How to connect to iTunes library on NAS

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Level 1

8 points

How to connect to iTunes library on NAS

I have a Win8 PC with iTunes 11, and a library of 3TB+ of audio files held on an external NAS device.

Can I point an iPad Mini at that library ? If not, why not !?

Also, before I go for an iPad myself, I need to ensure that I can do the same for a full-size iPad too.

In Windows, you can choose the Library.itl file, and specify it being on the network device, and had assumed that the same would happen on the iPad.

Obviously, you can't sync 48000 songs in ALAC to an iPad, due to the space constraints.

This is a deal-breaker for me, as if I can't access my full library, then there is no point me getting the iPad.

(I have checked out some apps from the store that will allow me to browse my NAS, and will load and play songs correctly.

However, I want the full iTunes interface access, not a file browser !!!)

Thanks in advance.

Windows 8

Posted on Sep 9, 2013 8:36 AM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Sep 9, 2013 12:03 PM in response to ChrisN666

iOS devices cannot run the iTunes interface you see on your computer, not can they directly access files in the file system. However if iTunes is running on your computer you can access the full iTunes library on it remotely from an iOS device provided both are on the same network.

tt2

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Answer 2

ChrisN666 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2013 5:26 AM in response to turingtest2

Whilst I appreciate your answer, having to have a PC/Mac running to "serve" the library is not something I want.

If I use a Surface Pro with Win 8 on it, I can install iTunes "fully" on there, and have full access with no "desktop" running the library.

This is something I wanted to replicate on an iPad.

If I can't do it, then maybe I will have to stick with the MS solution instead, which is a shame as the iPad is more appealing to me, and a darn site cheaper !!!

CN666

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Sep 10, 2013 5:34 AM in response to ChrisN666

If your device cannot store the full library locally then something will have to serve it to you. I believe there are some NAS devices that claim they can function like a shared iTunes library, but it isn't something I've investigated.

tt2

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Answer 4

ChrisN666 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2013 6:08 AM in response to turingtest2

No - I can point the device to the library file, which is already stored on the NAS.

Any iTunes enabled PC/Laptop/Windows Tablet has the option when loading iTunes of selecting which library to load (left shift+click) and you can then point it at the library.itl file on the NAS.

That way, I can use the full library on any device that can access that library file.

The Win Tablet wouldn't then need a PC to serve the library to it - it is directly mapped to the library file on the network.

My wish was that there was an equivalent "left-shift+click" for the iPad.

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Sep 10, 2013 6:52 AM in response to ChrisN666

Sorry, being pedantic the NAS is switched on and serving data...

An iPad cannot and will not open an iTunes Library file directly.

FWIW opening the library file directly on the NAS is inefficent, particularly as library size grows, as every action with the library involves the database being updated. If you need access from multiple computers then leave as is, but if you can copy the library files to a local drive it will run more efficently. The library files can be copied back to the NAS and accessed there if/when the library needs to be moved again to ensure that it is portable.

tt2

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Answer 6

ChrisN666 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 10, 2013 6:58 AM in response to turingtest2

Be as pedantic as you like 😁

Yes - I have an enormous library file, but given that I use 3 different machines at different times to work on the library, keeping them in synch would be impossible. That is why I have a "communal" library.

At no point do I want a local library on any of my machines.

The crux of it is that the iPad can't do what I want then. A shame.

Maybe something might happen with a future version, as surely I'm not the only person with a *big* library, that can't be locally held on the device.

Thanks anyway !

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Sep 10, 2013 7:58 AM in response to ChrisN666

You're welcome. 🙂

iOS devices are never going to run the full featured iTunes application. It doesn't fit with the sandbox model, however they work well as client devices for both audio & video if you can find something suitable to connect to.

tt2

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