I run my server on a windows laptop and haven't found a way to include iTunes purchases/dowloads in my library so that I can turn them into a virtual channel.
Can anyone tell me if iTunes purchases/downloads are available to channels library when running DVR server on a Mac?
Unfortunately the FairPlay copyright protection (DRM) embedded in iTunes video purchases prevents third-party apps like Channels from accessing/playing them, on any platform.
Thanks for the answer. I suspected that might be the case.
PlayOn is a service that offers the ability to record content on streaming services. It can be used for Libraries as well. PlayOn Cloud is compatible with Channels. PlayOn Desktop is technically compatible as well you would just import the content as a local file instead of download. PlayOn does not natively work to record iTunes library content but it does work on other retailer libraries such as PrimeVideo. The reason I mention this is that you could use Movies Anywhere (defined as a digital movie locker service) to sync fragmented libraries from across retailers (iTunes, prime, Google play and others). Only certain movie distributors cooperate with MA (Disney, Fox, Universal) so only those movies sync. Notably Paramount and Lionsgate do not participate with MA therefore movies from these distributors will not sync across retailers. Finally this method only works for movies so if you are trying to bring over TV content purchased through iTunes this won’t help.
In summary I mentioned two services:
PlayOn which requires purchase of software
Movies Anywhere which is free
I should note there are some who feel PlayOn violates terms of service agreements with streamers. PlayOn provides legal justifications to the opposite. So you will need to decide for yourself. Movies Anywhere is a cooperation between major studios and retailers and is not in contention.
Thanks for the response. It sounds like you fully understand what I've been navigating.
Ultimately, I think Apple Home Sharing while using Apple TV will meet my needs. I still wish I could use purchased media for virtual channels, but you can't have everything.
I've used PlayOn. It's a great service and Channels has made the integration really nice. Like others, I question if it violates terms of service for on demand content. (I think back to the people sued in the Napster years) But, my bigger concern with with PlayOn involves passwords for Amazon, Google, and Apple. The passwords for those services have so many payment methods, email accounts, and personal information tied to them. I have the same concerns with Movies anywhere. I did it for Amazon and Google, but I questioned it by the time I got around to providing my Apple ID.
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