How-to: Navigate the Australian iTunes store
November 28th, 2007 by Jeremy Roche and Ella Morton
If you're behind the wheel of an iPod or Mac computer it's likely the easiest way to purchase legal music and video online is through Apple's iTunes store.
Learn to steer your way through the Australian version of Apple's iTunes store with our simple FAQ guide.
The basics
How much do songs cost?
Singles are priced at AU$1.69, entire albums generally cost AU$16.99 (prices can fluctuate a little, we're told) and video clips cost AU$3.39. All podcasts are free.
What format is the music stored in?
Protected MPEG-4 container files with encoded AAC streams (*.m4p) at 128kbps. Every song purchased from iTMS is encoded in Apple's Fairplay digital rights management (DRM) that is built into the QuickTime technology used in iTunes and iPod music players. Fairplay digitally encrypts AAC audio files so that they can only be played back on up to five authorised computers.
Do I need a credit card to sign up for an account?
You can sign up for an Apple iTunes account with a debit or credit card, so long as it's a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card issued by a bank in Australia. If you don't want to use a credit or debit card, you can purchase a pre-paid iTunes Music Card (see below for more information).
Can I preview songs for free?
Yes, iTunes allows you to listen to a 30 second sample of any song for free -- simply double-click it.
Is there a way to add songs to a shopping cart and pay for them all at once rather than buying each song individually?
Go to Edit -> Preferences and click on the Store tab, select "Buy using a Shopping Cart" instead of the "Buy and download using 1-Click" option.
How do I subscribe to a podcast?
The iTunes store has a searchable directory that allows you to find shows by genre, artist or title. Once you've tracked down your preferred podcasts, just click the Subscribe button, and new episodes will be downloaded straight to your library. You can also set up your iPod to automatically update its podcast section whenever it's connected to your computer.
If you've found a podcast on the Web, you can still subscribe to it through iTunes. Just go to the Advanced pull-down menu, choose Subscribe to Podcast, and type in the URL.
What is iTunes Plus?
iTunes Plus songs have a higher bitrate than other tracks -- 256kbps compared to 128kbps. They also do not have digital rights management (DRM) software protection. This means there are no restrictions on transferring your songs to other devices or burning them to CD.
I hear you can get games from the iTunes store now.
You can indeed. Games such as Tetris, Mini Golf and Texas Hold'em can be purchased for AU$7.49 each, or AU$67.41 for a set of nine. Note that these titles are only compatible with fifth-generation video iPods or later -- they won't play on other models or in iTunes.
Gift cards
Is there any way I can give iTunes credit as a gift?
Gift certificates from AU$20 to AU$200 can be purchased through the iTunes Music Store and either printed or e-mailed to the recipient. Pre-paid iTunes Music Cards in AU$20, AU$50 and AU$100 denominations are also available through stores such as Coles, Myer, Megamart, BI-LO, JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Harris Technology.
I scored an iTunes gift card. How do I redeem it?
On the home page of the iTunes store you'll see a box at the top right titled Quick Links. Click on the Redeem link and you'll be prompted to enter the alphanumeric code on your card.
Why do I have to give my credit card details when I try to redeem a gift card?
You don't! When you redeem a prepaid card or certificate you will need to create an account for the iTunes store, but you don't have to enter your credit card number. When you are given the option to enter your info during the sign-up process, just click the None button on the Payment screen.
International stores
Can I buy songs, TV shows or movies from another country's iTunes store?
Generally no, unless you have a credit card and billing address in the country you want to buy from.
It is also not possible to purchase a gift card for another country's store -- or to use your local store to redeem a gift card bought in another country.
Why aren't TV shows and movies available in the Australian store?
This has to do with differing copyright and licensing laws between countries.
Overseas movie and television studios have not licensed Apple to sell movies and TV content in Australia. Unfortunately, there's nothing Apple can do unless they're granted the rights. There is no firm date for when this might happen, but it is expected to be some time in late 2007 or early 2008.
Local television networks have not yet seen it fit to provide shows on iTunes -- apart from podcasts -- though many are now offering streaming or downloadable content on their own Web sites or via YouTube.
Why is the Australian iTunes Music Store more expensive than the US one?
We're not entirely sure of the breakdown of Apple's AU$1.69 charge, but you are correct: US$0.99 only equates to about AU$1.12 (at the time of publishing). The strong Aussie dollar is a factor, but take note also that the Australian price includes 10 percent GST, whereas in the US, Apple is required to charge tax in states where music downloads are taxable. UK residents are hit a little harder than us, where it costs £0.79 per song (roughly AU$1.86) and VAT is included in the price.
Listing your work in iTunes
I'm an Australian artist. How do I get my music into the iTunes store?
Under the music marketing section of Apple's Web site, you can submit an online application to have your music added to the iTunes Music Store. Apple states it will review the application and contact you if it is interested in including your music. The application form requests the size of the music catalogue (number of tracks, number of albums) to which you have distribution rights as well as the genre of music.
I've created a podcast and I want to showcase it to the masses. How can I get it listed in the iTunes store?
You'll need to post your episode files on a server with a publicly accessible URL, create an RSS feed, then submit the feed URL to iTunes (click the Submit a Podcast link in the store's Podcast section). More information on the submission process, including tech specs and naming tips, can be found in Apple's guide.
i am new to facebook, tryin to download this "plug-in" for my photos and having no joy.....HELP!!!!!! 
Matt
November 28th, 2007 at 8:05pm
You can get your music published on iTunes very easily via Tunecore. They provide a service which basically passes on the royalties/fees generated via iTunes sales directly, after paying an annual fee. The fees are quite cheap too. I had a relaxation (baby slumber) type CD to sell earlier this year. I used Tunecore to get it published and have been receiving income from it directly into my paypal account ever since. It is really easy... Note: I am not employed or have any vested interest in Tuncore, just thought it might help others. Regards, Matt
Mick
December 28th, 2007 at 6:13pm
Thanks Matt that *was* helpful!
Peter
January 7th, 2008 at 9:14am
The iTunes account does not give me a "none" option for credit card details when setting up an acount.
melit
June 13th, 2008 at 2:08pm
Tunecore is the best for getting i tunes, try it
Myrianne Hamon
July 20th, 2008 at 2:44pm
I have an account with iTunes but changed computer and now have a laptop. How can I log back in? Should I download the site again since I don't have it anymore? Am I going to loose nearly 1000 songs if I plug my ipod into the laptop? Thank you for your help.
Wayne Dougan
August 31st, 2008 at 10:35am
I have a new computer & all the music I baught from iTunes will not play require reissue of licences who & how do I contact to fix this problem?
John Wilson
September 18th, 2008 at 4:26pm
I have just had my hard drive re-formatted and have lost my link to I-tunes. How do I re-activate it?
Credit Card
September 29th, 2008 at 7:15pm
John you'll have to reinstall itunes. It is freely avaliable off the web at apples website. You can't miss it!
Sherene L Ricketts
November 24th, 2008 at 2:38pm
I purchased something from Itunes some time ago using my credit card which I hoped could be used by my daughter & received an authorization pin number I think. Unfortunately I cannot find this anymore as it has not been used before. Is there anyway you can track this transaction for me. I would imagine that you have recognised the fact that I am not an avid computer user & was trying to set this up for her as a gift. Many Thanks Sherene Ricketts
Low Interest Credit Card
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:15pm
Sherene, did you get an email receipt when you bought the product. I am assuming it is an iTunes voucher. I would suggest you reply back to the email you received when you bought the itunes voucher and explain the situation.
John Waight
March 12th, 2009 at 8:45pm
Can I buy a couple of albums or are they only avaible via download
Darren V
April 4th, 2009 at 7:39pm
I also am looking for a non-credit card option. The documentation says there is a "None" option, and that's not the case for me. Surely it's possible to create an I-tunes account without a credit card?
mike smith
April 18th, 2009 at 11:20am
I have moved from the UK to Oz and have been given itune gift cards. My itunes store is the UK one does anyone know how to change county so I can use the cards????
kevinmalunga
May 25th, 2009 at 9:14pm
good information
Kellie
June 5th, 2009 at 1:20pm
I am in Australia but have access to UK CC. Can I setup a UK itune account on my computor (in Aust) in order to purchase songs from the UK to download to my PC??
joe
June 6th, 2009 at 5:10pm
Iphone is 3 days old. Locked up 1st day for 16 hours hard reset did nothing. Cant even get an account with debit or credit card. Telstra told me phone is unlocked though isn't, what a bad deal, I am taking it back. And no one to talk to about store account. Its RUBBISH
Pissed off
June 6th, 2009 at 5:19pm
I have today tried to set up a store account for the last six hours. My credit card has a line of credit of more than 2million dollars and still cant set up the account. I'm getting rid of it and going back to a normal Nokia. At least you dont require a credit card to use the phone. (FUCKING RUBBISH)
Patrick Fielding
June 9th, 2009 at 9:38am
I have an account with the itunes store for my Apple TV. I rented my first movie for the Applie TV yesterday..."House Bunny", and the characters were all green....very disappointing. Not sure I'll use it again.
Patricia Geoghegan
June 17th, 2009 at 9:03pm
I was recently given a $50 ITune credit card of which I have $30 remaining. Gift Voucher number is XXAYQSCGMQKF4387. I cannot access store account as I keep being informed my email address is incorrect - is the only one I have ever had. Which means I am not sure about my password. Would appreciate any assistance you can afford me.
Claude Buna
August 3rd, 2009 at 6:37pm
recently i've been having problems previewing songs Istore requests me to authorize my computer only to tell me after that my computer is already autorized, this keeps on going forever. Today I purchased a song and it still does not allowed me to play it but it has diducted the price from my account. What could be the problem?
Katherine Burnog
October 8th, 2009 at 11:40pm
Can you please help me? I purchased an album today (8/10) and one song is missing. I have tried all the options to find it - iTunes says it was downloaded, but it's not there. I can't find who I should contact re my problem. Thanks! Katherine.
Rosalind
November 12th, 2009 at 6:07am
I found this great online store selling US iTunes gift cards for use outside the US if you live abroad. Their service is quick and efficient and the price reasonable. I've sent their link to some friends living overseas and they are delighted with the service. Check it out and follow the instructions on the link. http://itunes-giftcards.com/FAQ.html
Michele Baker
November 30th, 2009 at 10:33am
how the hell do i get a receipt for songs and albums purchased on itunes store. i need it for tax deductions.
donna
December 7th, 2009 at 6:56am
My computer just crashed and I lost all my itunes songs that I had paid for. HOw do I recover them on the new computer.?? Do I have to download Itunes again and start all over or what????
Tarnia
December 7th, 2009 at 9:39pm
I am unable to download itunes. whenever I try it only progresses to 24% and goes no further. Is there something I'm doing wrong or is there a problem with my computer?
Dee
December 8th, 2009 at 3:18am
I've purchased a song and have been been automatically charged for it through my credit card however this particular song does not play on my iphone (I've downloaded loads before and they are all good), who can I contact to rectify this problem?
Tony
January 11th, 2010 at 8:15pm
itunes account set-up will not recognise the security code on my visa debit card. i have used the code for many other net purchases this year. i called my bank - Citibank - to ensure the card is valid i have copied the address from my bills sent by the bank to my home address AND STILL IT WILL NOT RECOGNISE THE VALID SECURITY NUMBER. zero problems with amazon.
Julie
January 13th, 2010 at 11:21pm
I have just purchased over $60 worth of songs from the itunes store but can not access them in my library. I tried to purchase one of the songs again just to make sure I hadnt missed something or done it wrong and it would not allow me to, saying it was already purchased. How do I access the music I paid for?
Helen
February 16th, 2010 at 1:55am
I have two invalid iTunes charges on my credit card. I have searched and searched iTunes help on line, but cannot find an Australian contact phone number or email address for the iTunes store to try to sort this out. They sure make it hard to be contacted. Anyone know their contact number???