AirPlay and Apple devices

TidBITS Talk
1

I have put together a brief description of my understanding of the use of AirPlay and media streaming with Apple devices. I posted it on the Apple Discussions website but thought it might be of interest here.

There is considerable overlap with several Take Control books.

Apple Device Interaction

By Michael Paine, August 2020

Mac computer

  • MacOS (Mojave)
    • iTunes app
      • Airplay >> Video/audio output to Apple TV, Homepod etc
      • Homesharing >> Media server for Apple TV
    • Air Video HD app(1)>> alternative server for audio/video on iOS & Apple TV
    • HD Homerun app >> play free-to-air TV being streamed from HD Homerun server on local network(2)

iPhone / iPad

  • iOS/iPadOS
    • Music/Apple TV app
      • Airplay >> Video/audio output to Apple TV, Homepod etc
    • Remote app >> control music on a Mac (incl Airplay)
    • Air Video HD app >> play audio/video from a Mac running Air Video server
    • HD Homerun app >> play free-to-air TV being streamed from HD Homerun server on local network

Apple TV

  • tvOS

    • Settings app

      • Video and Audio
        • Audio output >> select Homepods etc

    • Music app >> select & play Apple Music (mostly subscription)(3)

    • Computers app >> stream music/video/photos from a Mac running Homesharing

    • Air Video HD app >> play audio/video from a Mac running Air Video

    • Channels app >> play free-to-air TV being streamed from HD Homerun server on local network

Notes

Generally, all devices using Airplay can override an existing AirPlay connection. Sometimes the user gets a warning that another device will be disconnected.

Not all Apple TV apps can output to AirPlay (eg Homepods). Also lip-sync may be out for some apps.

(1) There are several apps like Air Video HD that act as media servers, including Plex. These apps are unable to play protected video purchased/rented from the iTunes Store.

(2) HD Homerun is a TV tuner that is connected to a local network and allows Macs, iOS devices and Apple TV to play free-to-air TV

(3) Some Apple TV apps also allow audio output selection by swiping down to reveal a settings menu