Configuring Device-specific Settings

In order to synchronize Tracks and Playlists to a portable device, the device may need to be configured with configuration settings particular to that device. These options are available via Tools > Options > Portable/Audio Devices > Device Configuration.

Device Options for iPods

To configure an iPod, you'll want to set it up so that it no longer relies on iTunes. You can do so using either of the following approaches:

1. Within iTunes:
   - Click Edit | Preferences | iPod | General
   - Disable 'Open iTunes when this iPod is attached'
   - Enable 'Enable disk use'
   
   OR
2. Uninstall iTunes

It's also a good idea to delete existing content from the device either via iTunes, or by using the iTunes Updater to restore the device to its factory condition. This ensures that Auto-Synchronization works optimally.

Note:
- If an 'AutoPlay' dialog appears whenever you connect your iPod, you can disable it using Tweak UI.
- AAC and Audible file formats are not presently supported. If you use these formats on your PC, they will not synch correctly to your iPod.

Force iTunes-style folders

This causes synchronization to work in the same manner as iTunes does, regardless of the destination configured in Synchronization Options. This is to ensure compatibility with some versions of iPods or iPod firmware that don't work well otherwise.

Trim path and/or filename length to 31

This causes every portion of the path and the filename to be limited to 31 characters, regardless of the destination configured in Synchronization Options. This is to ensure compatibility with some versions of iPods or iPod firmware that don't work well otherwise.

On 'Rebuild Device database'

Determines what occurs when the 'Rebuild Device Database' command is run by right-clicking the Device node. Either the database on the iPod is rebuilt from scratch, or it is simply updated based on differences between what is on the device versus what is described in the database.

Allow device filesystem browsing

If enabled, causes all folders on the device to appear sub to the device node, allowing you to view and physically manipulate files on the device. Note that the iPod_control folder is hidden by default (this attribute can be changed via Explorer).

Device Options for Generic Portable/Audio Devices

Many MP3 devices are USB Mass Storage devices that simply appear as a drive letter in Windows Explorer. These devices can be synchronized using the generic plugin which has the following configuration options:

Device Name

This is used to identify the device when it appears in the Tree or in the Device List.

Drive Letter / Drive Label / USB Device ID

At least one of these parameters is required in order to configure the device. Fill in whichever of these you know and use the Find Device button, if necessary (note: if multiple devices are configured, it is preferable to use the Device ID since it is unique per device).

Device Options for iRiver Hxxxx Device

Store Database in the following format

Allows for the database to be stored on the device in Unicode or ASCII. Some older devices/older firmware do not handle Unicode correctly, in which case ASCII can be used.

When Synchronizing Update the Database

If enabled, the device database is updated each time the device is synchronized.

When Synchronizing, limit path and filename to: 52

If enabled, the # of characters in the path and filename is truncated to 52. This is needed for some older devices/firmware.

On 'Rebuild Device database'

Determines what occurs when the 'Rebuild Device Database' command is run by right-clicking the Device node. Either the device's database is rebuilt from scratch, or it is simply updated based on differences between what is on the device versus what is described in the database.

Related Information:

Configuring Synchronization Options

Configuring which Files to Synchronize

Exporting Tracks to Portable Device