Hello All,
I think my question is more of a computer question than an diyaudio question, but there is a lot of knowledge on this Forum so maybe someone can send me in the right direction.
I am working in the Mac environment, MacBook Pro running V10.11, and iMac running V10.13.
I downloaded four FLAC music albums from Presto Music. They arrived as zip files, and would not unzip, they got stuck in the .zip/.cpz loop. After some Internet searching, I found references to a free program called Unarchiver. This program did unzip the files, on both computers. However, on the iMac, the cover artwork was not displayed for the individual songs, but on the MacBook Pro it was.
I transferred the unzipped files from the MacBook Pro to the iMac, but the cover artwork was still not displayed for the individual songs. This seems to be a problem with V10.13 on the iMac, but I do not know where to start looking.
I have downloaded from other sites and have not had this problem.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
ceulrich
I think my question is more of a computer question than an diyaudio question, but there is a lot of knowledge on this Forum so maybe someone can send me in the right direction.
I am working in the Mac environment, MacBook Pro running V10.11, and iMac running V10.13.
I downloaded four FLAC music albums from Presto Music. They arrived as zip files, and would not unzip, they got stuck in the .zip/.cpz loop. After some Internet searching, I found references to a free program called Unarchiver. This program did unzip the files, on both computers. However, on the iMac, the cover artwork was not displayed for the individual songs, but on the MacBook Pro it was.
I transferred the unzipped files from the MacBook Pro to the iMac, but the cover artwork was still not displayed for the individual songs. This seems to be a problem with V10.13 on the iMac, but I do not know where to start looking.
I have downloaded from other sites and have not had this problem.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
ceulrich
First update both Macs to the same newer maximum allowable OS like Mojave 10.14 or Catalina 10.15. Depends on the age of the devices and can easily be found out.
Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
Also use the 100% free VLC media Player for playing back music (and video) on a Mac. iTunes sucks as it does not even allow standard lossless FLAC files to be played. FLAC is more or less a world standard in lossless formats and to be preferred over MP3 as you will know. VLC will give freedom and not being closed in by Apple restrictions and Apple proprietary formats. VLC is lightweight software that plays everything that exists with correct display of the cover artwork.
VLC: Officiele site - Gratis multimedia-oplossingen voor alle besturingssystemen! - VideoLAN
Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
Also use the 100% free VLC media Player for playing back music (and video) on a Mac. iTunes sucks as it does not even allow standard lossless FLAC files to be played. FLAC is more or less a world standard in lossless formats and to be preferred over MP3 as you will know. VLC will give freedom and not being closed in by Apple restrictions and Apple proprietary formats. VLC is lightweight software that plays everything that exists with correct display of the cover artwork.
VLC: Officiele site - Gratis multimedia-oplossingen voor alle besturingssystemen! - VideoLAN
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Try Winamp too, if a Mac version exists.
I think the company is closed, you can still download the software free of charge from other sites.
I think the company is closed, you can still download the software free of charge from other sites.
Jean-paul and NaresBrd, thanks for your suggestions. Yes, upgrading may be my solution, but I have put this off because I have a couple of old programs that I use a lot, and would lose them. I agree that iTunes sucks, I do not use it. I put my music on a Melco server, and play it using a Benchmark DAC.
Cheers,
ceulrich
Cheers,
ceulrich
For every old program there is often a replacement but then your issue is somewhat by choice. MacOS 10.11 till 10.13 really are very old and probably unsupported with regards to security issues. MacOS 10.14 Mojave is usable in 2021.
Imagine the nasty surprise when I went to Big Sur only to discover no 32 bit program worked anymore. Still no regret of buying an M1 with Big Sur, right when I got fed up with the ongoing Photos database issues in 10.15 and already bought a pc with W10.
But if you unzip compressed files that include cover art files then the Melco (with updated firmware) should have no issue is it? As I understood only both Macs have issues with cover art but if you don't use iTunes what software do you use to play back music with the cover art?! Or do you mean the Finder? You could be clearer describing when/how with what action you don't see the cover art!
If they are not included you can download 500 x 500 cover art files and add them in the album folder. Videolan Media Player will have no issue even on old unupdated Macs I guess as it works even on MacOS 10.7.x. This one: Downloads - VideoLAN
Imagine the nasty surprise when I went to Big Sur only to discover no 32 bit program worked anymore. Still no regret of buying an M1 with Big Sur, right when I got fed up with the ongoing Photos database issues in 10.15 and already bought a pc with W10.
But if you unzip compressed files that include cover art files then the Melco (with updated firmware) should have no issue is it? As I understood only both Macs have issues with cover art but if you don't use iTunes what software do you use to play back music with the cover art?! Or do you mean the Finder? You could be clearer describing when/how with what action you don't see the cover art!
If they are not included you can download 500 x 500 cover art files and add them in the album folder. Videolan Media Player will have no issue even on old unupdated Macs I guess as it works even on MacOS 10.7.x. This one: Downloads - VideoLAN
Attachments
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Jean-paul, yes, upgrading is a choice. In my case, I could upgrade to 10.14, but that does not get me vary far, since in a year or two I will move to an M1 machine. When I do upgrade, it is going to be very expensive and disruptive to my computing environment. I am in an area that does not have high-speed Internet access, therefore, I do not use any application that requires cloud access. I will have to give up a number of programs I use frequently; including Microsoft Office, and hope that the Apple equivalents will handle some very complex and large spreadsheets.
In my first post, I tried not to get into the weeds, because I thought it would just confuse anyone trying to help. So, here is more detail.
For two of the albums, I downloaded to the laptop running V10.11, because I could take it to the library and use their Internet access. When I had the problem with unzipping, I thought it might be a problem with the older software. For the second pair of downloads I used the desktop iMac, with a bit more upgraded software (and paid $ for extra download bits). However, same problem with unzipping. So, both machines will unzip the downloads only if I use the Unarchiver program, but the cover art is only displayed on the laptop. If I transfer that file (folder) from the laptop to the iMac or to the Melco server, the artwork is not displayed. Even though the cover art for all four albums moves along with the FLAC music files in the album folder.
The Melco server is controlled via a Melco app running on an iPad. The Melco server is connected to a Benchmark USB DAC which drives my analog preamp. I have many albums on this server that have cover art and work fine.
As I write this, I am wondering if the unzipping problem has damaged the file such that they will never function properly?
Cheers,
ceulrich
In my first post, I tried not to get into the weeds, because I thought it would just confuse anyone trying to help. So, here is more detail.
For two of the albums, I downloaded to the laptop running V10.11, because I could take it to the library and use their Internet access. When I had the problem with unzipping, I thought it might be a problem with the older software. For the second pair of downloads I used the desktop iMac, with a bit more upgraded software (and paid $ for extra download bits). However, same problem with unzipping. So, both machines will unzip the downloads only if I use the Unarchiver program, but the cover art is only displayed on the laptop. If I transfer that file (folder) from the laptop to the iMac or to the Melco server, the artwork is not displayed. Even though the cover art for all four albums moves along with the FLAC music files in the album folder.
The Melco server is controlled via a Melco app running on an iPad. The Melco server is connected to a Benchmark USB DAC which drives my analog preamp. I have many albums on this server that have cover art and work fine.
As I write this, I am wondering if the unzipping problem has damaged the file such that they will never function properly?
Cheers,
ceulrich
Hi I don't have any old Mac anymore to try out what you experience. I think upgrading to 10.14 will bring more than you assume (but skip 10.15) with regards to compatibility with Big Sur... I just speak out loud some thoughts.
1. I take the cover art files as delivered by Presto music are called "cover.jpg" or "cover.jpeg" ? I noticed some programs don't see them when they are called otherwise or when they are *.png files.
2. Do you see the files at all after the zipped files have been unzipped with the Finder? Can they be opened at all?
3. Another idea is to manually copy separate downloaded cover art jpg's with "cover.jpg" as file name to the folders on the Melco to see if that works OK.
4. some media players offer a feature in the menu to download cover art themselves. Does the Melco have such a feature that can be enabled ?
5. Presto says the following: The "cpgz" problem with ZIP files on Macs.
Mac OS sometimes has difficulty with ZIP archives. If it turns your ZIP into a "cpgz" file and refuses to extract it properly, then in essence it has mis-identified the file and is trying to compress it! There are two possible solutions to this problem:
Download and use a different (free) unzipping program like TheUnArchiver, StuffIt Expander or Springy to open the ZIP file. Or:
Extract the cpgz file, change its extension to .zip, and use the normal procedure to open it.
** I just downloaded cover art files from Presto straight from the web page and notice the files are not called "cover.jpg" nor "cover.jpeg" but instead have very odd and long file names like "eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg2MjQzNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MDYzMTMxODZ9.jpeg" ........now this can be a stupid user error by me as I just clicked the picture of an album but check that and if necessary rename please.
*** Libreoffice.com offers a fully very usable free office program that also runs on M1 Macs.
Home | LibreOffice - Free Office Suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft
1. I take the cover art files as delivered by Presto music are called "cover.jpg" or "cover.jpeg" ? I noticed some programs don't see them when they are called otherwise or when they are *.png files.
2. Do you see the files at all after the zipped files have been unzipped with the Finder? Can they be opened at all?
3. Another idea is to manually copy separate downloaded cover art jpg's with "cover.jpg" as file name to the folders on the Melco to see if that works OK.
4. some media players offer a feature in the menu to download cover art themselves. Does the Melco have such a feature that can be enabled ?
5. Presto says the following: The "cpgz" problem with ZIP files on Macs.
Mac OS sometimes has difficulty with ZIP archives. If it turns your ZIP into a "cpgz" file and refuses to extract it properly, then in essence it has mis-identified the file and is trying to compress it! There are two possible solutions to this problem:
Download and use a different (free) unzipping program like TheUnArchiver, StuffIt Expander or Springy to open the ZIP file. Or:
Extract the cpgz file, change its extension to .zip, and use the normal procedure to open it.
** I just downloaded cover art files from Presto straight from the web page and notice the files are not called "cover.jpg" nor "cover.jpeg" but instead have very odd and long file names like "eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODg2MjQzNS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MDYzMTMxODZ9.jpeg" ........now this can be a stupid user error by me as I just clicked the picture of an album but check that and if necessary rename please.
*** Libreoffice.com offers a fully very usable free office program that also runs on M1 Macs.
Home | LibreOffice - Free Office Suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft
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If the meta-data seems to be the issue, perhaps a good editor would help. I’m a PC person but my favorite program for managing my music files meta-data is mp3tag and it is available for Macs. I manage a few terabytes of music files and this is my favorite tool.
Jean-paul, I am impressed by the effort you are putting in to help me solve this problem, thanks.
1. The cover art files (with .jpg extensions) are not named “cover.jpeg” they have long names, in one case, “Carolyn Sampson – A Soprano’s Schubertiade.jpg”, and is fairly large for a .jpg at 804KB. I opened that file in Preview, on the iMac, changed the name to “cover.jpg” and the size to 640x480 (27KB), that did not help.
2. Yes, all the individual FLAC music files are listed in a Finder window. They can be played using Audacity on either the iMac or MacBook Pro. Strangely, using iTunes, they will play on the iMac, but not on the MacBook Pro, I almost never use iTunes, so I may not have the correct settings.
3. I have not tried that idea yet.
4. Yes, Melco does have upgraded software options (MinimServer and SongKong) but because they are Internet intensive I have not tried them yet.
5. This is Very Very interesting. I perused the Presto website, but clearly, not as thoroughly as you have. I tried the procedure you highlighted. But evidently, once the original zip file has been opened with Unarchiver, subsequent unzipping works just fine (the .cpcz file never materializes) with either the Archive utility app or the Unarchiver app, at least on the iMac, I have not tried the MacBook Pro.
billyk, I went to the mp3tag website, and this looks like just what I need. I was about to purchase it when I noticed that it only runs on OS 10.14 and later.
It is beginning to look like I may have to live with no artwork on Presto downloads until I upgrade to an M1 machine, install mp3tag, and manipulate the metadata. I do have a friend that has an M1 machine, I will see if I can do a test or two with it.
Cheers,
ceulrich
1. The cover art files (with .jpg extensions) are not named “cover.jpeg” they have long names, in one case, “Carolyn Sampson – A Soprano’s Schubertiade.jpg”, and is fairly large for a .jpg at 804KB. I opened that file in Preview, on the iMac, changed the name to “cover.jpg” and the size to 640x480 (27KB), that did not help.
2. Yes, all the individual FLAC music files are listed in a Finder window. They can be played using Audacity on either the iMac or MacBook Pro. Strangely, using iTunes, they will play on the iMac, but not on the MacBook Pro, I almost never use iTunes, so I may not have the correct settings.
3. I have not tried that idea yet.
4. Yes, Melco does have upgraded software options (MinimServer and SongKong) but because they are Internet intensive I have not tried them yet.
5. This is Very Very interesting. I perused the Presto website, but clearly, not as thoroughly as you have. I tried the procedure you highlighted. But evidently, once the original zip file has been opened with Unarchiver, subsequent unzipping works just fine (the .cpcz file never materializes) with either the Archive utility app or the Unarchiver app, at least on the iMac, I have not tried the MacBook Pro.
billyk, I went to the mp3tag website, and this looks like just what I need. I was about to purchase it when I noticed that it only runs on OS 10.14 and later.
It is beginning to look like I may have to live with no artwork on Presto downloads until I upgrade to an M1 machine, install mp3tag, and manipulate the metadata. I do have a friend that has an M1 machine, I will see if I can do a test or two with it.
Cheers,
ceulrich
No problem, if it really helps that is.
I never bothered to change/edit metadata. I copy missing 500 x 500 pixel cover art to the folders and things work.
BTW I just checked and SongKong does exactly what you want. It can find missing cover art files automatically. Solved!
According the SongKong website:
Add High Quality Artwork
Evoke the feeling of your old LPs and CDs with Song Kong’s album artwork feature. SongKong finds high quality album cover artwork to add colour and interest to your digital music collection so you no longer have to look at grey notes in your music player where the missing album cover art should be. SongKong uses the Cover Art Archive to find high resolution album cover art in just a few seconds. Typically the cover artwork images are 1000 x 1000 pixels, more than enough detail for your iPod or Sonos system. SongKong gives you the freedom to automatically resize images to whatever size you like.
I never bothered to change/edit metadata. I copy missing 500 x 500 pixel cover art to the folders and things work.
BTW I just checked and SongKong does exactly what you want. It can find missing cover art files automatically. Solved!
According the SongKong website:
Add High Quality Artwork
Evoke the feeling of your old LPs and CDs with Song Kong’s album artwork feature. SongKong finds high quality album cover artwork to add colour and interest to your digital music collection so you no longer have to look at grey notes in your music player where the missing album cover art should be. SongKong uses the Cover Art Archive to find high resolution album cover art in just a few seconds. Typically the cover artwork images are 1000 x 1000 pixels, more than enough detail for your iPod or Sonos system. SongKong gives you the freedom to automatically resize images to whatever size you like.
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I debated if it is worthwhile to add the following information to the discussion because this may just be a rabbit hole I am going down, but here goes:
I dug around in the Trash Bin on the iMac and found an original file with the .cpcz extension. I put it on the desktop. I changed the extension to .zip. I used the Archive utility to unzip it. A progress window opened, when the process ended, a second progress window automatically opened, and when that ended, a folder appeared on the desktop with the expanded individual songs. But the artwork was not displayed.
I tried the same experiment on the MacBook Pro. I got the same double progress windows, but ended up with just another .zip file.
I reached out to Melco a number of days ago, asking about this “tagging” problem. They responded the next day, but I just found it in a junk e-mail folder. They provided the following information:
Twonky does not support the use of PDF files as cover art images so if your album folder only has a PDF file then it would not be picked up as "cover art".
Also you should ensure that each folder contains a JPEG image file of the album cover art, and that that file is called "folder.jpg" (or that the files themselves are tagged with the cover art for the album) then the UPnP server should be able to give you cover art as you would expect.
So, on the Melco, I changed the name of the Carolyn Sampson .jpg file to “folder.jpg.” The Melco then creates a folder called “folder.jpg” containing that .jpg file. The artwork is still not displayed. I reduced the size of the jpg, with the same result. Since none of the other music files I have downloaded have the “folder.jpg” folder on the Melco, I assume those sources tag the individual songs to the provided cover art, and Presto does not.
One would think that if this is not just an issue with my particular hardware, then Presto would be getting a lot of complaints?
jean-paul, as I mentioned previously, it is my understanding that SongKong is rather Internet intensive, so I avoided it. But it is looking like it’s time for me to try it out. Thanks for all your help!
Cheers,
ceulrich
I dug around in the Trash Bin on the iMac and found an original file with the .cpcz extension. I put it on the desktop. I changed the extension to .zip. I used the Archive utility to unzip it. A progress window opened, when the process ended, a second progress window automatically opened, and when that ended, a folder appeared on the desktop with the expanded individual songs. But the artwork was not displayed.
I tried the same experiment on the MacBook Pro. I got the same double progress windows, but ended up with just another .zip file.
I reached out to Melco a number of days ago, asking about this “tagging” problem. They responded the next day, but I just found it in a junk e-mail folder. They provided the following information:
Twonky does not support the use of PDF files as cover art images so if your album folder only has a PDF file then it would not be picked up as "cover art".
Also you should ensure that each folder contains a JPEG image file of the album cover art, and that that file is called "folder.jpg" (or that the files themselves are tagged with the cover art for the album) then the UPnP server should be able to give you cover art as you would expect.
So, on the Melco, I changed the name of the Carolyn Sampson .jpg file to “folder.jpg.” The Melco then creates a folder called “folder.jpg” containing that .jpg file. The artwork is still not displayed. I reduced the size of the jpg, with the same result. Since none of the other music files I have downloaded have the “folder.jpg” folder on the Melco, I assume those sources tag the individual songs to the provided cover art, and Presto does not.
One would think that if this is not just an issue with my particular hardware, then Presto would be getting a lot of complaints?
jean-paul, as I mentioned previously, it is my understanding that SongKong is rather Internet intensive, so I avoided it. But it is looking like it’s time for me to try it out. Thanks for all your help!
Cheers,
ceulrich
You probably know SongKong better than I do but normally one can download only missing cover art or just do so for the few missing ones (one by one).
So small downloads. And you could still try "cover.jpg" or "cover.jpeg" files (not "folder.jpg") straight in the album folder instead of a separate folder within the album folder.
So small downloads. And you could still try "cover.jpg" or "cover.jpeg" files (not "folder.jpg") straight in the album folder instead of a separate folder within the album folder.
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So to be clear - you are able to open/view the jpeg files (such as "Carolyn Sampson – A Soprano’s Schubertiade.jpg") from the zip archive OK? If so, these files are not corrupt, and there should be no need to resize them.
Google tells me that Melco has some customised software to rip/copy/manage your music files, but the server application that Melco uses is conventional DLNA. All you should need is a "folder.jpg" in each album folder ...
but there's the rub - DLNA requires that you respect certain folder naming conventions, and certain file tagging conventions, in order for the DLNA server app to correctly create a sensible database entry, and then these details will be listed correctly in DLNA controller applications (such as Melco Music HD).
And this is the first time that you have sourced music from Presto Music, right? I suspect that Presto Music's zip archive does not create the folders/sub-folders in a way that Melco (and DLNA) systems expect. Same goes for the tag information in the FLAC files.
What I suggest you do is look carefully at the existing folder structure of your music collection on your Melco server, and match that pattern when creating new folders/sub-folders for your new Presto Music albums.
Then get a good music tagging application for Mac - yes, Mp3tag is good - and check how your existing music files are tagged, ie. look at the artist, composer, album fields. There will probably (but not necessarily) be a correlation between the folder naming scheme, and the tag entries. Be warned, if you spell the name of the album just slightly differently than how the folder is spelled, this may confuse the server's database - you may end up with multiple entries of the same album, or NO entry!
And be aware that tagging for classical music is usually more complicated than it is for popular music - you are dealing with more than just artist & album - you are also dealing with conductor or principal performer, orchestra, and composer.
And finally, rename each cover art jpeg file to "folder.jpg".
linuxfan, thanks for the primer, that basic information is helpful.
Yes, I can open the cover art jpg, and it displays just fine in Preview. During one of my Google searches I read that cover art should be limited to about 500 x 500 and less than 50KB, so that is why I reduced the size. I have no idea if that information was correct or not, but it did not seem unreasonable.
Confusion rains supreme!
I have a few dozen music files that display the cover art but do NOT contain a “folder.jpg” file, but do have a jpg of the cover art as part of a pdf document. These are music albums downloaded from HDTracks, HighResAudio, and Qobuz, over a period of many years. The four albums from Presto were downloaded at various times over the past year
My friend has agreed to put Mp3tag software on his machine running OS 11.1.
The instillation had a bump or two, which put us in contact with the developer Florian Heidenreich. He has turned out to be extremely helpful. Our initial attempts to tag the cover art to individual songs using that software were not successful. For us novices, the learning curve for this software is quite steep. So, we reached out again to Mr. Heidenreich for help. He is currently evaluating one of the files.
Cheers,
ceulrich
Yes, I can open the cover art jpg, and it displays just fine in Preview. During one of my Google searches I read that cover art should be limited to about 500 x 500 and less than 50KB, so that is why I reduced the size. I have no idea if that information was correct or not, but it did not seem unreasonable.
Confusion rains supreme!
I have a few dozen music files that display the cover art but do NOT contain a “folder.jpg” file, but do have a jpg of the cover art as part of a pdf document. These are music albums downloaded from HDTracks, HighResAudio, and Qobuz, over a period of many years. The four albums from Presto were downloaded at various times over the past year
My friend has agreed to put Mp3tag software on his machine running OS 11.1.
The instillation had a bump or two, which put us in contact with the developer Florian Heidenreich. He has turned out to be extremely helpful. Our initial attempts to tag the cover art to individual songs using that software were not successful. For us novices, the learning curve for this software is quite steep. So, we reached out again to Mr. Heidenreich for help. He is currently evaluating one of the files.
Cheers,
ceulrich
You still haven’t tried to download a random “cover.jpg” copied to the album folder? Works with ALL my devices. A 1 minute action can be the solution.
Here is the one of one of the albums. If you want it solved you could try out. Even to a totally different album too, just for testing. IF you want it solved.
Here is the one of one of the albums. If you want it solved you could try out. Even to a totally different album too, just for testing. IF you want it solved.
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Yes, I see references on the web to keeping cover art to no more than 500x500 for certain DLNA systems ... however, the DLNA specification allows up to 4096 x 4096 pixels!
ReadyMedia - ArchWiki
I'm presently using minidlna on a single board computer, and I have configured it to handle large cover art, with no problems.
Portable boombox with local audio file playback
The way that DLNA systems read cover art can be complicated. There are 3 distinctly separate approaches:
i) use cover art image files. If your albums are stored in separate folders, this is usually in the form of "folder.jpg" or "cover.jpg" or "thumb.jpg".
Alternatively the cover art can be in the form "[albumname].jpg" which has the advantage that there will not be hundreds or thousands of files all called "folder.jpg".
ii) embed cover art into each music file.
iii) use information files, in pdf form. There's some detailed information about this approach here -
Your music library
DLNA systems can be configured to try one approach, then fall back to a second approach, etc.
Long term, I think you should try to standardise your music collection so that folder names/structures are consistent, cover art format is consistent, and tag format is consistent. Because 10 years from now you might not be using Melco any more, and whatever system you will be using may not be able to deal with a mismatch of conventions.
ReadyMedia - ArchWiki
I'm presently using minidlna on a single board computer, and I have configured it to handle large cover art, with no problems.
Portable boombox with local audio file playback
The way that DLNA systems read cover art can be complicated. There are 3 distinctly separate approaches:
i) use cover art image files. If your albums are stored in separate folders, this is usually in the form of "folder.jpg" or "cover.jpg" or "thumb.jpg".
Alternatively the cover art can be in the form "[albumname].jpg" which has the advantage that there will not be hundreds or thousands of files all called "folder.jpg".
ii) embed cover art into each music file.
iii) use information files, in pdf form. There's some detailed information about this approach here -
Your music library
DLNA systems can be configured to try one approach, then fall back to a second approach, etc.
OK, it sounds like your Melco server is able to read cover art information from the pdf document, as I listed in iii) above.
I suppose confusion can fall from the sky, but more commonly, confusion reigns supreme.
Long term, I think you should try to standardise your music collection so that folder names/structures are consistent, cover art format is consistent, and tag format is consistent. Because 10 years from now you might not be using Melco any more, and whatever system you will be using may not be able to deal with a mismatch of conventions.
On second thought, I suspect that the Melco server is more likely reading cover art which is embedded within the music files, in this situation.
I suggest you have a look at these music files with Mp3tag, to check if there is embedded art there.
That's worrying. I just tried Mp3tag under Windows 10 now, and I was able to add a cover art jpeg to a FLAC file just fine.
I note that Mp3tag is not my tag editor of choice under Windows - I find Tag&Rename far more intuitive.
jean-paul, I did something similar to what you are suggesting. Look back to Post # 9, Item #1. The attachment shows the Finder window which is displaying all the individual songs plus pdfs and jpgs for the file under discussion. Do you think that using a jpg from a different source will make a difference?
linuxfan, Oh my, I guess the frustration caused my fingers to move faster than my brain, reigns is what I want to say. I have thought for some time that your second thought is correct for the non-Presto files, i.e., by some mechanism, the cover art is just tagged/embedded for each individual song, and Finder or Melco have nothing to do with it.
When I learned about Mp3tag, I thought that would solve my problem. As indicated earlier, it is a work in progress, and Mr. Heidenreich offered to evaluate it for us. Due to file sizes, I am having difficulty getting a sample to him. I am currently trying a service he suggested (Wetransfer).
Cheers,
ceulrich
linuxfan, Oh my, I guess the frustration caused my fingers to move faster than my brain, reigns is what I want to say. I have thought for some time that your second thought is correct for the non-Presto files, i.e., by some mechanism, the cover art is just tagged/embedded for each individual song, and Finder or Melco have nothing to do with it.
When I learned about Mp3tag, I thought that would solve my problem. As indicated earlier, it is a work in progress, and Mr. Heidenreich offered to evaluate it for us. Due to file sizes, I am having difficulty getting a sample to him. I am currently trying a service he suggested (Wetransfer).
Cheers,
ceulrich
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Maybe, that was not the same what you did. Anyway you have 2 of the simplest actions that are least time consuming that should be done if only to exclude them. Maybe you are not used to troubleshoot issues but normally one tries the simplest solutions to known issues first if only to exclude them.
1. Copy a known good "cover.jpg" to a folder on the Melco. So a random one that you do see and that works.
2. Use SongKong for a single download of 1 album cover art file which is 35 kByte or so.
In post #11 you mention that Melco talk about Twonky. Here a screenshot of my NAS running Twonky with the cover.jpg missing in the most right folder.
1. Copy a known good "cover.jpg" to a folder on the Melco. So a random one that you do see and that works.
2. Use SongKong for a single download of 1 album cover art file which is 35 kByte or so.
In post #11 you mention that Melco talk about Twonky. Here a screenshot of my NAS running Twonky with the cover.jpg missing in the most right folder.
Attachments
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This is sadly familiar - newer macOS versions often have compatibility problems with older applications. Regarding tag editing, reports on the web appear to confirm this -
Why is Apple Music no longer writing tags… - Apple Community
iTunes in my iMac not saving ID3-tags to … - Apple Community
It's great that the developer of Mp3tag has offered to investigate the problem, but in the meantime:
potential fix 1) turn off AirPlay
potential fix 2) use the tag editor MusicBrainz Picard
Downloads - MusicBrainz Picard