Syncopation - 2.0

I was looking for a way to keep several iTunes libraries in sync - naturally, I checked versiontracker.com. I tried SuperSync first as it was newer. I'm an extremely knowledgeable of computers (well, not Windows) and of networking. I still could not get the it to work correctly (I do keep my laptop wrapped pretty tightly, firewall wise). I got the program to sort of do a sync but the sync didn't happen - it indicated what should be done and did something - but nothing happened. I purchased the license thinking that there was some other restriction. Well, I gave up last night thinking I would start again this morning.

I gave up and looked for my next option: Syncopation. In just a little more time than it took me to copy the program to the involved computers, the sync happened. It was great! After I pressed the sync button, I was able look at Syncopation's todo list resulting from its analysis. I was able to easily see what it was going to do and fine tune what I wanted to happen! I clicked on OK and it just happened - I could see the additions in the iTunes window as they were happening. It was great. It worked well!!!!

I have one suggestion (so far!). If not peer-to-peer, the program assumes that 'the other' computer is the master. What I believe is that, if the program is set to be "peer to peer", changes will be made to both libraries such that they match; but, if it is configured to be "Sync with master library", the local computer will be changed to match the master. The way I operate is as follows: I have a home 'media server' which drives other computers in the house (all Mac's, of course) and an AppleTV. But, for music, my laptop is (usually) the source of new music as that's where I make such purchases or rip CD's. (Being able to not sync movies, podcasts, or TV shows REALLY helps here!) As such, I want the new music (or tracks with metadata changes) to be used to update the master. So, just one more option - maybe "Update remote master library" with that pull-down systems selection in the "Sync with master library" will do this trick.

In SuperSync, there are explicit options for direction. Syncopation program partially addresses the issue but the solution is easy - simply go to the home media server and sync from there, specifying my laptop as the master.

Again, thanks for the author for a fine and straight forward, simple, get-'er-done piece of work.

I have played around with seemingly endless options for synchronising multiple iTunes libraries for a while now. The problem with ordinary sync options like Chronosync or SuperlexibleSynchronizer, though they are both excellent tools, is that iTunes has it's own system for maintaining order (just take a look at the album art folder), as well as for storing things like play count etc. This means that it's hard to keep track of everything in the sync process. (Should I update folder 0CC21615E6B1CFC1 or not? What is 04632DFDB66A2100.itc? Do I need to copy it to my Album Art folder?)

I tried Syncopation today, for probably the fifth time, and I have come to the conclusion that it's the best option (including other iTunes sync apps). It synchronises tracks, playlists and all sorts of meta data, including e.g. last played date. It does the job seemlessly and quickly across the (local) network, between two macs, in my case, though I believe it can sync more.

It's early days yet, so I may yet encounter some bugs, but so far so good. (I did see a single anomaly in the number of tracks, which I have to look into). I bought the app anyway... $29 is a bit steep for something like this, but for the simplicity it feels worth it.