pik80
Level 1 (8 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Syncing ratings and play counts without messing up my files

I heard there are problems with iTunes Match screwing up people's music libraries by downloading different versions of songs then what they had previously loaded. I don't want that to happen to me but I like the feature that lets me sync my rating and play counts. Is there a way to just sync ratings and play counts without iTunes messing up my library files? I already have my entire music library on both my computers and phone. It is frustrating to me because I really depend on ratings and play counts as well as needing to upload files via CD. I would be extremely grateful if someone could help me get this fixed!

MacBook, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4), MacBook 2016

Posted on May 30, 2016 2:48 PM

by Jimzgoldfinch,Solvedanswer
Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch
Level 6 (9,039 points)
iTunes
A:

pik80 wrote:

 

That is good to know that you have had success. I have a question on the backup. If some music files go missing getting them back is just a matter of searching Time Machine and reimporting them?

 

Yes but I suggest that you keep a separate back up on a external drive.

pik80 wrote:

 

The problem I heard with iTunes Match is that it will replace alternate versions of songs (live tracks, remixes, etc) with studio versions.

 

I have not encountered such problems apart from a few mismatches which have been reported on this forum. A few people have reported have such problems - if it was truly a severe problem, you would seen much more activity. iTunes match uses acoustic finger printing and is generally excellent at identifying tracks. The problem is more common with Apple Music Users. Read this article http://www.mcelhearn.com/apple-music-matches-files-with-metadata-only-not-acoust ic-fingerprinting/.

 

Also read this iTunes Match User Tips

 

Jim

Posted on Jun 2, 2016 1:58 AM

Close
pik80

Q: Syncing ratings and play counts without messing up my files

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Paul Ewin,Helpful

    Paul Ewin Paul Ewin Jun 1, 2016 5:56 PM in response to pik80
    Level 4 (1,849 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 1, 2016 5:56 PM in response to pik80

    Firstly I don't believe there is a way to split out this functionality, it is all designed to work together.

     

    I know its not always the case but iTunes match has always worked great for me and I have never had any problems, my ratings and play counts have always synced perfectly and I use these all the time to populate smart playlists.

     

    It could be worth making a backup of your library and then give the service a try, if you do have any problems you can just revert back to your backup.

     

    Hope this helps a little.

  • by pik80,

    pik80 pik80 Jun 1, 2016 6:16 PM in response to Paul Ewin
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 1, 2016 6:16 PM in response to Paul Ewin

    That is good to know that you have had success. I have a question on the backup. If some music files go missing getting them back is just a matter of searching Time Machine and reimporting them?

     

    The problem I heard with iTunes Match is that it will replace alternate versions of songs (live tracks, remixes, etc) with studio versions. Do you collect a lot of alternate versions of songs like live tracks?

  • by Jimzgoldfinch,Solvedanswer

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Jun 2, 2016 1:58 AM in response to pik80
    Level 6 (9,039 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 2, 2016 1:58 AM in response to pik80

    pik80 wrote:

     

    That is good to know that you have had success. I have a question on the backup. If some music files go missing getting them back is just a matter of searching Time Machine and reimporting them?

     

    Yes but I suggest that you keep a separate back up on a external drive.

    pik80 wrote:

     

    The problem I heard with iTunes Match is that it will replace alternate versions of songs (live tracks, remixes, etc) with studio versions.

     

    I have not encountered such problems apart from a few mismatches which have been reported on this forum. A few people have reported have such problems - if it was truly a severe problem, you would seen much more activity. iTunes match uses acoustic finger printing and is generally excellent at identifying tracks. The problem is more common with Apple Music Users. Read this article http://www.mcelhearn.com/apple-music-matches-files-with-metadata-only-not-acoust ic-fingerprinting/.

     

    Also read this iTunes Match User Tips

     

    Jim

  • by pik80,

    pik80 pik80 Jun 2, 2016 2:54 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 2, 2016 2:54 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

    Ok so it is Apple Music that is the problem not iTunes Match. Susie Ochs mentioned this on the Macworld podcast but I got confused as to what service she was talking about since Apple has so many different music services that it is hard to keep track of what is what.

  • by Jimzgoldfinch,

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Jun 2, 2016 3:44 AM in response to pik80
    Level 6 (9,039 points)
    iTunes
    Jun 2, 2016 3:44 AM in response to pik80

    pik80 wrote:

     

    Ok so it is Apple Music that is the problem not iTunes Match. Susie Ochs mentioned this on the Macworld podcast but I got confused as to what service she was talking about since Apple has so many different music services that it is hard to keep track of what is what.

     

    Apple only has two music services - Apple Music and iTunes Match. iCloud Music Library: Understanding differences between Apple Music and iTunes Match - Apple Support

     

    Jim

  • by pik80,

    pik80 pik80 Jun 2, 2016 4:05 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 2, 2016 4:05 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

    Not sure what other service I was thinking of. I guess what I meant to say was when I listened to the podcast there was just a lot of information being flung around and at one point got a little hard to follow.