iTunes Library on a NAS Device

[chuckalicious]

Currently I have 2 machines running iTunes. Both have purchased music on them (using different accounts), although both machines have been authorised to play the others music. At the moment we use the the "share iTunes library" option so that either machine can see the other on the network, which again is fine.

However, I think it'd be better if both libraries were integrated into 1, on an external drive. However, I wouldn't want to rely on one specific machine being on all the time in order to access that drive, thus I imagine I'd need a networked drive such as http://www.netgear.co.uk/digital_home_sc101.php?type=h

This device acts as a network device which I'd hope both iTunes could connect to.

Does anyone know if this is possible, and also how I'd integrate the 2 libraries bearing in mind there is purchased music in both?

Thanks

[limegreenzx]

Sorry, don't have an answer but it looks a great device for the money.

Would the consolidate library option in itunes also sort out all the DRM as well as move the files to their new location?

[chuckalicious]

It does look like a great bit of kit doesn't it? However, I've just discovered you have to have Windows :( And install drivers. I have an Apple iBook, so it won't work with that.

Also, I have no idea what the consolidate library does, maybe someone could help me out there....

[limegreenzx]

Assuming the Apple OS version is the same as the Windows version. If you look at your preferences - itunes>edit>preferences>advanced>folder_location.
You can set your itunes music location. You then enter itunes>advanced>consolidate_library. Itunes will then copy all the music/videos etc into the location you have set in your preferences. This is a great option if you have a number of PCs and you want to keep one library of music so it can easily be backed up. This should work with purchased music as the license to play is with the PC and not the file location.

[jimmy_b]

hi there

have you considered this:
http://www.slimdevices.com/dev_infrant.html

it comes with slimserver software already installed which would allow you to stream music to a music player (such as the squeezebox) if you also want to do that. then you can play music without having any computers on at all. also, slimserver is compatible with macs and can be used with software players such as i-tunes.

cheers
jimmy

[bigtim]

Here's a cheaper option

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=340118

It can be configured as an itunes server and does not require software to be installed on any of the connected computers/appliances (unlike the sc101 which is roundly derided on its user forum).

[jimmy_b]

Here's a cheaper option

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=340118

It can be configured as an itunes server and does not require software to be installed on any of the connected computers/appliances (unlike the sc101 which is roundly derided on its user forum).
Never seen that before - Nice one bigtim.
Please note however that the quoted price does not include any hard disks. Add them in and you are up to Terastation price bracket I would think.

Jimmy

[miceri]

Yeah, but most people have HDDs lying around through constant upgrades that just scream 'NAS me up baby!'

[extremelydodgy]

You can get Slimserver-loaded QNAP TS-101's from advancedmp3players.co.uk. Alternatively you can get the bare TS-101's (onto which you can't load Slimserver) from Scan. It's fanless, gigabit and works pretty well.