Create a Schedule to Launch Files and Internet Streams in iTunes

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Level 1

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Create a Schedule to Launch Files and Internet Streams in iTunes

I've been able to create a Workflow using Automator (El Capitan) and have it function properly. I am able to play mp3 files or even live internet streams in the Workflow.

But I am unable to create a Schedule with Calendar to fire either a live stream or Playlist in iTunes to start playing and then stop at specific times. Can anyone explain how to do this in Calendar? I've read a few people have done something like this with iCal but that does not appear to be the same App as Calendar. This is my first time trying something like this and I can't find anyone that has done this previously with Calendar and iTunes.

Thanks.

Mac mini (Early 2009), El Capitan OS X

Posted on May 15, 2016 4:37 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 15, 2016 5:27 PM in response to BilliamUSA

A Calendar Alarm workflow will only work if it's attached to a local ("On My Mac") calendar, rather than a network calendar such as iCloud.

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Answer 2

BilliamUSA Author

Level 1

8 points

May 15, 2016 5:46 PM in response to Linc Davis

Calendar doesn't seem to have anything called "Alarm" in it. Not sure what that was or if it has a replacement feature in Calendar.

How do I get a local Mac calendar on my computer? This is completely new to me.

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 15, 2016 5:49 PM in response to BilliamUSA

I'm assuming that you want an Automator workflow to run as a scheduled Calendar event. Is that correct?

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Answer 4

BilliamUSA Author

Level 1

8 points

May 15, 2016 5:54 PM in response to Linc Davis

I think that sounds right. I'd like to schedule iTunes to start up at a specific time and play a live stream once in a while and then something like an mp3 file at other times.

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

May 15, 2016 6:04 PM in response to BilliamUSA

You'll need to use the Calendar application to carry out this procedure. If you're not already familiar with it, see this support article.

1. Launch the built-in Automator application. It will prompt you to choose a type of document. Choose

Calendar Alarm

An alarm event will be created in a calendar named "Automator" in the "On My Mac" group. If that calendar doesn't already exist, it will be created. Save the empty event and give it a name. Don't make any other changes to the event yet.

2. Launch the Calendar application. You should see the Automator calendar, but because of a bug in Calendar, you may not see the event you just created. To reveal it, switch from the current calendar view (Day, Week, Month, or Year) to another view, then switch back. The alarm event will be scheduled for the time when you saved it. Reschedule it to the desired time.

3. Go back to the Automator window and create your workflow. Save.

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Answer 6

BilliamUSA Author

Level 1

8 points

May 15, 2016 6:27 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks. Found the Calendar Alarm you are talking about. For some reason I was under the impression it was in Calendar.

Will give this a try tomorrow. My guess is that it will now work thanks to your detailed instructions.

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