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+--- Thread: iTunes server - what is possible? (/showthread.php?tid=69173)
iTunes server - what is possible? - DavidS - 12-27-2008
I have four different computers running iTunes, 2 are mine (Windows XP and 10.5.5), one is my wife's (10.4.11) and the other my son's (10.4.11).
I'd like to consolidate the libraries onto one NAS that has an iTunes server as a feature. That way, we don't have to have all the computers running for iTunes. However, I'd like to be able to also stream the music to our iPhones so we can listen to them on external iPod speaker docks. Currently I do this with Simplify Media on the computers and iPhones and it works well. Would I be able to do something like this, however, if I combine all the libraries onto one external NAS?
Re: iTunes server - what is possible? - guitarist - 12-27-2008
Most external NAS for mac are slow and/or unnecessarily expensive, it's actually easier to just set up one of the networked macs, or an old mac set up as a dedicated server, as an media server. See what the consensus is here about NAS, I could be wrong, but from my research, I've discovered, it's not as favorable as it sounds, compared to alternatives. But I like the idea, and have a similar goal myself. Several computers, would like to simplify the iTunes library onto one networked machine. Look forward to other comments.
Re: iTunes server - what is possible? - deckeda - 12-28-2008
Things that I would consider would be:
1) Size of library
2) Anticipated growth rate
3) Do users have purchased music or videos under their own Apple ID? If so, you'll need to strip the DRM from them prior to ingesting into a common library unless you want to always be presented with putting in the respective password to play it.
4) Syncing multiple iPhones with one iTunes user account will be a mess unless all phones are "owned" by the same person who's iTunes account it is. Maintaining iPhone apps, even free ones, is tied to the Apple ID/iTunes user, NOT the library per se. Kind of like with purchased music.
Re: iTunes server - what is possible? - btfc - 12-28-2008
I set up a friend with the remote app, airport express, and a G4 tower as a media server. Works great,and the family loves it!