Optimize sync procedure

[JohnSche]

Hi,

I have a large music lib (much bigger than my iPod's disc). I
sometimes want to change part of the tracks. So I thought that
creating a playlist with my basic music (almost always on my iPod)
and several other playlists which I can manipulate would do the
trick. I then send my basic playlist (which seldom changes) to the iPod,
and once in a while an extra playlist that changes regularly. I want
this extra playlist to copy the tracks not yet on my iPod and remove
the tracks no longer in the playlist. My basic playlist must not change.

Does anybody want to suggest a solution? If this is not possible, is there another way to achieve this?
(Keyword: minimal (fast) file exchange)

John

[Lowlander]

Use Auto-Sync and only select those Playlists that need to be synced.

[JohnSche]

That doesn't seem to work. Can you give me a small tutorial ?
John

[Lowlander]

Tools > Options > Portable/Audio Devices, select the device, Configure it. In the sync list select the Playlists to be synced. Then just initiate the sync (can be done in Media Tree with device connected).

[Guest]

Well, this doesn't remove the files that are no longer in the playlist. That's my problem.

John

[Lowlander]

It does if you select remove files not on the sync list.

[JohnSch]

If possible I would have copied a screenshot. The option is set included "Confirm deletion". Also in auto-sync list I checked Music and Playlist. It realy doesn't remove the files no longer in the playlist.

[Lowlander]

t realy doesn't remove the files no longer in the playlist.

It only removes files from the device. You can use http://imageshack.us to post screenshots.

[JohnSch]

Lowlander,

thank you for trying to help me, but I think it isn't going to work. I'm a newby with MM, not in IT (first pc in 1986). I either have a wrong idea about the architecture of MM, or something is wrong that neither you, nor support can put a finger on. I've been busy for about one day solving this problem. That's to much for a former IT pro. I think I'll go for a refund.

Kind regards,
John Scheepmaker

[Lowlander]

That's strange as it is fairly simple to use, maybe you haven't explained well what exactly you're trying to achieve as it is as straightforward as the instructions.

[JohnSch]

Lowlander,

I created a new problem definition, but it is at home and I''not until 6 hours from now. I'll send it then.

John

[JohnSch]

Ok, I'll try to explain in another way (based on my first question). I have a large music lib (much bigger than my iPod's disc). Since 2003 I used iTunes and switched to Anapod after a few years. By the way, I totally reinstalled iTunes and MM early this morning. Same results.
Prequisites.
- While managing my iPod I like to do it as efficient as possible. Only necessary file transfers should be done.
- Selection of tracks on my iPod should be a one-time major job and after that simple to make corrections/other choices.
- Probably 50% of the tracks on my iPod will seldom change.

I thought that playlist would do the trick, perhaps an assumption not totally correct.

I created a playlist with the mentioned 50% and called it my BasicMusic. After that I created an extra playlist called Extra1. In extra1 I put the more variable part of my iPod music and perhaps there is need for an Extra2 later on.

Both playlist (40 and 20 tracks) were sent as a test to my (empty) iPod. Everything went well. After this initial load I removed a few tracks from Extra1 and via Tools/Sync Device/Auto synchronize I updated my iPod. I could see that the remaining tracks of Extra1 where copied. I did not get the question if I wanted to remove some tracks. I then explored my iPod and found that playlist Extra1 showed the new situation, but under Music all original tracks were still there.

After that I cleared my iPod. The situation is now:
- Tracks in Library 81
- Tracks in Playlist1 = 8
- Tracks in Playlist2 = 16
- Tracks in Playlist3 = 0

When I press the autosync button (on the iPod line in explorer) MM copies 50 tracks to my iPod. Strange? In the auto sync list only playlists are checked.

John

[Lowlander]

That should work if remove files not on sync-list is selected. I mostly sync new files and it works fine for me, removing files from the device that aren't on the sync list. Did you disconnect the iPod between the 2 syncs?

[JohnSch]

Lowlander,

because I was a unhappy about the situation that I couldn't get things working while you and other people were sure that it should, I did the following:

- Completely uninstalled iTunes and MM
- Cleared the registry
- Low formatted my iPod
- Reinstalled iTunes and MM
- Restored my iPod
- Did the test again

It works!!
But I have another question. When MM asks me if I want to delete certain files it shows the filenames. But they are inappropriate to be sure what will be deleted. It looks like
.......\Music\F43\Alic.mp3
.......\Music\F44\Alic.mp3
and that for about 25 tracks. When I have 60 tracks of Alic.mp3 and I want to keep part of it I cannot possibly judge what I'm removing. I couldn't find an option to change this behavior. Since you are an experienced MM user, do you know some trick?

Kind regards,
John

[Lowlander]

Unfortunately that can't be changed (it showing Apples internal filenaming system which lacks any useful information). (it's on the wishlist: http://www.ventismedia.com/mantis/view.php?id=9333)