FAQ
How does HU work?
HookUp adds three impressive features to iTunes:
- The ability to download media from Local iTunes Shares
- The ability to connect to a remote iTunes library to play and download media
- Once connected to a remote iTunes library you also gain access to EVERY other itunes library on the other user's shared network!
HookUp also allows you to connect to all the iPhoto shared albums in a local and/or remote network.
HookUp uses multiple web protocols and techniques while maintaining iTunes security layers. In fact, HookUp adds additional username and password security to further protect your music and photos. You have full control of which users can access and download from your library.
What are the system requirements?
A Macintosh Computer with an internet connection running iTunes and OSX Tiger or Leopard
What is the difference between HookUp and DOT.TUNES 4?
DOT.TUNES 4 is a robust media webserver that enables you to access your iTunes media library from a host of devices (web browsers, mobile phones, gaming platforms, etc.). DT4 does not require iTunes to be open to do its job and it doesn't require users who are accessing the media to have DOT.TUNES. DT4 also enables integration of iTunes music, movies and podcasts with web pages and applications. DT4 requires slightly more technical know-how to tap into its vast features. DT4 allows the owner complete control over what each user can access down to the playlist level.
HookUp has been designed for an entirely non-technical person who pretty much only knows how to use iTunes. HookUp enables streaming and download of music directly through the iTunes interface so there is nothing additional to learn. The HookUp shares window looks and behaves similar to the "SHARED" library area in iTunes and merely extends the iTunes experience to anyone else with both iTunes & HookUp. HookUp owners can control which playlists can be accessed by other users but all users can access all of the playlists you choose to share.
You can run both DT4 AND HookUp on the same machine if you desire. The DOT.TUNES team is working to bring as many of DT4 features into HookUp as possible without complicating the user experience so expect to see more power and control combined with ease and simplicity.
How do I get started?
Just download and launch the FREE HookUp application. From there you can either invite other users to connect to your server or install HookUp on a second computer so that you can download tracks from one library to the other.
Before you can connect to a remote server you need to receive an invitation from a remote HookUp application. Then when you click the link in the invitation email the remote server will be automatically configured in your HookUp application. You can now connect, browse, play tracks and optionally download from this remote server.
Do the people I share with have to have HU too?
When connecting to a remote server then yes, the HookUp application must be running on the remote machine. However you can connect to all other local itunes shares without HookUp running on those computers.
How do I share with my friends?
All you need to do is setup a user and send an invitation from within the HookUp application. Then when your friend has downloaded HookUp they can send an invite back to you.
How many people can I invite?
As many as you like. HookUp integrates with your OSX Addressbook and contains a powerful sql database to manage your users. So there is no reason why you couldn't invite thousands of users. The only real limitation is how many friends you have :-)
Can people download from my iTunes?
If they have the download plugin and if you have ticked the 'allow user to download files' checkbox when creating their user account, then yes they can download files form your server.
What is the toolbar?
HookUp adds a new toolbar to iTunes which provides the tools needed to download files, monitor bandwidth usage and connect to other servers. This toolbar is only visible when iTunes is the active application.
What is the download queue?
Files are downloaded one at a time. So if you select a group of files and click download then they are all added to the download queue and downloaded one at a time. The HookUp toolbar displays the total number of files in the queue and the progress bar keeps you informed of each files download progress.
What is the bandwidth indicator?
The HookUp toolbar displays the total MB sent and received by HookUp. This allows you to monitor your usage.
Why are tracks added to the download queue, when I try to play tracks in iTunes?
HookUp is either in Play Mode or Download mode. In play mode you can double click files in iTunes to play them. However when the download button is pressed and while there are still files being sent to the download queue then you can not play tracks and if you double click a file in iTunes it is added to the download queue rather than played. Once all files have been added to the queue, you are back in Play Mode and you can stream tracks and download as long as your bandwidth can handle both.
Can I play tracks while downloading files?
Yes. As long as you first let any tracks you have selected to be downloaded get added to the queue.
Can I remove tracks from the download queue?
If you depress the download button while there are tracks in the download queue then all tracks will be removed from the queue and you will return to Play mode.
People I've invited can't seem to connect to me, what am I doing wrong?
First be sure that you have clicked the share button so that your HookUp application is in fact sharing. Also be sure that your Router is allowing incoming connections on port 3700. If your Router supports UPnP or if you use an Apple Airport then check the HookUp preferences and be sure that "Configure your Airport or Router" is checked.
I got an error message that HU couldn't configure my router, what do I have to do?
Check the Help section for detailed info on configuring your Router. Basically you need to access your Router Admin area and port forward port 3700 so that it points to your computer.
How do I make my photographs available for sharing with HookUp?
Just open iPhoto Preferences and click the Sharing tab. Then either choose to share your entire Library or selected Albums. You can also enter a password so that only authorized users can access your photos.
