If you recall my last write up, I was overall impressed with iHomeserver. The program however had some stated weaknesses. Since that write up he has released a Beta version which addresses many of the concerns I raised. In addition, it adds a few enhancements.
[hr]
Original post: https://thedocsworld.net/whs-meets-itunes/
[hr]
Changes since my review include:
- Significantly improved handling of media when iTunes is set to “copy added media to the iTunes Media library” – no more false failures showing up.
- Importing of iTunes Media Library XML files from other instances of iTunes – automatic matching of data with your the instance of iTunes run by iHomeServer. iHomeServer will then update ratings, play counts, last play dates and playlist membership – this is a great easy way of copying other iTunes metadata across from a personal computer to your iTunes server without having to do a full iTunes folder migration.
- Ability to change the credentials of user iHomeServer runs iTunes as from the ‘Settings’ dialog
Ability to run other applications when iHomeServer launches iTunes – configurable to run either before or after iTunes is launched - Added ability to alter “Part of compilation” metadata within the metadata editor
- New Features – Podcast updating, add new podcast, download podcast episodes added; Bug fixes: log file rotation, increased buffers between client and server; icon change on iTunes playlist view; some consoles might timeout their connection with the iHomeServer server – if this happens users will not get updates happening unless they press refresh – this behavior has been fixed.
In addition to these fixes and enhancements, he has indicated that more enhancements are on there way.
[ilink url=”http://www.bizmodeller.com/ihomeserver_for_itunes_beta.aspx” style=”download”]Get the BETA release here.[/ilink]
[hr]
Hey Doc,
I tried iHomeServer and it seemed to work well. I use MyMovies and love it, but my kids won’t leave the HTPC in the den alone and I had to get rid of it. Will iTunes display MyMovies titles, home movies, pics and serve them to an Apple TV, or do you know of another “instant on” box that will work with iTunes if it will do this?
Great question with not such an easy answer. Here is my two cents. If you want to live with iTunes, then the Apple TV will do a great job pairing up with iTunes however here are some limitations. MyMovies titles will work only if they are converted to an MP4. MyMovies has a built in converter that supports the Apple TV so every movie would be converted and you could set it up so it dumps the converted movie into one of iHomeserver’s watched folders. It will convert the BD/DVD and add the meta data, and update iTunes in one step. Pictures are handled easily through Photostream. Install Photostream on your sever and the apple TV will draw all your photos right in. Lastly home movies can be play as well as long as they are in the right format. Native BD or DVD will not work with iTunes until they are MP4.
As for other recommendations, I do not have any that work well with ITunes although I know they are out there. If you do not need iTunes, then the popcorn or WD are pretty good but do not have the interface the Apple TV has. Although I do not like the Apple Eco system, I love the Apple TV/iTunes combo and it serves my well for I do. Be careful with the Apple TV in that your kids may start renting a bunch of movies and you will get a surprise on your bill. Good luck and let me know if I can help.
Mike
I thought about the Boxee Box, too awkward and ugly, but the underlying software is good. Almost bought a Sony Google TV on sale, but my Panasonic plasma was a steal and had some built in software. It has VieraTools which is a folder based product, not conducive to media viewing in the living room, but at least it’s something.
Really considering a 2nd generation Apple TV with the aTV hack (http://firecore.com/atvflash-black), it really seems it may do what I want. I searched E-Bay and there are a ton of used and pre-hacked units on there.
The HTPC with WMC was great, but my young kids wouldn’t leave the Zino alone.
The Apple TV might do the trick, with iHomeServer on the backend? The one piece I am missing is that I would like to sync the client with iHomeServer as I like to edit the library on the client, using Dupin and/or TuneUp Media.
SuperSync and/or MediaRover might help with the syncing part.
Thanks for the help and keep you updated.
Good luck and let me what you decide.