What is the point of an iTunes server?

I'm aware I'm posting to an old thread, but it's been an interesting read as I've been thinking of buying a NAS primarily to transfer my CD collection onto. Before reading this I had thought "iTunes Server" meant it would replace an always-on PC/Mac and generate Genius playlists etc that I could then browse from the Apple TV or direct from my Yamaha AV (as it supports AirPlay). I have an ancient iMac with Home Sharing running and my Apple TV can currently use that, though it seems a bit ropey and drops out a lot, and it's a bit inconvenient to have to go into another room to wake up an iMac. I guess I thought iTunes Server meant "Home Sharing Server" but I suppose that is unrealistic as HS is a native Apple service. iTunes Server just seems to make things slightly smoother when hosting an iTunes repository remotely, in certain edge cases I don't really understand but which may become apparent in use.

Now it seems like the options are:

1. Get a Mac Mini or similar instead of a NAS. Mac Mini is kind of the Apple NAS. (Maybe it could also replace the ATV.)

2. Get a NAS but abandon iTunes and use the native apps or third party ones like Plex for music, playlists etc (no Genius playlists I guess - maybe not a great loss).

3. Get a NAS that can connect to an Apple TV (this technology may have improved since the start of this thread - e.g. the Synology ones now do), and keep iTunes as the repository. However from what I've read the connectivity consists of pushing from the NAS (e.g via a phone app) rather than browsing from the ATV menu.

I suppose what I was hoping to be able to do was point a remote at my Yamaha AV that would bring up a playlist off the NAS (I'd been thinking iTunes but I guess it doesn't have to be). Probably I don't even need an Apple TV for that. And thinking about it, the Yamaha's menus are a bit basic, so I'd do better with an iPhone app anyway, in which case the "push from the NAS" approach would probably be fine. I'm not sure whether a NAS needs iTunes Server for that setup.

I have a Synology DS1513+. I finally was able to figure out how to have iTunes Home Server running on this box. You have to install phpvirtualbox on your NAS and than boot up a copy of windows 32bit and install itunes.

i did a write up on it rysnas dot com.

I hope this helps you.

I came to this forum with exactly the same question as the OP. I'm still grappling with the benefits of using NAS iTunes server software over simply mapping the NAS as a network drive, assigning it a drive letter and then in iTunes:

Keep iTunes Media Folder Organised

Change Media Folder Location (to NAS drive)

Organise Library

Consolidate Files

Questions:

I'm still not clear if iTunes Server on a NAS will allow my to stream music to my Airplay receiver without a PC or MAC running (using a smartphone or tablet as a remote control / player)?

If the above is correct, is it actually reading the iTunes library files and will it retain all metadate and album artwork? I've spend hours of manual work to correctly name tracks, add artwork and remove duplicates etc so I want to keep using iTunes rather than DLNA etc.

Would iTunes on my laptop (windows) be able to access an iTunes library on a NAS when away from home?

After reading this entire thread and spending over a decade trying to make this work, I've come to the conclusion that there is not a one size fits all solution for an "iTunes server". For some the "iTunes Server apps" on a NAS will work. For those who want a simple solution for non-tech family members involving an AppleTV, the iTunes server means an always on Mac and home sharing. Since I fall into this category, my plan will be to find a cheap Mac and attach a large hard drive. Since I have a Synology but use it for other things besides iTunes, I'll use it to back up my iTunes drive but not as the primary source. My question for the group is what is the most cost effective machine to buy? I don't think I want to have iTunes running on the family computer all the time, so I think a dedicated machine in the server rack makes sense. A busted Macbook seems attractive but I don't want to buy a machine that will only last 6 months. Anybody have advice on minimum processor, RAM and hard drive interface?

Thanks!

Brad

I like this approach and theoretically it should work on any NAS that allows a VM to be installed on top of the NAS O/S.

I have the QNAP TS-415 which allow for a Windows VM. I called the QNAP help desk and they agreed with the theory that you should be able to install iTunes on the Windows VM and point to the NAS storage on the same machine for media. Once installed you would turn on Home Sharing on this iTunes to enable your AppleTV to see the media and control access from the AppleTV remote. This is essentially the requirement which I believe everyone is after. I have yet to perform this configuration but it sounds like RTHNLV has already done this on a Synnology box.

And what, exactly, might those "advantages" be, mn2006?

The only clients that can use this protocol are other instances of iTunes. So there appears to be no point at all unless you want your media to be held hostage by Apple.

On your NAS, create a separet share that is named itunes; and map a drive to it; for instance i: for itunes. Then reconsolidate your itunes library to it, by going to File, Library, Organize.

Seems like the question would be better directed at Synology, since this is not an Apple product...

Cheers,

GB

Some people have loaded itunes on their nas; such as Windows Media Server back in the day; which resolves the plugin; unless you have a true NAS where you can't do that.

yeah ah sorry about that, I thought you had a synology.

I haven't read the whole thread but one advantage iTunes sever gives you is that you can play FLAC files in iTunes ...

What is the difference between _daap._tcp. and _home-sharing._tcp. ?

If you have a fancy media control system like control 4, Savant, or crestron, having an iTunes server built into a NAS is a god send.