14 DAY TRIAL // Almost two months after announcing plans to open up its iTunes LP file format to all developers and labels, Apple has updated its web site with specifications and resources. Accompanying the downloads is the TuneKit framework, thrown in by Apple for a superior multimedia experience.
“Here’s everything you need to know to create a rich, interactive experience around your music and movies,” Apple says on the designated web page. “Automatic, electronic submission of your iTunes LP or Extra is scheduled for the first quarter of 2010. Until then, the submission process is manual and limited. Please contact your label or studio rep for details and consideration. An existing iTunes contract is required. Your iTunes LP or iTunes Extras will be reviewed by the iTunes team for appropriateness of content and for technical quality,” the Mac maker adds.
However, before they can create their iTunes LP or iTunes Extras, developers are advised to start off by downloading the documents that assist them in learning the best practices for design and navigation on the Mac, PC, and Apple TV.
Apple then continues to explain that “iTunes LP and iTunes Extras are interactive experiences created to accompany music and movies.” According to the iTunes gatekeeper, “iTunes LP lets listeners hear an album and view lyrics, liner notes, band photos, performance videos, and more. With iTunes Extras, viewers can see cast interviews, exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and photo galleries along with the movie. To create your iTunes LP and iTunes Extras, download these templates — they make it easy to get started. Just drop in your own metadata, artwork, audio files and video files. A detailed ‘how to’ guide gives you step-by-step instructions and support along the way,” the company confirms, offering up the necessary downloads as well.
As for those who have plans to jump-start their iTunes LP and iTunes Extras creations, Apple encourages them to download TuneKit, the TuneKit Programming Guide, as well as the TuneKit API (Application Programming Interface). Visit Apple here to learn more.