I’ve started a new project called TuneWiz.
Problem: I have a very specific way I like to process and manage my music files. I’m warming on the iTunes application, but it doesn’t always work very well with the way I like to manage my music. My plan is to write an application to address the things that bother me.
Problems:
- iTunes does not monitor folders. If I add a new folder of music, I have to manually add it.
- If I move or delete files on disk, iTunes doesn’t remove them from the library.
- iTunes stores rating information in it’s database. I’ve been using Windows Media Player for a while and it stores rating inforation in the mp3 files. I prefer this method because I can easily move and share music between computers and the ratings go with it.
Solution:
An application that integrates with iTunes. Adds new files, removes orphans, and syncs rating in iTunes and id3v2 tags. I have already written code to get comfortable with the iTunes COM interface as well as experiment with some implementation ideas.
Implementation Ideas:
- One screen for finding orphan files
- One screen for adding new files. User adds folders to scan for files
- One screen to sync rating information.
- Sync behavior will be to take tracks rated in iTunes and save those ratings to files that are have no rating.
- Sync behavior will also take files that have ratings and push those ratings to tracks without ratings in iTunes
- If ratings exist in iTunes and on disk, user will be prompted which rating they want to keep
- Future enhancement of sync behavior may include implementing a database to store historical information. This would make rating conflicts easier to solve.
Other applications of note:
Some other applications already exist to do the things I want. I am doing this as an exercise, but it’s worth noting other application that exist.
iTunes Library Updated – This application solves the first two problems, but it looks like the original developer isn’t sure he’s going to continue development. It is a GPL project so source is available.
iTunes Folder Watch – This app also solves my first two problems. It even has the ability to monitor folders. No source is available. Some features require a payed license. Free version has a nag screen.
MusicBridge – This app solves the third problem. It goes above and beyond and can sync more than just ratings. No source is available, but app is free.