Stream music from your ASUSTOR NAS using iTunes Server or OwnTone

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Have a basic understanding of iTunes Server and OwnTone.
2. Be able to stream music from your ASUSTOR NAS using iTunes Server or OwnTone.

PREREQUISITES

Course Prerequisites:
None

Students are expected to have a working knowledge of:
iTunes

OUTLINE

1. Introduction to iTunes Server and OwnTone

The iTunes Server or OwnTone App can turn your NAS into your home's audio streaming center. It allows you to share music from your NAS with computers and other streaming devices in the same network environment.

Note: For ADM 3.5 and previous versions, please install iTunes Server; for ADM 4.0 and above, please install OwnTone.

The file formats supported by iTunes Server:

• Audio: AIF, M4A (AAC & Apple Lossless), M4P, M4R, MP3, WAV
• Playlist: M3U, WPL

The file formats supported by OwnTone:

• Audio: MP4A, AAC, FLAC, OGG, WMA, WMAL, AIF, WAV, APE
• Playlist: M3U, PLS
• Artwork: PNG, JPEG (JPG)

2. Using iTunes Server

In the following example we will show you how to use iTunes Server to stream music from the ASUSTOR NAS.

Note: Please make sure that the NAS and the streaming devices are connected to the same network (LAN).

STEP 1

• Install the iTunes Server App from App Central.

STEP 2

• Add music files to the [Music] shared folder on the ASUSTOR NAS.

STEP 3

• Open iTunes on your Windows, and select the ASUSTOR NAS Library under the "Music" heading in the top left panel of the iTunes window. Now, you can start enjoying your music stored on the NAS now.

3. Using OwnTone

iTunes Server is not supported in ADM 4.0. Use OwnTone to stream music from your ASUSTOR NAS to a third party music device to conveniently enjoy your music on your own terms.

STEP 1

• Install OwnTone from App Central.

Note: Please refer to the app description of OwnTone in App Central for the login account and password of OwnTone.

STEP 2

• Add music files to the [Music] shared folder on the ASUSTOR NAS.
• Open OwnTone to confirm that the music files have been added to the OwnTone media library.

STEP 3

• After selecting the music for playback, click the arrow icon at the bottom right corner of OwnTone to select the audio output device.
• Click on "HTTP STREAM" to stream music to your web browser.

To stream music through HDMI or a USB DAC, use SoundsGood as OwnTone does not support outputting to HDMI or USB DAC.

3.1 Streaming music to other devices with OwnTone

Stream music from an ASUSTOR NAS to other devices on the same network with OwnTone.

iTunes for Windows:

• Open iTunes for Windows and select ASUSTOR NAS OwnTone Music under the "Music" header in the top left panel of iTunes to begin enjoying music stored on your NAS.

Mac Music:

• Open Music on your Mac. Select ASUSTOR NAS OwnTone Music under the "Library" header on the left to enjoy music stored on your NAS.

AirPlay and Chromecast:

• Open OwnTone, select music and click the arrow at the bottom right corner of the player to select an audio output device.
• Select an AirPlay or Chromecast device to start streaming.

OwnTone supports music streaming to different devices at the same time. OwnTone is also able to adjust audio volume.

Apple TV:

OwnTone is able to stream music to an Apple TV device. Follow these instructions to set up Apple TV with OwnTone.

• Click on Settings on your Apple TV.
• Select AirPlay and HomeKit.

• Turn on AirPlay access and select "Same Network and Nearby". Exit settings.

• Open settings in OwnTone.

• Select Remotes & Outputs and click on AppleTV. (This name is displayed according to the Apple TV settings.)
• It may erroneously display an error when connecting, but should continue to connect successfully.

• Input the 4-digit passcode displayed on the Apple TV screen and verify.

• Once paired, click the arrow icon at the bottom right corner of the OwnTone player to select an audio output device.
• Select your Apple TV to start streaming.

3.2 Using iTunes Remote

Install the iTunes Remote app on your iPhone or iPad to remotely control OwnTone. Please ensure that your NAS and smartphone are connected to the same network.

STEP 1

• Login to ADM and open OwnTone.
• Open iTunes Remote on your iPhone or iPad and click on Settings.

STEP 2

• Click on Add a media library.

STEP 3

• Input the 4-digit passcode displayed on the iTunes Remote app in OwnTone and pair with your remote.
• Once paired, you'll be able to remotely control OwnTone to stream music to your device.