I briefly considered suggesting they should buy a modern PC or Mac as their Windows PC was around 9 years old, may be that was the problem? This would have cost around £400+ and was out of the question. Fortunately I had a spare PC and I decided to swap it with the Windows PC, it was only a couple of years old and as such it must be 'better' I thought. Swapping one PC with another and transferring e-mails and documents etc. took quite a few hours but it was done. I uninstalled iTunes, reinstalled it and set up the home sharing again. This second Windows PC was running XP (SP3) and Norton 360 Firewall/Anitvirus software. I checked that after installing iTunes the Program rules in Norton were allowing the TCP and UDP communications expected by the Apple TV, I noted these were not specific ports but all TCP and all UDP communications were allowed. All of this met the recommendations that other posts had suggested. I tried it with the Apple TV but no, exactly the same problem, the iTunes library could not be found after a few minutes.
I found that if I restarted the Apple TV it would connect and play a file (movie/music etc) but if I played an iTunes trailer or just waited a minute or so then it would lose the connection. Another symptom would be when I landed on the 'Compters' icon it would tell me to 'enable home sharing on the PC with this Apple ID' , which I had already done.
If I tried playing via the Apple TV while selecting tracks from within iTunes on the PC, then sometimes the AirPlay icon was present or not present, sometimes worked and would then always not work until I restarted at least iTunes and the Apple TV, if not also the router or PC, whatever I tried it would not result in a connection between the Apple TV and the PC that would survive more than a few moniutes at a time.
Having swapped the Windows PC hosting the iTunes library with another I swapped the Apple TV again with one from my house, again same behaviour. So this suggested the problem was the BTHomeHub router as that was the only bit of hardware not exchanged. I compared its settings with the same unit at my house, I tried forwarding ports, I tried chaging the security from the default 'WPA & WPA2' to WPA or WPA2, still no solution. I tried reducing the default WiFi connection protocol from 802b/g/n to 802/b/g. I tried variations of all the other possible settings that could be changed but in the end set them to match the ones at my house. Still no solution. I considered buying an Airport Extreme or similar to link that via an ethernet cable to the router and enable it to be the WiFi access point for the Apple TV. This would have cost around £80 similar to the cost of the Apple TV itself, so was also dismissed as an idea.
I decided to restore the router to factory settings, this was done and I set up the WiFi connection again to the Apple TV, still no solution, same behaviour on the Apple TV. I decided it must be a problem with the WiFi so I tried a direct ethernet cable trailed through the house from the router to the Apple TV to eliminate the WiFi involvement, that would have to be the answer, wouldn't it? No, same problem.
I discovered some useful diagnostics along the way that are somewhat techie but worth persevering with as they could be useful for diagnosing what the problem could be. Find out on your router what the IP Address is for your computer that is hosting your iTunes library and the IP Address for your Apple TV. The IP address is essential for either device to connect with each other or the internet. The Apple TV IP address can be seen via Settings/General/Network, it has the form like '192.168.1.69' and for the PC it was '192.168.1.80', the values don't have a particular significance but the last digits after the 3rd dot will be different for each device.
On the PC (or Mac), open a Command (PC) or Terminal(Mac) prompt and try to 'ping' the Apple TV to see if you get a response
e.g.
c:\ping 192.168.1.69
or
c:\ping apple-tv
You should get a response indicating the number of milliseconds it takes for the 'ping' to be returned to the PC from the Apple TV , this will show that the PC can connect to the Apple TV, if it does not get a response then you should check that the PC and Apple TV are connected to the same network (either wired or wifi). You must be able to get a successful ping for the connection between the PC and the Apple TV to work at all.
Another diagnostic is to check the network status on the PC (or Mac)
e.g.
c:\netstat -an
This will show all the current TCP/UDP connections and also the local and remote IP addresses and ports. Look for the IP address of the Apple TV in the third column, there will be many rows returned so just concentrate on the rows with the IP addressses of the PC and the Apple TV
e.g. look for rows like the following:
TCP 192.169.1.80:3689 192.168.1.69:49123 ESTABLISHED
UDP 192.168.1.80:5353 *.*
UDP *.123 *.*
TCP Port 3689 is used by the Apple TV to communicate with iTunes for playing content. This connection is essential, there may be more than one 'established' connection to the remote Apple TV from the local PC.
UDP Port 5353 is used by the Apple Bonjour service to send multicast communications between iTunes and any iOS devices on the same network, such as the Apple TV, again it is essential.
Port 123 is used by Apple products to obtain the date and time, the UDP row above shows that any local IP Address can communicate with any remote IP address on the router's network and provide it with date and time information.
If your firewall software on the PC is blocking any of these ports then the 'netstat' command is useful to see if you need to unblock any. In my experience, this port unblocking was not necessary as when I installed iTunes, the Norton software automatically set up appropriate rules for the iTunes program, and opened the required TCP and UDP communications as iTunes needed.
Likewise, on the router itself, I have the UPnP setting enabled and this allows software like iTunes and Bonjour to traverse the router's firewall without it being necesssary to explicitly set the ports to be forwarded.
If I started the Apple TV, and ran the 'netstat -an' command over the next few minutes I could see the number of rows for the Apple TV diminish, and this was a symptom of the dropping connection problem.
Ultimately having replaced the Apple TV with another 'working' one , swapped the PC, restored the router to factory defaults, disabled the Windows or Norton firewall, tried ethernet and WiFi connection between the router and Apple TV it struck me that the only component I had not considered was the insignificant ethernet cable linking the PC to the router. This has been present since the router was installed for the original PC around 4 years ago. But surely this was how the original PC and the swapped in PC were getting to the internet quite normally and successfully? Also this was how the Apple TV was accessing the PC via WiFi then via the router through this ethernet cable, there was no way it could be the cable, cables don't allow a connection for a short time and then cause a timeout can they?. Thus, confused, and with all other avenues explored, I removed the cable between the PC and the router and enabled a WiFi connection from the PC to the router. After restarting the PC, Router and Apple TV, just to be sure, I tried the Apple TV again.
I could play some music on the Apple TV from the iTunes library, I could play it for a minute or so and then go to movies and play a movie from the iTunes library. I tried to play an iTunes trailer, some YouTube videos, these worked as usual. I then went back to the library and yes, I could play another music track or another movie. I forced the Apple TV to 'sleep' via Settings/General/Sleep Now and tried again, I woke it up and could play any music or movie from the library. Elated, I went out for meal with the family, nervously hoping throughout the meal that the solution had been found. After a couple of hours we returned, woke up the Apple TV and yes, oh yes!, it would connect with the library and play a succession of music or videos without seeing any dropped connections. Several hours later I could wake up the Apple TV again and select any content from the iTunes library on the PC and play it, finally the unit is behaving as I would expect.
This solution may not apply for all, but it worth following all of the components in the path between the Apple TV, router, computer (either PC or Mac) and the iTunes library and checking that each is able to commmunicate successfully and over a period of time reliably so that the Apple TV can perform as flawlessly as it is capable of.
Don't, as I did expect the solution to involve a complicated series of special settings of ports or communications protocol changes. Do perform a clean install of iTunes and keep it updated, do keep Firewall settings simple and let the settings be default settings, do rely on UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on the router. Let the router select which channel it wants to use, it will select the channel with least interference...and check out that insignificant ethernet cable if you have one. It might work fine for general communications from the computer to router to the internet but it can be a source of connections dropping on the Apple TV!
My relative is now a happy Apple TV user too.

Useful to watch what is happening to the TCP/UDP connections when the Apple TV is connected to iTunes and when it is actually playing some media from iTunes and when it stops playing.
To see this, use the Network Statistics command 'netstat' from a Command prompt (Windows PC) / Terminal Window (Mac):
e.g. for Windows:
c:\netstat -an 5
This repeats the netstat command every 5 seconds, use Ctrl-C to quit the command. (Use 'netstat -h' for help with this command)
While iTunes is running there will be a number of TCP records displayed for the computer's IP address using port 3689, showing at least 3 ports in use for the Apple TV's IP address.
i.e.
TCP host_ip:3689 apple_tv_ip:49187 ESTABLISHED
TCP host_ip:3689 apple_tv_ip:49196 ESTABLISHED
TCP host_ip:3689 apple_tv_ip:49255 ESTABLISHED
When it is playing content there are more connections established, some of these rows will gradually disappear when the media file stops playing. These addional TCP records show iTunes using different ports from 3689, but only while media files are being played.
When a video file is played, (on this Windows PC at least) the iTunes host is using ports 4463 and 4464, with the Apple TV using port 7000. When playing a music track or podcast, the iTunes host is using port 4472 or 4489 and the Apple TV is using port 5000.
When the media is playing, the fourth column returned by the 'netstat -an 5' command : 'State' shows as 'ESTABLISHED' and shortly after the media file is stopped playing it shows as 'TIME_WAIT' until the record disappears after a minute or so.

Recently downloaded Itunes and can't connect to Ping or itunes store.

I have recently downloaded itunes and I can't connect to Ping or Itunes store. I downloaded Itunes a few days ago and both were working but they suddenly stopped working. I downloaded itunes again but it hasn't made any difference. I ran diagnostics and it said "secure link to iTunes store failed" and I can't click on help because it says "Itunes help is unavailable because your computer isn't connected to the internet". I will copy and paste the diagnostic report below. Please help!!! Paul Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (Build 6001) Sony Corporation VGN-N38Z_W iTunes 10.6.1.7 QuickTime 7.6.8 FairPlay 1.14.37 Apple Application Support 2.1.7 iPod Updater Library 10.0d2 CD Driver 2.2.0.1 CD Driver DLL 2.1.1.1 Apple Mobile Device 5.1.1.4 Apple Mobile Device Driver 1.43.0.0 Bonjour 3.0.0.10 (333.10) Gracenote SDK 1.9.5.502 Gracenote MusicID 1.9.5.115 Gracenote Submit 1.9.5.143 Gracenote DSP 1.9.5.45 iTunes Serial Number 002BB06403829878 Current user is not an administrator. The current local date and time is 2012-05-08 23:34:20. iTunes is not running in safe mode. WebKit accelerated compositing is enabled. HDCP is not supported. Core Media is not supported. (16005) Video Display Information Intel Corporation, Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family Intel Corporation, Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family **** External Plug-ins Information **** No external plug-ins installed. **** Network Connectivity Tests **** Network Adapter Information Adapter Name: {2298F306-7179-4312-AB03-5C5F0A929736} Description: Realtek RTL8191SU Wireless LAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter IP Address: 192.168.0.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1 DHCP Enabled: Yes DHCP Server: 192.168.0.1 Lease Obtained: Tue May 08 22:32:26 2012 Lease Expires: Wed May 09 22:32:26 2012 DNS Servers: 192.168.0.1 Adapter Name: {32ADC76E-6E18-42A2-A312-91CFB2B035AB} Description: LAN-Express AS IEEE 802.11g PCI-E Adapter IP Address: 0.0.0.0 Subnet Mask: 0.0.0.0 Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0 DHCP Enabled: Yes DHCP Server: Lease Obtained: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 Lease Expires: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 DNS Servers: Adapter Name: {6864BD18-8B01-4731-85D2-6E63C2F43573} Description: Marvell Yukon 88E8036 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller IP Address: 0.0.0.0 Subnet Mask: 0.0.0.0 Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0 DHCP Enabled: Yes DHCP Server: Lease Obtained: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 Lease Expires: Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 DNS Servers: Active Connection: LAN Connection Connected: Yes Online: Yes Using Modem: No Using LAN: Yes Using Proxy: Yes Firewall Information Windows Firewall is off. Connection attempt to Apple web site was unsuccessful. The network connection timed out. Basic connection to the store failed. The network connection timed out. Connection attempt to Gracenote server was successful. The network connection timed out. Last successful iTunes Store access was 2010-10-28 23:21:12. **** Device Connectivity Tests **** iPodService 10.6.1.7 is currently running. iTunesHelper 10.6.1.7 is currently running. Apple Mobile Device service 3.3.0.0 is currently running. Universal Serial Bus Controllers: Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27C8. Device is working properly. Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27C9. Device is working properly. Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB Universal Host Controller - 27CA. Device is working properly. Intel(R) 82801G (ICH7 Family) USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 27CC. Device is working properly. FireWire (IEEE 1394) Host Controllers: Texas Instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller. Device is working properly. Most Recent Devices Not Currently Connected: iPod classic running firmware version 2.0.1 Serial Number: 8K933A3C2C7 **** Device Sync Tests **** No iPod, iPhone or iPad found.

Doublechecking. In the course of your troubleshooting to date, have you worked through the following document?
Apple software on Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store

How can I move an existing iTunes library from a Dell PC (which uses Windows Vista) to a MacBook Pro? I have tried to copy the library from the PC onto a memory stick but cannot move from the stick onto the MacBook Pro.

I have tried to copy my iTunes library from my old (2008) Dell PC to a 32 GB memory stick and then copy it from the stick to the iTunes library in the new MacBook Pro which I purchased recently from a reputable dealer which resells refurbished Macs, (lease returns, etc). The dealer was Computer Trends store in Saskatoon. They told me how to move my existing iTunes libary from the PC to the Mac but I cannot seem to achieve that objective. The Mac does not seem to recognize the memory stick. I thought the Mac would recognize that the memory stick held iTunes files and would then transfer them without prompting to its own iTunes libary. It did not do so. I have therefore tried to find the command sequence within iTunes (on the Mac) for moving the material from the memory stick to the iTunes library. Cannot find those commands. Does anybody know where to find such commands. I have to say, I am really disappointed that such a simple function would prove to be beyond my capabilities. I thought the Mac was supposed to be easier than a PC. !!! Oh well, I am hoping this forum will help !!!

iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you use iTunes default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option (shift on Windows) key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
So, you can see your whole iTunes folder on the memory stick after copying from the PC?

How do i link my existing itunes library to my new ipad

how do ilink my old itunes library to my new ipad air

If you're moving from PC to PC then perhaps Windows Easy Transfer is the tool for you, although I'd still recommend you look at method 1 from my earlier link. If you don't have a backup strategy now then it is time you got one. Hard drives can and do fail without warning. All your personal data should be on at least two if not three separate disks to avoid disappointment.
tt2

Can't get iPad to play iTunes Library from LaCie Fuel

Hi All,
First time poster here so I hope I'm posting in the right section!
I bought a Lacie Fuel specifically for my husband to be able to access our iTunes library when he's off working at remote sites for weeks on end. I followed all the instructions on how to copy the library to the drive and install the Seagate media app on the iPad. The app recognises the library and all the media files - even the artwork - but when we go to play something, it opens a internet browser screen, says it's loading then just comes up with a grey strip across the screen and a 'play' arrow... however it will not play no matter what you do from this point.
IVe spoken extensively with LaCie support and they've exhausted all their options in trying to assist me. They eventually told me to speak to Apple as they can only assume it's an iTunes/iTunes Store permissions issue. Apple fobbed me off saying it's not their hardware so not their problem.
Apparently this device works fine for 'everyone' else!
So the facts are as below;
* any file that is in the library but not bought from the iTunes Store plays through the iPad fine.
* I ensured I copied the entire iTunes library and all associated files across to the LaCie Fuel - I.e: not just the actual movies and TV files themselves. I was careful about this as I'm gathering the permissions would be tied into files associated with the library somehow?
* my iTunes Library is stored on an external hard drive but still works fine through iTunes on the Mac Desktop and our various Apple TV's.
* the Mac desktop is running OSX 10.9.5 and iPad mini (brand new as of a month ago) is running the latest software. iTunes is 12.1.0.50. The Seagate App is also the latest version.
Has anyone else had the problem? I'm so frustrated at having spent so much money on this - and disappointed my husband so much as it was the perfect solution for him - only to be unable to get it to work!

Unfortunately I don't have first hand experience with the Lacie device but reading your question you said you installed the Seagate media app. I checked the App Store and there is also a LaCie app by Seagate. Check also the link below. I,m going to ask the hosts to move your question to the iPad Forum, hopefully someone has an answer for you.
LaCie Media by Seagate Technology https://appsto.re/us/XWzOZ.i
https://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10618

Transfer iTunes Library Between Accounts

I realize this should be simple, but...
I have an iMac; my wife has a Macbook Pro. Our iTunes library is on my iMac and was under my account with Home Share enabled. Since she couldn't create and maintain playlists from her Macbook, she would log onto my account to change them and update her iPhone. I grew tired of her changing things on my account, so I transferred all songs to a new account on my iMac by dragging the shared folder into "Music" in iTunes on the new account. All 11,000 + songs transferred, no problem. Then I created a .xml file from the old account (File ==> Library ==> Export Library) and imported that file into the new account (File ==> Library ==> Import Playlist). That recreated all of the playlists, but only imported a few of the play counts, date purchased, etc. Maybe 1% updated. I checked the .xml file in text edit - all of the information is present. Is there a way to make it work?
Many thanks!

People have high hopes for that XML file, and those hopes are almost always disappointed.
A better approach is to simply make a copy of your entire iTunes folder and put it on the computer she uses. (If your library is not already consolidated, run Consolidate before you do the copy.)
That folder contains the library data as well as the content. After you do the copy she will have an exact replica of the library, including playlists, playcounts, etc. From that point on, she can start making playlists or adding, deleting, and modifying as she wishes, without affecting yours.
As you acquire new content, if the other likes it too, put a copy there via home sharing or other convenient means.

ITunes Library File Size Limit?

I've been struggling to get my AppleTV to work as advertised since I bought it on the day it was originally released. I'm a big music fan and wanted to use it mostly as a music device. My iTunes library is huge. I have my entire CD collection ripped in lossless, as well as AAC for my iPod. I also have lots of other music, some DTS audio files, etc... and very detailed organization.
At any rate, I could always get the AppleTV to work if I just set it up to sync and play the files locally, but never to properly stream in a manner that's useable. And any syncing would take FOREVER. I'm on an N network, and I was getting speeds around 100KB/second. And then after it finally would get setup, I would often get pauses up to a minute where the AppleTV would freeze between menus while "thinking". It would take me 5 minutes just to navigate to a song and start playing it.
I tried all sorts of troubleshooting. Test libraries always worked fine. I've rebuilt my iTunes library from scratch, suspecting a corrupt library file, even though there was no other evidence to support this theory. No dice.
I'm finally giving up, and deciding that AppleTV has a limit to how large an iTunes library file it can handle. My iTunes library file is 160MB. Just the library file. You figure it's only got 256MB of RAM, and it's no wonder it can't handle it. I'm not sure how large the AppleTV OS is, but I suspect with a library file that large that the ATV has to do lots of going back to the HD to retrieve information it just doesn't have enough room for in RAM.
So my new strategy is to set up a secondary iTunes library just for my AppleTV that contains just music I want to sync, and any video I may want to stream. If I want to stream video, I'll launch this new library. If I want to listen to music without my computer on, the AppleTV will have a selection on it from this new library. If I want to stream my huge library, well, now I can use my iPhone as a remote to control my large iTunes library, and use the AppleTV with airtunes feature. And this works wonderfully, 100% responsive with no "waiting".
At any rate, I'm very disappointed that I couldn't get the AppleTV to work as advertised. I wish Apple would specify that there's a limit to how large a library it can handle. I've been screwing around with this for a long time and am essentially giving up, although the iPhone remote / airtunes solution works well for me.
Maybe down the road they'll come out with a new hardware revision with more RAM that can handle things better.

Well, I was hoping I could send you a private message, Greg Neil, because I don't know if you'll ever see this message. Regardless, your iTunes library is NOT the problem no matter what others have told you. 7000 files it's child's play. My iTunes library currently has 14,639 music files in it and 129 Movies ripped at 3000kbps. The library size is NOT the problem. If your network is slow then that will be what is hurting you. The second fastest behind 'n' (i always forget this bit of trivia) should be fast enough for streaming music and most movies. I know that because I've done it. Having said that, go out and buy a bit of ethernet cable and hook it directly into your machine and see if you can stream that way. If you can't then you need to take back your aTV because, in that case, it's the problem. If your network is of adequate speed per what I and the previous poster have mentioned and it still won't stream at all wirelessly then TAKE IT BACK. Mine has streamed fine in the past however, I eventually just hardwired it via ethernet to prevent any drops ever. Hope this helps. I just wanted you to know that going to that amount of trouble to make it work should not have been necessary, and btw, aTV running all your favorite music to your home stereo is worth the price of the device itself. You shouldn't have to suffer.
All the best,
A fellow music lover

Data usage when streaming from iTunes library to Apple TV?

I'm trying to manage my GB data usage through my ISP and was curious if, while streaming between my iTunes library and Apple TV television shows I have previously downloaded, is that using any data whatsoever? I know I used data to actually download the show initially, but once its just sitting in my library, and I call it up from my Apple TV later and start playing it, is there data usage going on? Thanks!

Home sharing and AirPlay don't use any data, they are done over the local network. It will then depend on the source. If any content in your iTunes library has a cloud icon then it will be streamed, if it resides on your hard drive then there is no internet connection required apart from iTunes purchases (pinging server for verification)

Using file "iTunes Library.itl" on an earlier version of iTunes

With the problems and disappointment I've had with iTunes 8.0, I decided to remove it.
After uninstalling iTunes 8.0, I reinstalled iTunes 7.7.1.11. When I launched iTunes 7.7.1.11, I received the following message:
The file "iTunes Library.itl" cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.
Is there a way of converting "iTunes Library.itl" that was created with iTunes 8.0 to something that iTunes 7.7 will be able to use?
I would appreciate any help on this.

When I downloaded iTunes 8.0, I found that I could no longer select bit rate and file type when importing CDs. I don't understand why a new "improved" version of iTunes would reduce functionality. I decided to get rid of it and tried System Restore to a point two days before I had downloaded 8.0. Lo and behold, 8.0 is inviolable and will not allow that. Then I uninstalled it and installed 7.4 and wound up with the "iTunes Library.itl" message and a program that refused to open. Apple support was no help at all, so thank you Chris, for your solution.
To clarfy a little, though:
When I searched, Windows could not identfy a file with the extension of ".itl" but the file is called "iTunes Library" and is located under your user name then "Music/iTunes." Take this file and cut and paste to your desktop (just in case) and and then click on the folder "Previous iTunes Libraries." Find the most recent file prior to the date of your 8.0 installation and copy and paste it to back to where you deleted the newer one. iTunes should open though you will probably have to re-import your files. All in all, too much work for no gain whatsoever.

ITunes library cannot be read

Hmm so excited - so disappointed. Can't even get past loading the software.
Get the following error message:
"the file itunes library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes."
what the heck do I do with this?

I had this same problem. You need to find your iTunes library.itl file (just use the search function on your computer) and delete that. Your itunes should create a new file, one that actually works .

Need to make new iTunes library and not move any media

I have my iTunes folder on an external drive, and my iTunes library file was damaged. I need to import all of my media, but I don't want iTunes to make duplicates of everything. I cannot find an answer to this simple problem. Can anyone help?
By the way, I was very disappointed when I called Apple for support with the issue. Curtis told me my AppleCare (which he could not verify) expired yesterday, so he would get in trouble if he helped me. I bought my first Mac in 1994, have owned half-dozen of them since, several iPhones, an iPad, etc., and this is the first time I have heard anything besides, "How can we help you?" Once did a tech mention that the product I was actually calling about was outside of AppleCare but since I had other active AppleCare purchases, he was not worried about it.
Anyway, I feel like there is probably an answer out there, but I'm just not searching with the right keywords.

Hold down the option key and iTunes will ask you if you want to create a library, do so, putting it in the iTunes folder on the external drive where the damaged one is located. Then use File > Import to import the .xml version of the library in that folder. This will populate the new library with the contents of the old one, minus a bit of metadata and anything you may have just recently added. To double-check you can go to File > Add to Library and point it to the media folder and it will add everything that is in there. Anything that is already there from the earlier stage it will ignore. Anything it didn't catch the first time it will add.
In a big corporation people are bound more strictly by the rules, especially those low down the ladder. There's probably a piece of paper somewhere saying, "Do not provide assistance to those not covered by Applecare for the product they are calling about," and if a boss wanted to be sticky they could fire somebody for violating a rule. A sole proprietor might just say it's only a few extra minutes, no materials cost, and good PR, and they are the one making the rules and decisions.

How to back up iTunes Library to external drive so it can be restored

I recently moved my iTunes Library from a firewire Lacie external hard drive to a Western Digital USd hard that is now having problems (It keeps unmounting itself and I don't think that's good). It was not easy to move my iTunes folder and make it work again. I do not want to send 3 weeks plus using my spare time relinking songs or recreating playlists. I had to re-link 6,000 songs one by one. I iTunes will make a backup on CDs or DVDs why not an external device? Why would I want to copy 80 plus gigs to CDs?
If I simply copy my iTunes folder to the LaCie drive like apple recommends and the WD fails, I will lose all my playlists, track info, art work. I just got it all back. There must be some type of back up program I'm not seeing.
Please, some one help me. I am very disappointed that this solution is not on here.
I'm going to copy the file for now but it's really a poor solution.
Message was edited by: CindyLoo

I want to back up every thing, but I can't find a way to do it. That is the problem. Apple recommends if you are backing up to an external drive to copy folder the music folder to the drive via drag and drop. But I know when you do this that if you try use the backup you will only have the songs as if they were first added to iTunes.
I was able this time to move my music folder successfully (Last time the problem wasn't immediately apparent as it didn't affect my iPod, so I hope I'm not jinxing it). For now, my music is back on the Lacie drive, but it's still not backed up. If the LaCie drive were to fail I'd be faced with reimporting all my music and re-purchasing the TV shows and movies. (I almost always make a CD of new iTunes Purchases. which is why I have no desire to have a second huge stack of CDs.) My computer will not burn DVDs.
I want to backup everything so that it could be restored and be like it is now, but I don't see a way to do it. And I am not backing up all 80 plus gigs to CDs. My computer would crash and burn.

Centralized iTunes Library question

I need some with help with my configuration. This is what I have:
1. Drive containing iTunes Library connected to Airport Extreme Base Station (7.3.2) via USB
2. This iTunes Library is linked to my AppleTV; I see it linked in my ATV settings
3. AppleTV (2.0.2) connected to 802.11n network
4. I am using manual addressing for the three network devices: ATV, MacBook and iMac
Using my MacBook (10.5.4) and my 802.11n network, I start iTunes (7.7) and connect to the iTunes Library on the network drive. The iTunes Library detects my AppleTV. I can stream, sync, manage the AppleTV. I have "Allow all incoming connections" set to true. Everything is cool.
Now, I try to do the same with my iMac (10.5.4) after quitting iTunes on the MacBook. I have the same iTunes version (7.7), I'm on the same 802.11n network, and have the same firewall settings. Using a Bonjour browser, I see the same characteristics on both machines. And, I can ping the ATV. However, I cannot get this iMac to detect the ATV (i.e., no ATV in device list).
Can someone tell me if this configuration should work? If it should then, suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.

I don't think that this can work because only one computer can work as the main iTunes library for syncing. Other computers can connect as Shared (streaming only), but they will have different music or video libraries. In iTunes, you will have to turn on "Shared" in the Preferences library. In iTunes -> Edit ->Preferences -> Sharing -> <check> Look for Shared Libraries <check> Share My Library on My Network
Once this is activated, on the primary computer that displays the ATV, you will see a new catergory above the playlists section of iTunes that says "Shared"; these should be the files that are on the subsidiary computer that will stream.

Is it possible to shuffle music from iTunes library in iPhoto?

When I look at a slide show of an album it always begins with the same song from iTunes. I know I can change that for each album. But what I would like to do is to choose the iTunes library so that the songs shuffle randomly in each album. What I mean is that if I start a slide show of a specific album it should start with a new song from iTunes each time. Is this possible?

This is a feature this is surprisingly missing from iPhoto.
Apple realizes the importance of shuffling music; they named a product after it. And it seems like it would be such an easy thing to add.
I fully expect this functionality in iPhoto, and am disappointed that it's not there.

Ping, my iTunes Library, my disappointment !

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