Introduction to Using AirPlay
For many years, the music, videos, and photos stored in our iTunes libraries and on our computers were stuck on those devices (barring complex file-sharing arrangements). For Apple products, that's all changed with the advent of AirPlay (formerly known as AirTunes), which allows you to stream all kinds of content from your computer or iOS device to other computers, speakers, and even TVs via Wi-Fi.
It's a pretty neat, and pretty powerful, technology that's only going to get more useful as more products support it.
You don't have to wait for that day to come, though. If you want to start using AirPlay today, read on for tips on how to use it with many existing devices and apps.
In order to use AirPlay, you'll need compatible devices. These include:
If you have an iOS device, you'll probably want to download Apple's free Remote app from the App Store. Remote allows you to use your iOS device as a remote (big surprise there, eh?) to control your computer's iTunes library and what devices it streams content to, which saves running back and forth to your computer each time you want to change something.
Pretty handy!
When you have a version of iTunes that supports AirPlay and at least one other compatible device, you'll see the AirPlay icon, a rectangle with a triangle pushing into it from the bottom (picture at left above). Depending on what version of iTunes you have, the AirPlay icon will appear in different locations. In iTunes 11 and higher, the AirPlay icon is in the top left, next to the play/forward/backward buttons. In iTunes 10 and earlier, you'll find it in the bottom right-hand corner of the iTunes window. This allows you to select a device to stream audio or video to via AirPlay. While earlier versions of AirTunes required you to set iTunes to seek out these devices, that's no longer necessary--iTunes now automatically detects them.
As long as your computer and the device you want to connect to are on the same Wi-Fi network, you'll see the names you've given the devices in the menu that appears when you click the AirPlay icon.
Select the AirPlay device you want the music or video to play through in this menu (you can select more than one device at the same time). Then begin playing music or video and you'll hear it playing through the device you selected.
To learn specifics how to use AirPlay with other devices and apps, read on.
Using AirPlay with AirPort Express
One of the easiest ways to take advantage of AirPlay is with the AirPort Express. This sub-US$100 device () plugs into a wall socket, connects to your Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) network and then allows you to connect speakers, stereos, and printers to it. With it serving as the AirPlay receiver, you can then stream content to any device attached to it.
Simply set up the AirPort Express and then choose it from the AirPlay menu in iTunes to stream content to it.
The AirPort Express supports streaming audio only, no video or photos. It also allows wireless printer sharing, so your printer no longer needs a cable attached to your computer to work.
As noted on the previous page, using the Remote app with the AirPort Express makes life much easier.
AirPlay and Apple TV
Another simple way to use AirPlay in the home is via the Apple TV, the tiny set-top box that connects your HDTV to your iTunes library and the iTunes Store. The Apple TV and AirPlay is a powerful combination indeed: it supports music, video, photos, and content streamed from apps.
This means that with the tap of a button, you can take the video you're watching on your iPad and send it to your HDTV via the Apple TV.
If you're sending content from your computer to the Apple TV, use the method already described. If you're using an app that displays the AirPlay icon (most common in web browsers, and audio and video apps), simply the AirPlay icon to select the Apple TV as the device to stream that content to.
If the Apple TV doesn't show up in the AirPlay menu, make sure AirPlay is enabled on it by going to the Apple TV's Settings menu and then choosing the AirPlay menu and enabling it.
A growing number of iOS support AirPlay, too. While the apps that supported AirPlay were initially limited to those built by Apple and included in the iOS, since iOS 4.3, third-party apps have been able to take advantage of AirPlay. Just look for the AirPlay icon—most often found in audio or video apps, but it may also be found on videos embedded in web pages—and tap it to select the destination you want to stream content to from your iOS device.
There are stereo receivers and speakers from third-party manufacturers that offer built-in AirPlay support. Some come with compatibility built in, others require aftermarket upgrades. Either way, with these components, you won't need an AirPort Express or Apple TV to send content to; you'll be able to send it directly to your stereo from iTunes or compatible apps.
As with the AirPort Express or Apple TV, set up your speakers (and consult the included manual for directions on using AirPlay) and then select them from the AirPlay menu in iTunes or your apps to stream audio to them.
For many years, the music, videos, and photos stored in our iTunes libraries and on our computers were stuck on those devices (barring complex file-sharing arrangements). For Apple products, that's all changed with the advent of AirPlay (formerly known as AirTunes), which allows you to stream all kinds of content from your computer or iOS device to other computers, speakers, and even TVs via Wi-Fi.
It's a pretty neat, and pretty powerful, technology that's only going to get more useful as more products support it.
You don't have to wait for that day to come, though. If you want to start using AirPlay today, read on for tips on how to use it with many existing devices and apps.
AirPlay Requirements
In order to use AirPlay, you'll need compatible devices. These include:
- A Mac or PC
- An iOS device running iOS 4.2 or later
- iTunes 10.2 or later (some earlier versions support AirTunes or more limited AirPlay implementations)
- Any iPad model
- iPhone 3GS or higher
- 3rd generation iPod touch or newer
- Any Apple TV model (see page 3 for more details)
- AirPort Express (See next page for more details)
- Compatible third-party apps
- Compatible third-party hardware like speakers or stereo receivers
Remote App
If you have an iOS device, you'll probably want to download Apple's free Remote app from the App Store. Remote allows you to use your iOS device as a remote (big surprise there, eh?) to control your computer's iTunes library and what devices it streams content to, which saves running back and forth to your computer each time you want to change something.
Pretty handy!
Basic AirPlay Use
When you have a version of iTunes that supports AirPlay and at least one other compatible device, you'll see the AirPlay icon, a rectangle with a triangle pushing into it from the bottom (picture at left above). Depending on what version of iTunes you have, the AirPlay icon will appear in different locations. In iTunes 11 and higher, the AirPlay icon is in the top left, next to the play/forward/backward buttons. In iTunes 10 and earlier, you'll find it in the bottom right-hand corner of the iTunes window. This allows you to select a device to stream audio or video to via AirPlay. While earlier versions of AirTunes required you to set iTunes to seek out these devices, that's no longer necessary--iTunes now automatically detects them.
As long as your computer and the device you want to connect to are on the same Wi-Fi network, you'll see the names you've given the devices in the menu that appears when you click the AirPlay icon.
Select the AirPlay device you want the music or video to play through in this menu (you can select more than one device at the same time). Then begin playing music or video and you'll hear it playing through the device you selected.
To learn specifics how to use AirPlay with other devices and apps, read on.
Using AirPlay with AirPort Express
One of the easiest ways to take advantage of AirPlay is with the AirPort Express. This sub-US$100 device () plugs into a wall socket, connects to your Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) network and then allows you to connect speakers, stereos, and printers to it. With it serving as the AirPlay receiver, you can then stream content to any device attached to it.
Simply set up the AirPort Express and then choose it from the AirPlay menu in iTunes to stream content to it.
Supported Content
The AirPort Express supports streaming audio only, no video or photos. It also allows wireless printer sharing, so your printer no longer needs a cable attached to your computer to work.
Requirements
- iTunes 10.2 or later
- At least one AirPort Express running firmware 7.4.2 or newer (you can use multiple AirPort Expresses in the house; for instance, I have one in my bedroom and one in my kitchen)
- Speakers (or printer) to plug into the AirPort Express
As noted on the previous page, using the Remote app with the AirPort Express makes life much easier.
Related
AirPlay and Apple TV
Another simple way to use AirPlay in the home is via the Apple TV, the tiny set-top box that connects your HDTV to your iTunes library and the iTunes Store. The Apple TV and AirPlay is a powerful combination indeed: it supports music, video, photos, and content streamed from apps.
This means that with the tap of a button, you can take the video you're watching on your iPad and send it to your HDTV via the Apple TV.
If you're sending content from your computer to the Apple TV, use the method already described. If you're using an app that displays the AirPlay icon (most common in web browsers, and audio and video apps), simply the AirPlay icon to select the Apple TV as the device to stream that content to.
If the Apple TV doesn't show up in the AirPlay menu, make sure AirPlay is enabled on it by going to the Apple TV's Settings menu and then choosing the AirPlay menu and enabling it.
Supported Content
- Audio streamed from iTunes or iOS devices
- Video streamed from iTunes or iOS devices
- Video from iOS apps (e.g. YouTube app or video embedded in web pages)
- Photos from computer or iOS devices
- Mirroring a device's screen on the TV
Requirements
- Apple TV
- 2nd generation Apple TV and newer for video and photos
- 1st generation Apple TV for audio only
- iTunes 10.2 or higher
- iOS device running
- iOS 4.3 or higher to stream content from third-party apps
- iOS 4.2 or higher to stream from built-in iOS apps
- An HDTV
Related
A growing number of iOS support AirPlay, too. While the apps that supported AirPlay were initially limited to those built by Apple and included in the iOS, since iOS 4.3, third-party apps have been able to take advantage of AirPlay. Just look for the AirPlay icon—most often found in audio or video apps, but it may also be found on videos embedded in web pages—and tap it to select the destination you want to stream content to from your iOS device.
Supported Content
- Audio
- Video
- Photos
Built-In iOS Apps that Support AirPlay
- Music
- iPod
- Videos
- Photos
- YouTube
- Safari
Requirements
- AirPort Express, Apple TV, or compatible speakers
- iOS device running
- iOS 4.3 or higher to stream content from third-party apps
- iOS 4.2 or higher to stream from built-in iOS apps
- App that supports AirPlay
Related
- WebOut Browser iPhone App Review
- SkyFire Web Browser iPhone App Review
- Using AirPlay with Android Apps?
There are stereo receivers and speakers from third-party manufacturers that offer built-in AirPlay support. Some come with compatibility built in, others require aftermarket upgrades. Either way, with these components, you won't need an AirPort Express or Apple TV to send content to; you'll be able to send it directly to your stereo from iTunes or compatible apps.
As with the AirPort Express or Apple TV, set up your speakers (and consult the included manual for directions on using AirPlay) and then select them from the AirPlay menu in iTunes or your apps to stream audio to them.
Supported Content
- Audio
Requirements
- iTunes 10.2 or later
- Compatible speakers
- iOS device running
- iOS 4.3 or higher to stream content from third-party apps
- iOS 4.2 or higher to stream from built-in iOS apps
- App that supports AirPlay
Related
- Creating a Wireless Home Audio System with the iPhone and iTunes
- Getting AirPlay for Denon and Marantz Home Theater Receivers
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