iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
Can someone please explain -- or point me to a web page with the answer -- the logic behind Apple's file folder structure when storing music on a 3rd gen. iPod (formatted for Windows)? When I hook up my iPod, I can see in Windows Explorer a removable drive containing these folders:
\Calendars
\Contacts
\Ipod_Control
\Device
\iTunes
\Music
\F00 (through \F19)
\Notes
It is the \F00 through \F19 folders in which I am the most interested. The logic is not appearent to me. I have about 10.3 gb of music on my iPod. Each of the twenty music folders has about the same number of files in it (all Mp3 files that I can play directly via any music program, such as Real, MusicMatch, Media Center, etc.). How is it decided where the files will be stored. If I add one more song, what logic determines whether it goes in F00 or F19 or anywhere in between?
Please forgive me if the answer is in the manual. I did read it, but I don't recall seeing any explanation.
# 1 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
The forum software stripped out the leading spaces which made the folders appear as a tree. Substituting ~ for space, it is:
\Calendars
\Contacts
\Ipod_Control
~~\Device
~~\iTunes
~~\Music
~~~~~\F00 (through \F19)
\Notes
# 2 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
So the songs are spread out, the iPod does not have to search in one BIG folder, and load times are decreased.
# 3 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
If you manually put a song in a folder on the iPod -- without using a tool like EphPod -- does the iPod "know" it is there?
# 4 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
Originally posted by graystrickland
If you manually put a song in a folder on the iPod -- without using a tool like EphPod -- does the iPod "know" it is there? It was my 1st attempt. Unfortunately, nothing happened and iPod didn't show my added files. Later, I discovered that an entry should be added in iTunesDB directory file to get new added files known. Based on this knowledge I've added support of iPod to MediaChest program.
MOCKBA at 2007-11-15 17:25:28 >
# 5 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
graystrickland: if you haven't figured it out from what folks have posted, basically this is the purpose behind the folders:
To improve seek time when playing a song. It's easier to search through multiple folders that have fewer songs in them than it is to search through one big folder w/all your songs in it.
The program that you use to upload tunes randomly puts songs in these folders, then makes an entry in the iPod's database with the location of the file and the Artist, Album, Track #, Title, Genre and Composer and Playlist information (i.e. what playlists the song is part of).
So, I hope that makes things a little clearer.
Adam
# 6 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
I have a question regarding this. In Ephpod there is a setting where you can increase the number of folders. I mean you can specify the number of folders where the songs are stored.
So.. if I increase the number of folders beyonf F19 , will the seek time decrease?
rg5y3 at 2007-11-15 17:27:36 >
# 7 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
Originally posted by MOCKBA
...nothing happened and iPod didn't show my added files. Later, I discovered that an entry should be added in iTunesDB directory file to get new added files known. Based on this knowledge I've added support of iPod to MediaChest program.
1. How does one manipulate the iTunes DB? Is there any published information its structure? Is it simply a delimited text file or something else?
2. What is MediaChest?
# 8 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
1. No published info, you would theoritically edit it with software.
2. I have no idea but it sounds randy, baby! :)
AMG at 2007-11-15 17:29:34 >
# 9 Re: iPod File Folder System -- F00 thru F19
Originally posted by graystrickland
1. How does one manipulate the iTunes DB? Is there any published information its structure? Is it simply a delimited text file or something else?
2. What is MediaChest? As I know, Apple didn't open structure of iTunesDB to public. However, you can find a description of iTunesDB on net based on kind of reverse negineering.
http://mediachest.sourceforge.net open source Java program supporting iPod.
MOCKBA at 2007-11-15 17:30:42 >
