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OS X Tip #33
Sharing your iTunes library over your local network is a great way to enjoy music and audiobooks from other users computers. It also allows you to play content from a wireless laptop that is stored on your desktop computer.
How to Start Sharing Between Computers iTunes Libraries
Go to iTunes menu item -> Preferences -> Open the General Preferences then,
Choose the Sharing tab and set up what you would like to share and to look for others that are sharing. This needs to be setup once.
Now “shared” iTunes Libraries will show up on the right side in with your playlists. Just choose it and select what you want to listen to. Please take note that “protected” content purchased from the iTunes Music Store cannot be played on any computer that is not “authorized” to listen to it. See OS X Tip #32 for info on how this works.
Firewall Settings
If you have your built-in OS X Firewall turned on (and you should). You must turn on the iTunes Sharing filter for iTunes Sharing to work.
Here is how:
Under Apple menu, click on System Preferences. Go to the Sharing preference pane and click on the Firewall tab, start Firewall. You may choose to allow iTunes Sharing to pass Firewall here.
Stream Your Music
You can stream your iTunes Music Library over your wireless network with AirTunes using an AirPort Express. You can play your Library in any room you like. Just add as many Airport Express as you like. Then choose the room from the drop down menu at the bottom of the iTunes interface (this will only appear when an AirPort Express has been added to wireless network).
The AirPort Express has an analog or a digital audio output terminal for connections to most stereos or powered speakers.
Note – The only computer that needs to be “authorized†to play “protected” content purchased from the iTunes Music Store is the one playing it.
Control iTunes Remotely
PatioTunes
Keyspan Express Remote
NetTunes
WebTunes
EyeHome – This is a great device but just be aware that it will not playback “protected” content from the iTMS
