i have a large library also. i currently keep all my videos on a separate drive. i have unchecked the add to library option. my music is stll managed by itunes since i either rip my own cds or i buy them from itunes.

 

moving the files is a bitch and you will always end up with bad links. the best thing is to just re-import the files from scratch, but you will lose some info like rating and play count. i read somwhere that you can import again with the existing links in your library and itune will duplicate ALL the metadata. then you can sort by date added and delete the old links.

 

iTunes will handle any amount of music you throw at it. The only issue becomes physical storage medium constraints, and if you're exceeding 1TB, you need to go to some kind of RAID setup, anywhere from a JOBD setup to something with actual redundancy.

Personally, I run a file server running FreeBSD, and stream everything in iTunes via a media server daemon (Firefly). Handy as it lets me stream the same music (and video) to other devices using other protocols, like my PS3's talking uPnP via mediatomb.

 

My main concern is artwork added and other meta data such as Episode 1 of 12, etc. Is that part of the file now? (I believe it is)

I guess I'll have to go through the painstaking task of moving the files, then go to each file on iTunes (it will now have a "!" next to it), and then when it asks me to 'find' it again, I'll point to the new location.

 

you will pull your hair out if you do it that way. try importing the moved files while the old links still exist. see if that keeps the metadata. i know i just read about this somewhere. i'm trying to find the link.

 

So, you mean it's no big deal? Pulling my hair out wouldn't take long.

If you find the link, let me know. I hope you're right.
Also, I'm starting to think I can just move and re-import to iTunes and it will keep all the meta data (episode ID, etc.).

The reason I think it will is because I can copy from my mac to PC laptop's iTunes and it keeps the artwork and meta data.

 

found the link.

macosxhints.com - One way to migrate an iTunes collection to another drive

 

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Mr Kram again.


Thanks man!