Artist Name Display - Same Folder Names on iPhone (iSub App)

[wdpaynter]

I have an issue in relation to the display of Artists(Folder Names) on iPhone. I have my large music collection split within Genre-type folders and often have artists that fall within multiple genres (for example Christmas albums). Also, I use "Compilation" and "Soundtrack" in each Genre folder.

When I bring these folders into Subsonic, all works well when using in a browser and everything is filtered correctly, But, on the iPhone any folders that have the same name are overwritten with the contents of the last folder to be added. It displays multiple instances of Artists that are in multiple locations, but each is only populated with albums from the last Genre/Folder to be added.

For example, if I go to James Brown on the iPhone (iSub) it shows (2) instances of "James Brown", but only shows his Christmas albums in both instances.

Everything works correctly in the browser version, so maybe the iSub app developer could use the same naming convention to process what is read by the iPhone.

I hope that I have explained this in a way that everyone can understand. If Anyone can help or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
BP

[einsteinx2]

This is an issue that came to my attention recently that I'm working to resolve for the next release of iSub. It has to do with the way Subsonic creates it's ID's for directories (which is how iSub asks for a certain folder, and also how folders are cached after opening them). At the current time, I believe the only way around this would be to rename the second (and third, etc) artist folders to something like "James Brown 2" and "James Brown 3" and so on (I know not a great solution, but it will fix the problem for now until I can fix it in iSub). But rest assured that a solution is in the works.

[wdpaynter]

einstein

Thanks for the quick reply!

I've seen your replies regarding numerous subjects within the forum and did not realize you were the developer of the iSub app. I just wanted to let you know that I have zsubsonic app on my phone as well, and it handles the situation somewhat. It creates multiple folders for each instance of an artist (which I guess I'll have to live with), but each instance has the correct albums and tracks.

I am not aware of the relationship between yourself and the developer of that app (not sure if it is of a competitive nature), but maybe he, or information within the app can be of help.

Also, if I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to let me know. Is there a thread or separate site pertaining to feature requests and/or general discussion of iSub?

Thanks
BP

[einsteinx2]

Most bug report, feature requests, and general discussion on iSub is done in the thread in the Announcements section. Here's a link: http://forum.subsonic.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3043

I haven't spoken to the z-subsonic developer about this, but someone did mention that his app was able to handle the directories so I'm sure it's possible to do. I just need to do a little digging to find out the best way to implement it. I want to display it in a condensed form like Subsonic's web interface, I just need to see exactly how to go about doing that.

I had promised version 2.2 would be released in 2 weeks about a week ago, but I'm really packing it full of new features and as many bug fixes as I can fit in. So, it may be an extra week or so before it's App Store submission ready, but it will be a huge improvement in many ways over the current version, 2.1 (which I already think is pretty decent ). Then, after I get 2.2 out, my iPad 3G will already have arrived and I'll be able to focus all my attention on the impending iPad update for iSub (which for those that are wondering will be a free update, not a different app). I'm just trying to really iron out the backend stuff before moving on to iPad interface optimization.

[wdpaynter]

I appreciate it!

You certainly do have a great app. I do not want you to think that it is not appreciated, just trying to get all of my kinks ironed out. As i said, I have both iSub and zsubsonic on my phone, but much prefer your interface and app in general.

Looking forward to your update(s)!

Thanks again for your help!
BP