iTunes 4.7.1 (#4): More on crashes when iPod is connected while iTunes is running; AirPort Express drop-outs; more

More on crashes when iPod is connected while iTunes is running We continue to issues while connecting and attempting to synchronize an iPod with iTunes 4.7.1 -- specifically freezes in iTunes, or kernel panics.

Yesterday we reported that deleting a specific set of .plist files may allow proper synchronization. We've since received reports confirming that workaround, as well as notes from a few readers who were successful in using Apple's Disk Utility (located in Applications/Utilities) to repair permissions on their iPod's hard drive.

MacFixIt reader Nu writes: "Had a possibly related problem where iTunes crashed on launch if my iPod was connected. The Mac OS X Disk Utility found problems on the iPod and successfully repaired them."

More on drop-outs when streaming through AirPort Express We also continue to cover an apparent increase in audio stream drop-outs when playing music through an AirPort Express, after upgrading to iTunes 4.7.1.

Yesterday we reported that some readers have been able to solve this issue by changing the default channel for their AirPort Express Base station.

In some cases, the issues may be related to interference from other wireless devices. MacFixIt reader Guy Urban, for instance, writes:

"I have experiences some audio dropouts with Airport Express that appear to be related to wireless phone use (not cell phone). We use a 2.4 Ghz digital wireless phone in the house. At certain times, when using the phone in certain locations between the Airport base station and the Airport Express, the music signal will disappear. When ending the phone call, or changing the phone wireless channel, the Airport signal returns instantly. We have also had this interference problem with the network signal as a whole (not just the music data), that is, the Airport network disappears from laptops Airport menu. Again, it reappears when the phone channel is changed or the phone call is ended."

Some users have been able to resolve this issue by turning on Interference Robustness in the AirPort pull-down menu (enabled through Internet Connect, located in the Applications folder).

Meanwhile, at least one reader is reported fewer music stream drop-outs with the new release of iTunes. Paul Barunas writes:

"Just wanted to let you know that I am having less dropouts with iTunes 4.7.1. I used to get a drop out after every change in the song, and I thought it was because I have it connected to my amp via the optical cable. While I still have a drop out, it only happens in the beginning - not when changing songs - so if I play 100 songs in order, it only happens to the first song, not the other 99."

Problems with radio stations: Check which ports are being used Over the past few days we've been covering an issue with radio station streaming in iTunes 4.7.1. It appears that there was a problem with Apple's servers in the first days after iTunes 4.7.1's release, which has now been resolved.

A number of other factors can affect radio station streaming, however, including a lack of port access because of a firewall.

MacFixIt reader Julian Kettle writes:

"I am still having problems with radio streaming on iTunes 4.7.1.

"On an afterthought I checked the ports being used by iTunes - I found a variety of ports which were being tried and which I have not enabled in my firewall - problem identified.

"Why is iTunes not using port 80 for all radio streaming?"

As explained by Apple Knowledge Base article #60789, the iTunes Radio Tuner feature may not work if your network access is limited by a firewall. "Different Radio Tuner streams use different firewall ports, which may be blocked. To listen to a Radio Tuner stream, your network administrator would have to open the firewall to allow access through the port used by that stream. Some streams use ports in the 8000 range, while others use ports in 42000 range."

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