Editing ID3 Tags

[Bigg Success]

I'm very frustrated and hope someone can make a suggestion. For quite sometime, I've used iTunes to add ID3 tags to my audio files. I played the file, added the information, clicked OK and all was good. I would upload that file to Libsyn, and when it downloaded to my iTunes all the information I added was there.

Since upgrading to the most current iTunes version, I haven't been able to make that information stick to my audio file. So, I follow the same steps mentioned above. I then upload that file to Libsyn, and when it downloads to my iTunes... the information is blank...

So, I started using MP3tag, which is great, but when I view my file information in iTunes after it downloads there, the file doesn't include my track number that I provide. Nor does it include the comment that I provide.

I tried using Winamp last night. Again, the file downloaded to my iTunes, no track number, no comment AND no artwork.

I wonder if there is a setting that I accidentally changed in iTunes that made it stop editing my audio file to begin with? I wonder if there are other podcasters out there dealing with this same issue?

I have tried using the iTunes forum, but can't seem to get an answer there. Thought someone here might have a suggestion. Thanks so much!

- Mary-Lynn

[Douglas E. Welch]

If the tags show in iTunes, you can be reasonably sure that iTunes is updating the file properly. In fact, email me a file and I will
Confirm that here.

I would look to other parts of your workflow to see where they might be getting stripped or rewritten. My first guess would be Libsyn. If the tags are there on upload but not on download then that might be your culprit.

Are you using Podpress or PowerPress? Do these contain settings for forcing MP3 tags?

Basically, we need to step through each step of your workflow and see where the tags are being stripped.

I am guessing it isn't iTunes that is the problem but something else that has changed.

Send me info detailing your work flow and I will take a closer look at things.

Douglas

[Bigg Success]

OK here's a visual example to show my point. Don't pay attention to the fact they are different files. The point is the little box.

Now before updating iTunes, I would edit my information in iTunes and click OK. Then when locating the file to upload to libsyn I would see this when I scrolled the mouse under the file

After updating to the new iTunes version, this is what I will see after editing my file, clicking OK and then locating it for upload to libsyn

You can see that now, the ID3 information is not sticking to the audio file. It just shows the file, kpbs and the length. Whereas in the 1st picture, you actually see information attached to the audio file. This is happening before an upload to libsyn. So that's why I think it is an iTunes issue.

I hope this better explains it!

[Douglas E. Welch]

Hmm, I think it might be possible you are looking at 2 different versions of the same file. I know, this sounds weird but there is an option in iTunes to "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to Library" Could that option have changed when you did the upgrade?

I think this would explain what you are seeing, as you aren't changing the MP3 tags on the original file, but rather the copy that was made into the iTunes Music folder.

Check the location of the file in iTunes and make sure it is pointing to the file you think it is. You might be looking at 2 different files in 2 different locations i.e one in iTunes Music folder and one in your production folder (00357-032409 - Own Your Life)

Let me know.

D

[Bigg Success]

I'll check this out in a little bit when I edit our audio file for tomorrow. I'll check that "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to Library" setting. I really appreciate your help...again...with this!

[Bigg Success]

Doug, you were absolutely right. In settings "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to Library" was checked. After I unchecked it, I added tag info to my audio file and voila....it's attached to the file!

I knew I had to have screwed up a setting somehow, but in my weeks of searching for an answer, I couldn't find one until now. There are lots of tutorials on how to edit your ID3 tags in iTunes, but nothing that tells you what settings to check to make sure it works.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

George and I owe you some coffee!

- Mary-Lynn

[Douglas E. Welch]

Cool. I am very happy that was it. I know how annoying problems like that can be.

Coffee?!?! Did someone say COFFEE!?!?!?

(LAUGH)