Some of my iTunes Store purchases won't play in iTunes

If you can't play a song, video, or game you purchased from the iTunes Store, here are some things you can do.

Check your computer authorizations

If a purchased song won't play and that song is iTunes digital rights management (DRM) protected music, you may have exceeded the number of computers that can be authorized to play your music purchases (the limit is five at a time). Once you've authorized five computers (by playing purchased songs on those computers), you won't be able to listen to any purchased songs on a sixth computer until you deauthorize one of the first five computers.

To deauthorize a computer:

1. In iTunes, choose Deauthorize Computer from the Store menu (your computer needs to be connected to the Internet).
2. Click OK.

If you've reached your five-computer limit, you have a second option to deauthorize all five at once using these steps:

1. Click here to view your account.
2. Click the Deauthorize All button.

Make sure that all of your authorized computers are using the latest version of iTunes. For example, after purchasing music from the iTunes Store with iTunes 7, you must upgrade all other computers on which you make iTunes Store purchases to iTunes 7.

Shared playlists and authorizations

If you're listening to a shared library or playlist, iTunes will skip any purchased music in the list if your computer hasn't been authorized to play that music.

Older AAC files may not play

If you're trying to play an AAC file that was not created using iTunes or downloaded from the iTunes Store, the song may not play. Songs you download from the iTunes Store or that you import into your library using the AAC encoder are encoded with the new MPEG-4 AAC format. These types of files will play in iTunes and on your iPod. Older AAC files that you find on the Internet or elsewhere may not play in iTunes.

Issues with songs burned to disc

If you're trying to play a song on a CD or DVD that you burned using iTunes, make sure that the equipment you're trying to play the disc on is appropriate for the disc's format.

For example, if you burned an audio CD to a CD-RW disc, you will only be able to play it in your computer. If you burned an MP3 disc, it should play in your computer and on special MP3 CD players, but not on standard consumer audio CD players.

Slow Internet connections can disrupt previews

If you have a slow Internet connection (128 kbit/s or less) and are trying to play a song preview in the iTunes Store, the preview may not play smoothly. You can avoid this by making iTunes load song previews before playing them. To do this:

1. Open iTunes Preferences:
   Mac: From the iTunes menu, choose Preferences
   Windows: On the Edit menu, click Preferences.
2. In the resulting dialog, click the Store tab.
3. Select the "Load complete preview before playing" checkbox.
4. Click OK.
5. Preview the song again.

Check for permissions issues (Mac OS X only)

If you're using Mac OS X, you may have incorrect permission settings on your computer hard drive. Follow these steps to repair the permissions:

1. Open Disk Utility (it's in /Applications/Utilities).
2. Select your Mac OS X volume in the left column, then click the First Aid tab.
3. Click Repair Disk Permissions.

For additional information about Disk Utility and any messages that might appear while repairing disk permissions, see "Mac OS X: Troubleshooting Permissions Issues." If you you're using Mac OS X 10.1.5, see "Mac OS X: About the Repair Privileges Utility 1.1."

Issues with iPod play

If a song plays fine in iTunes but doesn't play (or is skipped over) on your iPod, see this article.

If you can't copy songs that play fine in iTunes to your iPod, see this article for more information.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93035

iPod shuffle: Improper disconnection could cause iPod to be unresponsive

If you need to update or restore iPod shuffle, do not disconnect the device from your computer while performing either of these processes. If you have the 1.0 version of the iPod shuffle software, it may not play music if this happens. Be aware that if you move the device that iPod shuffle is connected to (such as a keyboard), you could disconnect it.

Additionally, do not disconnect iPod shuffle when syncing music or while in disk mode. The flashing orange light on the front of iPod shuffle essentially means "Do Not Disconnect." If you disconnect iPod shuffle when the orange light is flashing, you may need to restore iPod shuffle in order to play music again.

Don't worry, if your iPod shuffle is not playing music after performing an update or restore, use the latest updater to restore iPod shuffle. The latest iPod Updater can be found here. If that doesn't work, connect iPod shuffle to a high-speed USB port and use the updater to restore iPod shuffle again. If it still doesn't work, try restoring from a different computer.

Note: Version 1.1 of iPod shuffle software gives the iPod shuffle the ability to recover by itself so this won't happen again.

If you're still not able to play songs on your iPod shuffle, make sure the songs you are using are in a compatible format. Otherwise your iPod shuffle may require service.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300561

iPod Camera Connector: Supported Devices

The iPod Camera Connector requires a Fifth Generation iPod, iPod photo (also known as iPod with color display) and a supported camera or media reader¹. Other iPod models, including iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod (Click Wheel), and iPod shuffle, are not supported with the iPod Camera Connector.

The iPod Camera Connector supports cameras with USB connectivity based on the following commonly used protocols:

• PTP
• Type 4 (or Normal)
• Mass Storage

For the complete list of supported cameras, see this webpage.

If you're using Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger), you can use Image Capture to quickly verify what protocol your camera supports. To do this:

• Connect your camera
• Open Image Capture
• Click the "Options" button and then click the "Information" Tab

The picture below shows an example of a supported camera that uses the Type 4 protocol.

If you're using Mac OS X 10.3.x, you can use Image Capture to quickly verify what protocol your camera supports. To do this:

1. Connect your camera.
2. Open Image Capture.
3. Click Options and then click Device Options.

The picture below shows an example of a supported camera that uses the PTP protocol.

You can also check your camera's owner manual or the vendor's website to find out what protocols your camera supports. Also see "iPod Camera Connector: Choosing a photo importing protocol on a camera" for additional information.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301052

How to use the iPod Camera Connector

The iPod Camera Connector allows you to import photos directly from a compatible USB digital camera or media reader¹ to your iPod photo, iPod with color display, or Fifth Generation iPod (it won't work with other iPod models including iPod nano). After you've imported your pictures, you can view them on iPod or transfer them to your computer later for editing, printing, sharing, or storing. If you want to display the photos on a TV, then you'll have to transfer them to your computer, and then back to your iPod.

To find out how to determine which cameras are supported, click here. You can also check your camera documentation to see if it supports either PTP, Type 4 (also known as "Normal"), or Mass Storage protocols. Some cameras store movies and sound recordings. Depending on the camera protocol being used, these items can also be transferred to iPod with the iPod Camera Connector. For more information on selecting a camera protocol click here.

Here's how to use the iPod Camera Connector with your iPod.

Importing photos

1. To use the iPod Camera Connector, your iPod must be running iPod Software 1.1 or later. See "iPod: How to find software version" to determine which version of iPod Software you are running.
2. Make sure that both your iPod and camera have a charge.
3. Turn on your iPod and attach the iPod Camera Connector to your iPod's dock connector.
4. Turn on your camera, and set it to the correct mode for photo importing (if needed).
5. Connect the camera to the iPod Camera Connector using the USB cable that came with your camera.
6. On your iPod, select Import to start the process. When it finishes, your photos will be listed on the iPod by roll number.

Note: Do not disconnect the iPod Camera Connector or camera during the importing process.

Viewing imported photos on iPod

1. From the main menu on your iPod, choose Photos > Photo Import, and then choose the roll you want to view.
2. Choose Browse to display your photos. Click here for an explanation of the icons that may appear in place of a thumbnail.

Note: To view a slideshow of your imported photos on iPod or on a television connected to iPod, you must transfer them to your computer first, and then reimport them to your iPod using iTunes.

Transferring photos to your computer

1. Connect your iPod to your computer.
2. Open the application you normally use to transfer photos from your digital camera (see the documentation that came with your camera for more information). If you are using a Mac, you can use iPhoto or Image Capture to transfer photos.
3. Import your photos as usual.

Tip: Photos are stored in a DCIM (digital camera images) folder on iPod. You can also transfer images to your computer by opening this folder and dragging the image files to the desktop. To do this, your iPod must be enabled for use as a hard disk.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• If your camera didn't come with a USB cable, you'll need to purchase one. See the camera manufacturer's website to find compatible cables.
• If photos aren't transferring, make sure your camera is turned on and set to the correct mode for importing photos (see the instructions provided with your camera). Also be sure that all cables are connected firmly to your camera, to the iPod Camera Connector, and to your iPod.
• For more information about importing and viewing photos on iPod and viewing slideshows, see the iPod User's Guide. For the latest version of the iPod User's Guide, visit the iPod Service & Support site.
• You may notice that your iPod's remaining charge icon may turn from green to red during the iPod Camera Connector photo import, but when the import is complete, the battery indicator returns to green. This is expected behavior as iPod's battery indicator is approximate.
• The iPod's About menu (Settings > About) shows the total number of photos that have been synced from iTunes to iPod. This does not include newly imported photos from the iPod Camera Connector. Choose Photos > Photo Import to see how many photos you've imported with iPod Camera Connector. Each roll will have a number in parentheses next to it. This indicates the total number of imported items for that roll.
• If you see 0 Photos, 0 KB when attempting to import but you know there are pictures to import, try disconnecting the iPod Camera Connector from both the iPod and your camera. Then reconnect the camera and iPod and try again.
• Try changing the camera's transfer mode from Normal (Type 4) to PTP if you are still unable to copy photos to iPod (check you camera's documentation to see how to change the transfer mode).

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301059

iTunes for Windows: iPod Diagnostics

Summary

iTunes 7 or later for Windows includes an iPod Diagnostics feature that can assist you in troubleshooting an issue when trying to use your iPod with iTunes. It is important to understand that this feature tests iPod connectivity on a Windows PC running iTunes. iPod Diagnostics in iTunes does not test the hardware or software on the iPod itself.

Using iPod Diagnostics in iTunes

To begin using iPod Diagnostics in iTunes follow these steps:

1. Install iTunes 7.0 or later
2. Open iTunes and choose Run Diagnostics from the Help menu
3. Select iPod Diagnostics and click Next

The resulting information (sample shown below) can help you troubleshoot iPod connectivity issues on a Windows PC.

iPod Diagnostics consists of the following four tests:

• iTunes Service Status (also known as iPod Service)
• iTunes Helper Status
• USB/1394 Controllers Status (1394 is also known as FireWire)
• iPod Connection Status

When the iPod Diagnostics results are displayed, a status light appears next to each test. A green light next to a particular test indicates that no problem was found. When iTunes detects a problem with a test, a red or yellow light is displayed and a Help button appears below the test name. The Help button will display troubleshooting information on the Apple support site that may resolve the issue.

In addition to the status lights and support content, iTunes displays a report detailing the software configuration for iTunes and related software in addition to information about USB and FireWire ports and the last connected iPod. This information can be useful in determining the source of the problem. This report can be copied or saved as a text file and shared with others who might be assisting you in resolving this issue. General troubleshooting information on the iPod support site can be accessed by clicking the Help button in the lower right corner of the iPod Diagnostics results window.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304314

Adjusting brightness on the Fifth Generation iPod

You can adjust the brightness of the display for Fifth Generation iPod models (also known as iPod with video). To use this feature ensure that you have one of the following iPods and have updated to the latest version of iPod software:

• Fifth Generation iPod
• Fifth Generation iPod (Late 2006)

To adjust the brightness of an iPod's display, select Settings > Brightness and use the Click Wheel to move the slider. Move the slider to the left to dim the screen, move it to the right to increase the brightness.

Your iPod's brightness level will have a direct impact on battery life. By lowering the brightness level, you can increase the iPod's playback time. It is possible to adjust iPod's brightness level while watching a slideshow or a video.

To adjust brightness while viewing a slideshow

1. Start the slideshow.
2. Press the Center button.
3. When the brightness bar appears, use the Click Wheel to change the brightness of the display.
4. Press the Center button when the brightness level is to your liking or wait 2 seconds and the change will take effect on its own.

To adjust brightness while viewing a video

1. Start the video.
2. Press the Center button twice.
3. When the brightness bar appears, use the Click Wheel to change the brightness of the display.
4. Press the Center button when the brightness level is to your liking or wait 2 seconds and the change will take effect on its own.

Note: The brightness setting on the iPod only affects the iPod display. If you are viewing a slideshow or video on a television, use the brightness controls on the television instead. Within each iPod Game purchased from the iTunes Store, you can also adjust the brightness setting.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304322

iPod: TV Out support

The following iPod models have support for TV Out:

* Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with video)
* iPod with color display (iPod photo)

Note: Other iPod models may support viewing of photos or slideshows on the iPod display but do not support TV Out.

The following docks support TV Out when used with an iPod model that supports TV Out:

* iPod Universal Dock
* iPod with color display Dock (iPod photo Dock)

iPod models that support TV Out can support viewing on a television two different ways.

Method 1 (Composite video)
Using the AV cable connected directly to the top of the supported iPod or to the line out port on the supported dock.

Method 2 (S-video)
Using S-video when a supported iPod is in a supported dock.

Method 1 setup (Composite video)
This method can be used when the supported iPod is either in or out of the dock. Additionally, you would need a television or other video device that has RCA inputs.

1. Make sure the TV out is set to "On" in the Slideshow Settings screen. To configure this setting, select Photos > Slideshow Settings > TV Out until TV Out is set to "On."
2. Connect the AV cable into the iPod (where the earbuds would normally connect) or to the line out port on the dock.
3. Connect the red RCA connection into the right audio input of the television.
4. Connect the white RCA connection into the left audio input of the television.
5. Connect the yellow RCA connection into the video input of the television.

Note: The RCA input connectors on a television are usually color coded to match the colors on the AV cable.

Method 2 setup (S-video)
This method provides slightly better image quality and should be used if possible. This method requires a television or other video device with S-video inputs. Additionally, S-video can only be used when the iPod is in a supported dock.

1. Make sure the TV out is set to "On" in the Slideshow Settings screen. To configure this setting, select Photos > Slideshow Settings > TV Out until TV Out is set to "On."
2. Place iPod in the dock.
3. Connect a S-video cable to the S-video out port on the dock. This connection provides the video signal.
4. Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input on the television.
5. Connect the AV cable to the line out port on the dock. This connection provides the audio signal.
6. Connect the red RCA connection into the right audio input of the television.
7. Connect the white RCA connection into the left audio input of the television.

Some televisions may need to be set to channel 3 or 4 or "video" to receive input. Check with the documentation for your television if you're not sure.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300233

Apple iPod nano

Introduction

What’s small, white, strung together and used as Christmas lights in China? Alright, maybe they don’t have Christmas lights in China, and maybe not all iPods are white, and maybe they aren’t easily strung together, and maybe that wasn’t even the best of analogies to imply how common iPods are right now, but that’s what I was going for at least. The point is that Apple is dominating the portable media player market with their line of iPods, and today we’ll be taking a look at the iPod nano to see if all the slick marketing campaigns are actually backed up by a quality product.

The nano is currently Apple’s mid-priced iPod solution, falling between the iPod shuffle on the low end, and the new iPod video on the high end. The nano integrates a color screen and the patented iPod control interface into a much smaller design than its bigger brother. Of course, you sacrifice the vastly superior storage capacity found in the full size iPod, going from either 30 or 60GB down to 1, 2, or 4GB of storage for the nano. The nano is for those of us that prefer a smaller, more convenient device and don’t require video playback or massive amounts of storage space.


First Impressions

Although the iPod accessories market is very robust (as anyone who has walked by the portable media section of a Best Buy can tell you), you won’t find much more than the essentials included with a nano right out of the box. Of course you’ll get your standard earbud headphones, a USB cable that serves as a charger and uplink cable to your Mac/PC, as well as a dock adapter for use with other iPod accessories (all of which are sold separately). You’ll also get a couple replacement foam earbud covers, and a little custom fitted cloth "pocket" to protect your nano from scratches and the like. (This is something Apple began including shortly after reports surfaced of people easily scratching the nano in their pocket. - Ed)


The disc includes Apple’s iTunes software, but since you’ll need to update to the latest version upon installation anyway, you might as well skip the CD and just download the current version directly from Apple’s site. When you first connect your iPod to your computer, you’ll also be prompted to update the software running on your iPod. The installation of iTunes, and the iPod software is all fairly straightforward although if you’re using a Windows PC you might run into a fairly common InstallShield error. I say "fairly common" because I experienced the problem - Apple has a page dedicated to the issue on their support site, and there’s even a website called "error1607.com" which references the InstallShield error code which is, if you can believe it, "1607." While it was pretty easy to find a solution to the problem on the Internet, it definitely ruined the whole "plug and play" experience I was hoping for from an Apple product. (I own an iPod nano as well and when installing iTunes on a few of my PCs, I never had this error. Maybe just the crappy PCs have this error? Hehe. - Ed)

http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/275/Apple+iPod+nano/