Is this possible via an Ipad?

[UglyCasanova]

Here is the situation. Our primary computer is an old Dell Dimension 5150 with a P4 and onboard video. It does everything that I need it to do, which is: surf the internet, do word/excel, and play videos (although it does poorly with HD video).

My wife recently got a job where she needs the computer a lot more, so the plan is to move this from our bedroom onto a desk in the living room for her and I will replace the computer with something new. I want an Ipad since it does my primary use for the computer (read the news online) quite well, and I can use the other computer for Office when I need to. Instead of getting a new computer I was thinking about just going the Ipad route.

The catch: I will need it to play videos on some kind of a screen that I buy (monitor or TV) from the other computer since it has a 1 TB hard drive with all of the videos on it. Is there some sort of solution where I could stream video from the old computer to the TV/Monitor and control it via the Ipad (since it will be in the room and the other computer won't, I don't want to have to walk across the house to hit play).

 

[gorcorps]

There's an app called Air Video Server (around $3) which let's you stream video from your PC to your phone or iPad. I believe this also supports video out, so with a video out cable you can output to the TV. Unfortunately the iPad will be tethered to the TV now.

 

[AFurryReptile]

Keep in mind that if any of the videos your are looking to watch on the iPad are flash-based, they aren't going to work.

 

[vshah]

apple tv or similar streaming box is also an option

 

[UglyCasanova]

There's an app called Air Video Server (around $3) which let's you stream video from your PC to your phone or iPad. I believe this also supports video out, so with a video out cable you can output to the TV. Unfortunately the iPad will be tethered to the TV now.

I don't mind the Ipad having to be connected to the TV, I just don't want to have to walk into the other room to hit play.

And I am not worried about Flash at all really. The stuff I watch is documentaries I have.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Possible setups:

Computer >stream> iPad > AV Adapter > HDMI cable > TV

Computer >stream> iPad >stream> Apple TV > HDMI cable > TV (all wireless)

In any case, yes, streaming from a computer to an iPad is possible, and regardless of whether or not the video is Flash-based. You can either use Air Video or Orbz. Both solutions even go as far as allowing you to stream any movie from your computer to your iPad even if the iPad is not at home.

 

[ponyo]

I recommend Apple TV with XMBC. It's $99 and will stream all your movies to TV easily. You can even control it with the free remote app for the iPod, iPad, or the iPhone. I installed one on my living room TV couple of days ago to stream movies from my downstairs computer. I was so impressed I ordered another one for the bedroom.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Apple TV won't cure the need for reading news on websites. In fact, it's little more than a portal for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch to TV.

 

[ponyo]

Apple TV won't cure the need for reading news on websites. In fact, it's little more than a portal for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch to TV.

He can get an iPad for that.

 

[runawayprisoner]

He can get an iPad for that.

Well, that was what he was asking for. Even though I also consider it as an intermediary in my suggestions, I must admit that as a standalone device, it's not too useful.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

You can try using skyfire for flash video.

 

[Aikouka]

The iPad should be able to do everything you want, but it won't be straightforward. People in the thread have recommended some good apps that can handle the streaming of files.

Although, if you tend to watch videos a lot... you may want to consider the ATV route. The HDMI adapter is $39.99. So for $60 more and a lot less hassle, you can just always have a streamer on your TV.

I recommend Apple TV with XMBC. It's $99 and will stream all your movies to TV easily. You can even control it with the free remote app for the iPod, iPad, or the iPhone. I installed one on my living room TV couple of days ago to stream movies from my downstairs computer. I was so impressed I ordered another one for the bedroom.

My Apple Remote always disconnects whenever I start XBMC on the AppleTV.

I just use HippoRemote, which does work with a hacked ATV2 as long as you leave the VNC server installed and turned on.

Paid ($4.99)
Free

The remote can also wake it up from sleep.

 

[ponyo]

My Apple Remote always disconnects whenever I start XBMC on the AppleTV.

I just use HippoRemote, which does work with a hacked ATV2 as long as you leave the VNC server installed and turned on.

Paid ($4.99)
Free

The remote can also wake it up from sleep.

I forgot remote app doesn't work in XBMC. I always just use the tiny included remote.

 

[Aikouka]

I forgot remote app doesn't work in XBMC. I always just use the tiny included remote.

Ugh, that remote is just awful in XBMC. All you get are the basic controls, which can be fine most of the time, but when you need to mess around with subtitles or anything like that... you're out of luck.

 

[TheStu]

OP, the AppleTV with 4.3 plus the iPad 2 with 4.3 I think is the way to go. You can set up AirPlay and HomeSharing, combined with AirVideo you should be able to get anything onto anything.

To the gallery, does AirVideo support AirPlay?

 

[kamikazekyle]

AirVideo supports AirPlay with their latest beta server.

 

[TheStu]

AirVideo supports AirPlay with their latest beta server.

What about the app itself? Can I use AirVideo on an iPad to watch an MKV transcoded from my desktop, and send it via AirPlay from the iPad to the AppleTV?

 

[kamikazekyle]

What about the app itself? Can I use AirVideo on an iPad to watch an MKV transcoded from my desktop, and send it via AirPlay from the iPad to the AppleTV?

Sure, if you have the latest version on the iPad and the beta server software.

http://www.inmethod.com/forum/posts/list/3039.page

Again, though, the setup is still in beta so your milegae may vary.

Edit: I should note I haven't tried this setup since I don't have anything AirPlay compatible. Plus my AirVideo server is my HTPC, so it'd be a bit redundant

 

[monkey333]

I heart air video...

 

[ponyo]

What about the app itself? Can I use AirVideo on an iPad to watch an MKV transcoded from my desktop, and send it via AirPlay from the iPad to the AppleTV?

You should be able to do that if you upgrade to iOS 4.3. I don't want to do that for my ATV2 since I'll lose my XBMC. With iOS 4.2, if I select Airplay on the iPad while viewing something with AirVideo, the sound is transferred but no video. I can't wait til they get XBMC working with 4.3. But even right now, I can't complain since I can stream any videos to my iPads via AirVideo and play anything on my Apple TV2 via XBMC.

 

[gorcorps]

nevermind, misread something