Recently there was a great post on ChurchMag about how churches could use the mighty little Apple TV.
One feature lacking (which is coming to Macs in Mountain Lion) is the ability to show *anything* on your computer screen on the Apple TV over AirPlay.
I’ve recently discovered a killer app which allows you to do just that!
AirParrot
AirParrot is an app for Macs and PCs (YES PCs AS WELL!!!) that allows desktop or app mirroring and desktop extension from Mac or PC running the app. From the AirParrot website:
- 1080p Mirroring. Watch videos, view images and mirror your desktop in full 1080p resolution with AppleTV 3!
- App Mirroring. Mirror a specific application without the rest of your desktop or applications cluttering the screen. (OS X Only)
- Desktop Extension. Add more space to your desktop by creating a virtual monitor and extending your desktop to your TV.
- Desktop Mirroring. Mirror your desktop to any AppleTV so others can see exactly what’s on your screen.
What’s more the cost is very good as well, $9.99 for a single licence and $29.99 for a five user license. There’s a trial download which allows you to use AirParrot for 20 mins.
As well as great for home use (sharing of photos using a non iPhoto app anyone or huge screen browsing anyone!), this could be brilliant for churches.
A visiting speaker can bring their own (PC) laptop, install AirParrot on it and they can project their PowerPoint on their laptop, up in the front, with no long leads/plugs or hassle!
The youth group can make a video on their (Macbook Air) laptop, install AirParrot and then you can mirror QuickTime onto the Apple TV – and you can send the audio as well!
Got Apple TV? – Go and check out AirParrot – it’s brilliant!
Jason Bradley says
AirPlay Mirroring comes standard in Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion for all those Mac lovers out there. For you PC folks, this should work for you nicely.
James Cooper says
I’m a Mac but I’ve still got Snow Leopard on my mini and 2008 MBP. I’m planning to ML my mini but don’t know if I will on the MBP… so this is great for older macs as well 🙂
And getting PCs talking to Apple TV is amazing!!!
Jonathan says
Actually, it doesn’t come standard. It is only available for newer models. I have a MBP mid-2010 and Airplay is not supported, so I will still need to use AirParrot.