AirTunes in Ubuntu: A How-To Guide

Bringing Apple's AirTunes to Ubuntu Linux

While I strongly prefer Ubuntu, my colleagues at iSupportU, a bicycle-focused IT firm where I also contribute to MakeUseOf, are dedicated Mac users.

A recent internal announcement indicated that music distribution to our stereo system would now be facilitated through a technology known as "AirTunes."

Initially, I expressed some reservations regarding Apple’s naming conventions.

Subsequently, I considered the possibility of utilizing this functionality within Ubuntu.

Interestingly, a fellow Linux enthusiast voiced the very same inquiry.

Initial Research and Information Gathering

This prompted me to conduct an online search for further details.

The resources discovered were valuable, and the Ubuntu community forums proved particularly helpful.

However, it became apparent that a comprehensive guide addressing this topic was lacking on the internet.

Therefore, this article aims to bridge that gap.

Guide Specifics and Compatibility

This guide is specifically tailored for Ubuntu 10.04.

However, the principles outlined may also be applicable to other Linux distributions.

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Understanding AirTunes

AirTunes is Apple’s protocol for wirelessly streaming audio.

It allows music to be played on compatible devices, such as the Apple Airport Express, from iTunes or other audio sources.

The core challenge lies in enabling Ubuntu to interact with this proprietary system.

Key Considerations

The process involves utilizing software that can emulate an AirTunes receiver.
Compatibility can vary depending on the specific hardware and software versions.
Successful implementation requires a basic understanding of Linux command-line operations.

Further steps will detail the necessary configuration to achieve AirTunes functionality on your Ubuntu system.

Setting Up: Software Installation

Initially, the installation of two specific software packages is required: "pulseaudio-module-raop" and "paprefs". The pulseaudio-module-raop package enables Ubuntu systems to utilize the Remote Audio Output Protocol (RAOP).

Conversely, the paprefs package is used for configuring Ubuntu to activate this functionality. Installation is straightforward; open your terminal and execute the following command:

sudo apt-get install pulseaudio-module-raop paprefs

Users of operating systems other than Ubuntu may encounter variations in package naming. Unfortunately, specific guidance for those systems isn't available here.

Activating AirTunes Detection

With the necessary installations completed, the next step involves launching the "paprefs" application. This can be achieved either through the command line interface or by pressing the "Alt" and "F2" keys simultaneously, then entering "paprefs".

Rest assured, the remaining configuration will be managed through a graphical user interface. The application window should appear as follows:

To enable the feature, simply select the "Make Discoverable Apple AirTunes sound devices available locally" checkbox. This action will activate AirTunes detection on your system.

Transitioning to AirTunes Output

With AirTunes detection now activated, the next step involves redirecting audio output from your computer to the remote speakers. Initiate this process by selecting the "Volume" icon located in your system tray. Subsequently, access the application's "Preferences" menu, as illustrated.

Within the "Preferences" window, navigate to the "Output" tab. Your Apple AirTunes device should then be visible in the available output options, similar to the example shown.

Should the AirTunes device not appear initially, a system restart may be necessary. Attempt restarting Pulseaudio if you are familiar with the process, or a full computer reboot will ensure the device is recognized.

Peculiarities

Given that the whole procedure is somewhat unconventional, a few peculiarities should be acknowledged. A delay of approximately six seconds was observed during testing. While this isn't problematic for audio playback, it renders the method unsuitable for video streaming.

Another issue identified concerns the server-side connection. Switching audio output back to the computer’s speakers is straightforward via the output selection menu. However, the system doesn’t automatically disconnect the user session on the server.

Consequently, if a colleague using an Apple device attempts to connect to AirTunes after the initial user has finished, a notification appears indicating an existing connection. This can be inconvenient, though a simple reboot of the Airport Express resolves the issue.

Any solutions discovered for these problems will be documented in the comments section below. Furthermore, contributions from users who encounter similar issues are welcome and encouraged.

Final Thoughts

Successfully configuring music streaming to my AirTunes device at the office was a rewarding experience, and it is my hope that this tutorial proves beneficial to others facing similar challenges. Should you find it helpful, please consider sharing your feedback in the comments section below.

Contributions regarding methods to reduce latency or gracefully disconnect without requiring an AirPort restart are also greatly appreciated.

Given the impracticality of testing across all Linux distributions concurrently, I welcome reports detailing the efficacy of these instructions on alternative systems like Fedora or SUSE. Such insights are invaluable for broadening the guide’s applicability.