Why does file info change on Apple TV?

I've been wrestling with Apple TV for years without success. It stores and plays movies OK, other than the fact that I usually have to Force Quit, and restart the computer 2 to 3 times before it starts working. But there are features that would be awesome if they worked properly. In my case collectons of dozens of video files simply change themselves. Usually from one type, i.e. "Movie," or "TV Show," to another, "Home Video." but far more frustrating is that various bits of info simply disappear. I have a huge collection of old TV programs in which I used the "Season" and "Episode" fields, and all of that info disappeared from every file (many hours of work), also the "Description" fields often disappear or revert to a previous version. It seems Apple set up the programming so that much of the info that should be held in the video file itself, is actually stored in the Apple TV program, which seems absurd. I've resorted to keeping the info data in a Numbers file. I guess my question here is, is there another program that does what Apple TV is supposed to do in terms of saving and protecting info data in the video file itself, thus making it easily transportable and useful on any unit in which that software is running?

MacBook Pro 13″

Posted on Apr 2, 2023 04:21 PM

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Apr 3, 2023 07:14 AM in response to Mr. Bacon

I usually have to Force Quit, and restart the computer 2 to 3 times before it starts working.

Sorry to hear that. That doesn’t seem to happen for many other users, so perhaps something is amiss regarding your app settings file or library integrity. That can be fixed (by starting over).


… collection of old TV programs […] and all of that [meta data] info disappeared from every file (many hours of work), also the "Description" fields often disappear or revert to a previous version.

That seems again to point to something wrong with the library integrity. You may want to consider (re-)starting with a fresh new library, without any of the old issues.


It seems Apple set up the programming so that much of the info that should be held in the video file itself, is actually stored in the Apple TV program

There may be a difference between unprotected media files and protected media files, not sure. Do these media files originate from the iTunes Store?


is there another program that does […] saving info data in the video file itself?

I like Subler, but there are others as well. You’ll have to re-add files that have been changed externally, for the library to notice the edit.


Note that TV shows have a very particular set of meta data to make it work with the Apple TV app, for grouping correctly. Multiple tags that apply to all episodes should match, including case sensitivity.

Apr 3, 2023 05:44 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Been struggling with this nonsense for several years now. Numerous computers, always the same disappointing results. The problem resides in the Apple TV programming. I've done every sort of reinstalls, nothing makes any difference at all. I've even been prohibited from using this "community." Had I not invested dozens of hours in this, I wouldn't care. I have a hard time believing that I'm the only unfortunate user going through this. I've been a satisfied Apple user for 35 years, but lately it seems to be going to the nether reigions. My last computer purchase was a MacBook Pro, The biggest disappointment in all my computer years. Thanks, however for your input!

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Why does file info change on Apple TV?

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