Control iTunes from a cocoa application

Question

I am developing a mac application that involves audio playback. I would like to pause other audio players when our playback starts.

how can I
1) detect that itu

Answer 1

1) detect that itunes is running

NSRunningApplication or Process Manager.

2) detect that itunes is currently playing
3) pause itunes
4) resume itunes when I am done

Scripting Bridge.

5) Is the a way to pause other types of media playback as well?

That depends on the application.

audio and video in the in the browser for example?

No.