Stream Music & Video to iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch - Guide
Streaming Music and Video to iOS Devices
Initially, a challenge arose upon acquiring an iPhone: the difficulty of directly streaming a pre-existing, well-maintained music and video library to the device. Reliance on iTunes is minimal, used primarily for occasional podcast subscriptions, largely due to a preference for the Linux operating system, although several Windows PCs are also utilized.
Addressing the Linux to iOS Streaming Gap
Limited solutions are available for streaming from Linux to iOS devices. Consequently, Air Playit, compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X, was investigated as a potential workaround.
Developed by Digiarty Software, Air Playit functions as both a server application, installed on a personal computer, and a mobile app designed for use on an iPhone or comparable device.
Ease of Setup and Sharing Capabilities
The installation and configuration of Air Playit are remarkably straightforward. The software provides support for both local network sharing and remote access.
This dual capability enhances its versatility, allowing content to be accessed from within the home network or remotely when connected to the internet.
Setting Up & Configuring the Server
Let's begin by downloading the server software tailored for your specific operating system. Access the appropriate download link provided below:
- Air Playit Server: Available for Windows (both 32 & 64bit versions) and Mac OS X.
After the download process is complete, execute the downloaded file. Proceed through the installation wizard and then launch the server application. Windows users might encounter a prompt from Windows Firewall; ensure you authorize access if you utilize this security feature.
Upon initial startup, a registration window will appear. You have the option to complete this form or bypass it by selecting Do not show again. Following this, familiarize yourself with the server interface, which will be running and identified by your computer’s name.
The server features six distinct tabs, each serving a specific purpose. These are:
- Information - Displays essential server details, including the IP address and server name.
- Permission - Allows you to manage user access levels, such as administrator, children, and public users. Public access is, by default, enabled without requiring a PIN.
- Shared Folders - This is where your media files are stored and accessed.
- Conversion - Provides an offline video conversion tool, enabling you to transform videos into mobile-compatible formats.
- Web - Offers a complete web-based user interface for server management (activation is necessary).
- Setting - Contains various customization options for tailoring the server to your preferences.
The subsequent step involves configuring the server. To add shared folders, navigate to the Shares tab and click Add Folder. Then, locate and name the desired folder. The server supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, AIFF, and WAV, and offers extensive video codec support; a complete list can be found here.
Within the Permission tab, maintaining the default settings grants you read access to your shared folders without the need for a PIN. Should you wish to implement PIN protection, adjust the settings accordingly and distribute the PINs as needed. For the purposes of this guide, public user access remains open, allowing unrestricted viewing and listening within the local network.
Establish Device Connectivity
With the server installation completed and operational, obtain your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad and download the client application from the following link:
- Air Playit Client @ AppStore (compatible with all iOS devices)
Upon successful download, initiate the client application and explore the available options. To stream music that is stored locally on a PC within your current network, select Local Server. Should the process be successful, the server previously configured should appear, and selecting it will display your shared folders (or request a PIN for authentication).
In the event that automatic detection fails, choose Specify Address Manually and enter the details found within your server’s Information tab – this includes the server name, IP address, port number, and PIN. Adding a remote server follows a similar procedure; if the server resides on your current network, it will also be automatically identified, which is beneficial for future remote access.
A cautionary note is warranted – when streaming content over 3G/4G networks, remember to consider data charges on both the sending and receiving ends, as your PC must upload data before your mobile device can download it. A static IP address or a dynamic DNS service is necessary for remote accessibility. If you encounter difficulties, potential solutions can be found on the Air Playit forum.
Once the server connection is established, select it to view the available shares. During testing, several high-quality MP3 files, a music video, and a 480p episode of South Park were streamed over my home wireless network without any issues. However, it's important to note that background music playback is not supported while using other applications on your iPhone.
Should you wish to download files to your device wirelessly, the video converter feature is available. Navigate to the Conversion tab and click Add Video Conversion Task. Select the source file and a desired profile, then initiate the conversion process. The converted video can then be downloaded from a share location on your device by selecting it and tapping Download to iPhone – a convenient feature.
Final Thoughts
The pairing of the Air Playit server and client applications delivers a straightforward method for both streaming and downloading media content, whether accessed locally or from a distance. Given that both the server and client components are offered at no cost, are user-friendly, and demonstrate consistent reliability, there's minimal reason to criticize the Air Playit suite.
This solution could very well be the streaming service you've been seeking, especially considering its free availability!
Users of Android and Windows Phone 7 platforms need not be discouraged, as the developers have indicated a future version tailored for these devices is currently in development.
Have you had experience with Air Playit? Specifically, have you utilized its remote access capabilities? Are there any alternative, cost-free streaming solutions that you believe perform more effectively? Share your insights in the comments section below.
