Problems with Blubrry podcast in iTunes on Windows 10 computers only

  • This long-established podcast has been working fine until recently, but after resolving initial timeout issues with whilst validating the feed, problems have subsequently developed specifically with playback of podcasts on the latest version of iTunes for Windows 10 (tested on 2 laptops and one desktop). There is no problem with playback on iTunes on an Apple Mac laptop, nor on the Podcast App on an iPad (don’t have an iPhone to test podcasting apps on these). It also plays back on Android podcasting apps, directly on the website and from within Blubrry. The RSS feed validates.

    If you click on the “on Apple Podcasts” link under “Subcribe to Podcast” in the footer the latest 35 episodes are all displayed correctly on the iTunes store – but none play back when clicked.

    This could be an iTunes issue – and I’ve already raised the issue on an Apple iTunes forum – with some helpful suggestions but no resolution: https://discussions.apple.com/message/32097770?ac_cid=op123456#32097770

    When conducting a search on an Android app I came across two listings for Podcast Pêldroed – with one containing just 10 episodes. I don’t know if this is a factor with the problems. I’m not sure how to delete the 10 episode stream – because only one (the correct) stream shows up when logged in to Blubrry or iTunes Podcast Connect.

    It’s also worth noting that at one stage the iTunes store URL contained /us/ (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/podcast-pel-droed/idxxxx) as the country code in the iTunes Listing URL in the Blubrry settings, rather than /gb/. I corrected this – but could this be involved in matters?

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Plugin Support Shawn

    (@shawnogordo)

    I’m trying to find someone who can help test this in Windows 10. I have an iMac which does have Win10 installed under Bootcamp but I barely ever use it. Will report back here as soon as I come up with something.

    In the thread on the Apple forums, you said this is the podcast RSS feed:
    https://www.podcastpeldroed.cymru/feed/podcast

    Can you also post a link to the show’s complete listing in the iTunes Store? The link you’ve posted above is missing the show’s ID number, which could be a problem.

    Thread Starter alarch

    (@alarch)

    Thanks for the reply Shawn. The RSS feed for the podcast is correct as given in your response.

    Here’s the show’s full iTunes Store Listing URL: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/podcast-pel-droed/id965376856

    I would like to know if any episodes play OK on an iPhone, to further establish whether or not this is a Windows 10 specific issue.

    Plugin Author Angelo Mandato

    (@amandato)

    Hello @alarch,

    I did some testing, it appears to be an issue with the domain having the .cymru extension. I am using a port monitor on my computer and it appears iTunes desktop does not even try to request the URL. I am guessing that the extension is not recognized by the desktop app. cymru was launched in 2015, so it is completely possible it is not supported yet in the desktop app. I would pass this information on to your support thread with Apple. I believe Apple is soon going to end the podcast support in iTunes desktop (rumor) and solely focus its efforts with the Podcast iOS app, which will not be a problem since I believe they are porting the Podcast iOS app to work with iOS 11 (apps would work on both desktop and tablet/phones). This Spring they launched a campaign to rename “Subscribe on iTunes” to “Subscribe on Apple Podcasts” in preparation for the change.

    I’ve tested on the iOS podcast app on my iPad and have no issues downloading or playing the episodes.

    To get around the issue, you could host your feed with a service such as FeedBurner, and host your podcast media with a service such as Blubrry Podcast Hosting. The advantage to Blubrry hosting if you are not aware is you do all the uploading right from within your WordPress site (click the blue button for a quick preview in PowerPress just below the media URL box). Another option is to get a domain name that uses a more traditional and widely recognizable extension, such as .com.

    Thanks,
    Angelo

    Thread Starter alarch

    (@alarch)

    Thanks a lot Angelo. That makes sense. When the Podcast was first launched the .cymru extension wasn’t available, and so the website was launched with the .co.uk domain, and iTunes worked fine on Windows 10 at that point. When the .cymru became available this was acquired (it’s a podcast about the Welsh national football team after all) and the .co.uk became redundant. I guess the problems date from when this lapsed.

    It is odd that the podcast continues to work fine on iTunes on the Mac – so presumably .cymru extensions have been accepted for iTunes on the Mac, but not iTunes for Windows.

    I’ll bear your suggestions regarding Feeburner and Blubrry hosting in mind. Thanks again for your help with this.

    Plugin Author Angelo Mandato

    (@amandato)

    Hello @alarch,

    It actually does make sense, iTunes desktop app is over 14+ years old, where-as the iOS podcast app is much newer. I am confident Apple is trying to replace “iTunes” with separate products, hence the Subscribe to iTunes -> Subscribe to Apple Podcasts change in the past few months.

    Thanks,
    Angelo

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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