Suggestions for an iTunes compatible music server ...

[KMan]

I want to set up an ISY controlled music server, which 90% of the time would be playing an iTunes playlist.  If anyone has suggestions or setups already doing this, I'd love to hear them.

 

Here are the requirements:

 

Tier 1 requirements:

- Play an iTunes playlist

- Playlist dynamically updated when changed in another PC

 

Tier 2 requirements:

- Play radio stations

- Start/Stop/Pause via ISY (this is Tier 2 only because I think I can just use Insteon controlled power to the amp if needed)

 

Tier 3 requirements:

- Control iTunes playlist (i.e. select other lists)

 

 

Constraints:

 - I already have speakers throughout the house, just need a source.  So not going to use Sonos or something similar.

 - Not a fan of Apple products, so not likely to use them (other than iTunes)

 

I have an always on PC and an always on RPi that could be used.  Would also consider an always on Android tablet.

 

Some things I've looked at, but none seem easy to integrate iTunes playlists ...

 - Plex

 - Kodi

 - iTunes (doesn't seem to have an open API for remote control).  I suppose I could just have it always on, and control the output power.

 

Anyone have any suggestions or guidance?

 

Thanks,

Kyle

[hart2hart]

Have you considered using the Remote App on iOS devices (read you're not an Apple fan so not applicable if you don't have iPhone iPad iPod etc) to control iTunes on PC and have sound source be either built in or upgraded sound card? Not sure how you are amplifying since you mention speakers only.

 

I use CasaTunes to control my whole house audio Russound system but it's at least $500 if they will still sell stand alone software. It is fully AirPlay integrated and will control an AV Receiver. Your use would depend on speakers you already have and their amplification. You can control via REST and they have excellent apps on iOS, Android, and PC browser.

 

It integrates many sources including iTunes and Windows music library. In addition to several streaming sources including radio.

Edited December 27, 2015 by hart2hart

[KMan]

Thanks for the suggestions.  Will look in to CasaTunes, although it sounds too pricey.

 

The only Apple hardware I own is a 2nd(?)  gen iPod, and not really looking to upgrade that device.

 

I did find an open source media server (Subsonic) which looks like it will do a lot of what I want, looking in to it right now.  It is more focused on music than Kodi or Plex.

 

As far as amplification, I haven't really decided yet ... looking at purchasing a small amp/splitter.  Our house already has whole house audio via an old 1970's intercomm system ... we're not audiophiles, so it sounds ok to us lol.  Probably could continue to use that wiring as is, but will likely re-wire it.

[snowtech]

I do it via raspberry pi and call it from Network Resources from ISY... I dont use itunes though as you have to rely on a computer on all the time...

[hart2hart]

CasaTunes has HW and SW so if you need whole house distro amp it may be a good fit. I already had Russound and Yamaha AV Receiver so I didn't look at their HW offering. Wade is great to work with so give him a call.

[KMan]

I do it via raspberry pi and call it from Network Resources from ISY... I dont use itunes though as you have to rely on a computer on all the time...

 

What software are you running on the pi?

[snowtech]

What software are you running on the pi?

Im running on command line with shell, python and php

I use aplay to load library and play it. 

[apnar]

Take a look at logitechs squeezebox media server. The squeezebox line is pretty much end of life but the server is open source and is still kept reasonably up to date. There is an iTunes plugin that can read playlists. You can either grab older Logitech hardware from eBay or use a number of open source software players. Allows multiple zones which can easily be independent or synced.

 

It should hit almost all your requirements and it's totally free to try out.

[apnar]

Also, curious why the focus on iTunes playlists if you aren't into the Apple ecosystem?

[Scottmichaelj]

I vote for Casatunes and am an authorized reseller if you want more info or buy one. There is an app for Android/iOS, you can plug it into any AVR or dist audio and it will create separate "airplay" rooms and groups that even guests can use if on your wifi and setup. Very nice machine. Can play all itune, spotify (not the limited spotify connect) and you can load music directly to it or play on another machine like a SMB server or NAS.

[KMan]

Also, curious why the focus on iTunes playlists if you aren't into the Apple ecosystem?

 

My wife has an large iTunes library, and is very comfortable navigating and purchasing in iTunes.  For things like this, she is very resistant to change ... so the iTunes requirement is mostly about WAF.

[KMan]

Updating this in case someone finds this thread in the future.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I've researched them and have settled on JRiver's Media Center, running on an always on PC (already in use for other reasons).  Thanks to user hbsh01 who mentioned JRiver in this thread.

 

JRiver is very easy to control via REST, and plays internet radio easily via vtuner.

 

I've been able to easily integrate Echo -> IFTTT -> ISY -> JRiver to control my whole home audio via voice.  Seems to be working very well.  Next step is to remove IFTTT and use connected home directly.

 

The iTunes integration isn't as seamless as I'd like (currently exporting then importing), but I have some ideas to make that easier.

Edited February 3, 2016 by KMan

[Scottmichaelj]

+1 for Casatunes - there is a full and open API for full ISY integration.