Mobile Login Tracking!

Greetings Friends!

I hope everyone out there is ready for a jam-packed few months of Naxos Music Library updates! Below, we're proud to announce the first in a line-up of great new additions to the Naxos Music Library. This new Usage Statistics function will allow you to track and display your "mobile logins" separate from your "total logins".

Now, you'll know just how many people really are listening on-the-go!  Access your usage statistics the same way you would previously (by logging in with your "Librarian/Usage Stats." password) - you don't need to do anything special to get these new metrics to show up.

The "Total Logins" row does *NOT* include mobile logins at this time, so to get your true total, it's easiest to export the entire stats window to Excel (using the fancy button, below). These new statistics are available beginning for the month of March, 2012.


As always, please feel free to call or write us at Naxos anytime.

All the Best,
Nick


Nick D'Angiolillo
Naxos of America, Inc.
615.465.3836 (direct)
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

Join in the conversation!

Music for all occasions!

We love music. You're shocked, we know, and we want to make sure that finding those perfect albums, or songs, or pieces aren't what's stressing you out in the coming days.

Hope you enjoy these Hanukkah and Christmas favorites! Many thanks to Amy Edmonds and the Ball State University Library!


Catalog Number: 624284001555

Catalog Number: 8.554714

Catalog Number: TROY744 - Track 12

Catalog Number: 75442270972


Catalog Number: 5099991898258

And finally, a Festivus for the 'restofus!
Catalog Number: 3570-MCD - Track 11

Happy holiday listening,
The Naxos Family

Blue is the new grey!

Hi Friends,

Happy Friday! Below is a screenshot I saw this morning, and I just had to share. On our test servers, the NML's player window is blue!

Do you like the blue? If you could choose a color for the window, what would it be? Would you like to be able to change the color of the Player Window on the fly- or is it "All about the music, who cares about colors!"?

Leave your answer in the comment for a chance to win an NML "Prize Pack" complete with some fun items, as well as some CD's!


As always, feel free to call or write anytime.

- Nick

Nick D'Angiolillo
615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

Join in the conversation!

*Live* - NML iPhone App - Version 2.0

I'm such a geek for updates. Really. I am guilty of hitting that "Refresh" button on just about every page, hoping for something new. The good news, is that we actually have a VERY cool update to share with everyone!

The NML iPhone App has been so well received (and we THANK YOU!!!), that we couldn't just stop there. There was so much more that could be done! Well, see below for some great screenshots of the new NML iPhone App 2.0.

** Version 2.0 is now Live! Visit the App Store, or click the link below to update your version!**

That shouldn't stop us from updating you though? Right? :) If you don't have the current NML iPhone app, click the link below to download it now!

Download the current NML iPhone App!

Version 2.0 of the app will still allow you to view your custom, individual playlists, as well as the professor/administrator created ones. Those menu's received a slight "Texture" update. I'm a fan of the new buttons!


Not sure about what to listen to? Soon , there will be some "Naxos" created playlists too! These will also start to appear on the "Web-Based" NML pages too, so keep your eyes peeled!

Who knows, we may even hold contests for our readers to submit playlists! Thinks like composer or period specific playlists are always great!

If you're following us on Twitter or Facebook, you may have seen my love for Steve Reich. Ever since my Musicology research paper in college, I've had a soft spot in my musical heart for his music. Hence my 4 differnet Steve Reich compilation playlists.

The same goes for my hopeful inclusion of a "Marimba" playlist. (being a percussionist)

Quick! How many drummers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Answer: Five. One to screw the bulb in, and four to talk about how much better Neil Peart could have done it.

Har Har Har - now back to the Updates!

Thanks to DrumJokes.com for the Friday Funny.
---------
The next "button" on our stop, is the Catalog button. This menu brings up a simple search bar. Essentially, it performs a keyword search within the Naxos Music Library and displays the results on your iPhone/iPod Touch!

Searching for "Brahms" brings up this window ----------------->

The next window brings up a track listing, as well as the album description. See below for another side-by-side set of screenshots.

<------- This appears at the Top of an Album Page

This appears at the bottom of a Album's Page -------->
(simply scroll down to the bottom of the track listing)






The player window remains unchanged, except for the fact that you can now hit the "Back" button, navigate to a new piece, scroll, browse..etc... all while the music plays!
If you couldn't tell, we're really excited about this new version! If you have any questions, need help creating playlists, or simply want to chat, feel free to call or write anytime!

Happy Updates!
Nick

Nick D'Angiolillo
615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

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Naxos Music Library iPhone App is Live!

Hi All,

The Naxos Music Library iPhone App is now Live! You are now able to listen to your personal and account created playlists on the iPhone and iPod Touch!

For more information on the "Nuts & Bolts" of how the app works, see this post.

Search the iTunes App Store for "Naxos Music Library" to download the Free App, or follow this link!

What a thrilling day for the world of classical music!

----------
Here's a step by step walk-through from finding the app, to synching your device!

1. Enter "Naxos Music Library" ("Naxos" works too) in the iTunes store Search box.



2. Click on "Get App"



3. Enter your Apple ID, or create a new account. Download the App.


4. Once the App has been downloaded, ensure it's in queue to be synched up. I've taken a shot below of everything "as it should be". If you've installed an App from the iTunes store before, it's exactly the same as every App!


---------
Once the App is Installed, it's time to make sure you have some playlists!

1. Visit the NML. If you are an student or member of an institution, you can visit your institutions unique webpage. Ask your Librarian, Account Administrator, or us here at Naxos if you have questions!



2. Any playlist in your personal folder, or account folder will be available. Below is a shot from a University account. Individual subscribers won't need to adjust anything, or log in a second time, to create playlists!




3. Oh, and lest we forget: The iPhone App, synchs both your Naxos Music Library, and Naxos Music Library Jazz playlists! Here's a screenshot of my iPod Touch. The playlist "Allison Wedding " (a very cool Jazz singer) , is an NMLJazz Playlist, while "Bernstien Mass" is an NML palylist.





We'd like to also take a moment and give a very big "Thanks" to our developers!

From all of us at Naxos, Happy Remote Listening!
Nick
615.482.5249
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

NML e-Card; Naxos at AMS 2009!

Hi Folks!

Below is an interactive e-card which you can share, and embed everywhere! The App is in the final stages of approval, and we'll be sure to let everyone know when it's ready to download from the App store!

NML iPhone e-Card! Share me!

- On the e-card page, there are embed links and different embed codes for every social media outlet available!

I've also added the latest question to the Q+A post below!

Q: Who can use the App?

A: All subscribers will be able to make use of the App; Institutions, Orchestras, and individual subscribers! Students at institutions will be able to listen to their personal playlists, as well as those created by the professors and account administrators.

If you require assistance with the "Student Playlist" functionality, please feel free to write! My e-mail address is below!

Also, if you or anyone from your institution, is attending the AMS conference in Philadelphia this weekend, be sure to stop by and say "Hi!" I'll have my iPhone on hand for you to play with!

Happy Listening,
Nick
615.482.5249
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com

Q+A with the NML staff!

*** Updated***
The App is Now Live! Check Here for all the information!

----------------
Today we posted for questions via our twitter feed, and through our subscriber network!

Here are some of the most asked!

Q: What will the App do?
A: The NML iPhone and iPod touch application will allow remote access to your personal and account playlists. Below are some screenshots of the NML Playlist window, and a direct comparison to the NML iPhone App window.

The playlist tabs in the NML, make up the initial iPhone App window. Folders follow suit, and third come the actual playlists. The progression from the log-in window on the App to listening to a selection, should feel completely natural!











Q: Who can use the App?

A: All subscribers will be able to make use of the App; Institutions, Orchestras, and individual subscribers! Students at institutions will be able to listen to their personal playlists, as well as those created by the professors and account administrators.

If you require assistance with the "Student Playlist" functionality, please feel free to write! My e-mail address is below!

Q: What does the App's button look like?

A: Look below! You can see my iPod's Screenshot! Looks good yea?




Q: Will buffering be a problem on the iPhone?
* From Dan in Portland

A: Buffering will not be a problem! The Naxos Music Library has recently completed a "behind the scenes" transition to enhance the overall streaming experience. Streaming on both the NML website and the iPhone App have been fully optimized and tested.

I've spent my time (Nick) using the iPod Touch through many wireless networks. Everywhere from our office, to my home internet, to (yes, quite the interesting location) the local Mall's food court. Happily, the NML worked everywhere, with no interruption in streaming.

Q: How much room will the app take up?
* From Kate in Georgia

A: I can only speak to the Beta App, as final file size may vary, but the NML Beta App clocks in at 540 KB. Remember, the final version will probably differ a little bit in file size.

Q: Do Playlists I create on the NML update in real time? How fast can I access newly created playlists?
* From Kim in Southern California

A: Updating playlists is simple!
1. Create a new playlist on the NML website.
* For help creating playlists, see our earlier post here

2. Click the "Home" button on your iPhone. (It's the button on the bottom which takes you to the navigation window"

3. Log back into the NML iPhone Application.

4. Voila! The playlist should now appear in your list!

Q: How much will the App Cost?
* From "Concerned" in Connecticut

A: Absolutely nothing! The app will be available through the App store. We'll post links on the NML and Naxos' websites, and most likely here on our blog that link direct to the App when it's ready to go!

Q: I know nothing about iPhones. Am I going to be expected to troubleshoot my students' devices?
* From Alex in Missouri

A: Not in the least. Since the playlist window is authenticated by a Username and Password tied to a specific playlist, and not by IP address, Referring URL, Proxy Servers, or any combination of the three, there will be NO troubleshooting necessary of the "nuts and bolts" by account administrators.

What you may want to do, as account administrators, is to host a training session on creating personal playlists. If you need help, or would like Naxos to be a Webinar presenter for your staff or students, simply say the word! We can host the entire presentation on our end!


That's it for today folks! Please feel free to re-post these questions and answers on your blog or web pages!

The NML team is also hosting special promotional pricing to commemorate the launch of the App. Give us a call or shoot an e-mail for all the details! You can also click on the link just below!

Click Here for Information on the iPhone App Promotion!


Happy Listening and Happy Halloween!
-Nick
615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com

NML iPhone Updae

Hi Folks!

Here are a couple pictures from the latest NML iPhone Beta 'App.

It's important to remember that although the overall layout can, and probably will change a bit, a teaser never hurt anyone!

Access to your NML Playlists (both personal and account/professor created) anytime, anywhere is certainly a feature I am THRILLED about!



We hope to have an ETA on the app availability soon!

Enjoy!
Nick

615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

A great uplifting Monday story

Happy Monday to you all!

Below is a clip from the NBC Nightly News yesterday. Violinist Rachel Barton Pine has an amazing story, and some wonderful playings on the NML. Look for her recordings on the Cedille and Dorian labels!

Enjoy!
Nick
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

Friday Subscriber Salute

Happy Friday to you all!

Today, we highlight the folks at The University of Arkansas for all of their awesome guides!

Here's a screenshot of their Naxos Music Library landing page.


Lora Lennertz Jetton, the Performing Arts and Media Librarian at the University has created 2 unique User and Faculty .pdf guides. They are step by step Walk Throughs that include everything from basic navigation to finding and listening to music.

The Faculty guide gives a wonderful and easy to follow set of instructions for creating and sharing the professor generated playlists. Both guides also give great screenshots and offer information on how to get in touch with the "powers that be".

Head over to their page to see the guides for yourself!

Many thanks to Lora Lennertz Jetton, and the staff at the University of Arkansas!

Enjoy the Weekend!
Nick
615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com

New Playlist Window!

It's that time of year!

Back to School, New Orchestra Season Preparations beginning...

We've made some great changes and enhancements to our Playlist window! In addition to the UI (User Interface- Here's my computer geek coming out) changes, we've also added some great new features. Below you can see some screen shots, explanations, and general information!





Here's a "Bubbled Out" version of the new interface. The main new feature here, are Playlist folders. Each professor/librarian/music director can now have their own folder(s) for members to locate the playlists quickly!

We've also updated the playlist control features to support the addition of folders. "Move Playlist" is an example!

Student and Individual Playlists!

Ever have that perfect album playing, and get frustrated you're unable to save it to a playlist?

Not anymore! All members of subscribing institutions (Orchestra's Included!) will have the ability to create and save their own set of playlists!



Here's the window that members will need to fill out.










* Naxos will NEVER sell, rent, or otherwise distribute your e-mail address to a third party*

E-mail in today's world, is simply the easiest way to retrieve and store member profiles!

Once logged in, members will be able to add, edit, and delete tracks from their individual playlists, all while having full access to the account playlists. Indeed, the NML is becoming the destination for classical music lovers of all walks of life!

Adding Directly to Account Playlists!

Some people know exactly what I'm talking about! As an account adminstrator, or professor, you will now be able to place playlists directly into the "Shared Playlists" area!


The "Folder" pull-down menu will allow you to drop those playlists right into the "shared" access area. No more un-necessary moving! This feature is available as a direct result of User communication, so please keep those comments coming!







As always, if you have any questions, feel free to write or call!

Stay Classy,
Nick
615.465.3836
Nick@NaxosUSA.com

www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com

The Brave New World of "Flash Only"

Wow how time flies!

August 1st is just over a week away, and we're already excited to transition the NML to an Adobe Flash player.

At 12:01 AM on August 1st, 2009, the NML will retire it's Windows Media Player and Microsoft Silverlight servers, and offer only an Adobe Flash player.

Since October of 2008, the NML has been streaming in all 3 available formats. Many have called and written about the various ways they've been able to easily upgrade older computers.

The change from WMP to Flash is welcomed, especially by our friends and colleagues who work on Mac's. Now, the NML will "just work" on Mac's! No more Flip4Mac. No more crazy WMP Plug-In's!




We're also working extensively with the folks that maintain EZ-Proxy to ensure continuous access. Should you encounter any of those infamous Gremlins in the system, please don't hesitate to call or write to us!

EDIT:

Here's an e-mail clarifying many of the recent questions!

Hi Sam, Richard, and all,

We've actually just finished re-encoding all of the old AAC (flash) files. The issue currently / previously, is the encoding.

"FM-Quality" (20 KBP/S)- were playing through the Flash player, as "Near-CD".
"Near CD" (64 KBP/S)- were playing through the Flash player, as "CD" quality.
"CD Quality" (128 KBP/S)- were not playing through the Flash Player. These were being streamed at 192 KBP/S.

Just recently we here in Nashville received more files to test from our colleagues doing to actual encoding, and have finally sorted everything out. In fact, I'll be working with them later this evening on the final details, so that once August 1 comes around, there won't be any Sound Quality issues.

*EZProxy*

A few people have also written in regarding EZProxy. We've been rewriting all of our back end code to work with EZProxy. Also, the folks at EZProxy have adjusted a few settings regarding how the NML works through the servers.

Here's a bit from an e-mail with Chris Zager, a technical designer at EZProxy:

"I can alter EZProxy in any way required to hand the user off to your service. This would eliminate the proxying component, and uses EZproxy just for the authentication component. From my perspective, this is ideal as it eliminates any of these side-effects and also reduces network bandwidth requirements since the media does not have to pass through the university network."


Please keep the questions and comments coming! They are crucial to ensuring that everyone is happy!

Stay Classy!
Nick

Nick NaxosUSA.com
615.465.3836

Student Playlists Coming to the NML!

Student Playlists Feature Being Added to the Naxos Music Library

You read correctly! Student playlists will be available very soon for all NML subscribers.

With the transition of the Naxos databases from Windows Media Player to Adobe Flash, we're able to put many of your suggestions to good use!

I'm a Professor! What does this mean for me? Another Interface?

Nope, Nada, No Way! The basic professor window will remain exactly the same. We're actually going a few steps further to make creating and maintaining playslists easier than ever.

Professors will now have the option to create customized Folders for all of their playlists. Once created these folders can be renamed and password protected! For some students it can be very confusing with so many Music Theory Listening playlists, or History of Bach playlists. Your students will now be able to easily find exactly what you want them to see!

Will I really be able to make my own playlists as a Student?

Yes, Si, Ja! As a student you'll be able to visit your schools Unique URL (http://YOURSCHOOL.NaxosMusicLibrary.com), and click the playlist window.

From there you'll see a brand new window! --->

Simply enter the basic information (so you can easily retrieve your playlists).

Naxos will absolutely not sell or rent your personal information.

After you're done with that, it's pretty simple. Find your tracks, and add them to the playlist you want. If you need help with general playlist creation, there's a step-by-step walkthrough on the playlist page!

Another Great Feature

We missed my favorite feature though! I love the (+) symbol. The (+) button. All things (+). Maybe it has to do with the inherently positive nature of the symbol? Who knows. People tend to laugh at my over-enthusiasm .

Students, Professors, and all NML subscribers will have a (+) button added to the Flash Player, as well as "check mark" boxes added to the left-hand side of the track window. You'll be able to "check" various tracks, click the AWESOME (+) button, and instantly add thm to any of your playlists.



Stay Classy!
Nick

Nick (at) NaxosUSA.com

www.NaxosMusicLibrary.com