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ALERT: Mountain Lion Airplay Feature unavailable
- Thread starter dericks0n
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thanks for the clarification, I knew it was a hardware limitation but did not know the facts to back it up in my post
It's because you're not thinking about what needs to be involved on your computer versus a phone. The 4S can mirror..that's not a big ordeal because the starting resolution is fairly low at 960 x 640.
Now contrast that with Mac resolutions
1200x800
1440x900
1920x1080
2560x1440
What Airplay has to do on the fly is apply proper scaling regardless of resolution on the Mac and then stream this data over your Wifi. Not an easy task.
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AirParrot is still a dandy of an app. Really mine only overheats after an hour or so of watching stuff. And I've NEVER experienced lag or anything like that. So i don't understand the AirParrot hate, and hopefully I never have too.
But it is annoying that slightly less recent macbooks can't do airplay. I mean for me, I've always just converted files and added them to iTunes. And airplayed that way. No issues, ever. Not even the overheating issue of AirPlay.
But it is annoying that slightly less recent macbooks can't do airplay. I mean for me, I've always just converted files and added them to iTunes. And airplayed that way. No issues, ever. Not even the overheating issue of AirPlay.
1) AirParrot works better on multi-core Mac's. Just like not everyone has a Intel processor with Sandy Bridge to do airplay, not everyone has a multicore Mac. So It's not everyones answer to a lack of airplay.AirParrot is still a dandy of an app. Really mine only overheats after an hour or so of watching stuff. And I've NEVER experienced lag or anything like that. So i don't understand the AirParrot hate, and hopefully I never have too.
But it is annoying that slightly less recent macbooks can't do airplay. I mean for me, I've always just converted files and added them to iTunes. And airplayed that way. No issues, ever. Not even the overheating issue of AirPlay.
2) It only overheats after an hour??? It shouldn't overheat period. And how do you mirror a 2 hour mkv movie or online sports program or something. Also, if you are trying to mirror a flash video which is CPU intensive all by itself, AirParrot adds an even bigger load on the CPU. Hot, hot, hot (and juddery).
3) Yes, you have no issue airplaying from iTunes because iTunes content is already transcoded to h.264 and put no transcoding load on the CPU.
I just think all of the suggestions of AirParrot being a substitute for AirPlay need to be balanced with the reality of the requirements of that software. Basically it is YMMV so try it and challenge it with streaming flash video and BR movies before you send them money.
1. No duh. I'm just saying as a user of a nice bottom of the line(for the time) specs of a mid-09 macbook pro. It works.
2. (continuing from point 1) I NEVER play an MKV, I convert everything, which I already stated in my original post. I use Handbrake convert to MP4, Heat doesn't bother me that much, and all computers overheat eventually a Mac is NO exception to this. I'm not saying AirParrot is perfect, just a dandy of an app. I expect when I buy any computer, mac, pc, whatever that it'll overheat eventually. Hell sometimes when I'm ripping DVDs, it gets hot.
3. I was offering/stating what I do to use files with iTunes. If you don't want to convert MKV, fine. Just don't whine and cry that ML doesn't work on your mac and it's not easy. There are ways around it you just have to use your head, give it a little elbow grease, and you can work around it.
I use AirParrot/Handbrake/iTunes(and an external hard drive) in conjunction with one another to avoid having to pay for a new Mac right now. I'm personally waiting until retina comes to the 13inch Pro, and then I'll upgrade. I'm just sharing my "solution" with others so that way they don't have to feel too bad about being left out of airplay. For $10, AirParrot is worth it, and with pretty continuous updates, they're at least investing in it for older macs.
1. If you look at my specs you will see I also have a mid-2009 MPB. So your definition of "works" must be a lot less stringent than mine. Works for me means it plays without jidder. I just updated to the new AirParrot version and tried to watch Olympic soccer. It was studdery and pixelated...just not watchable IMO.
2. What's the point of AirParrot for home use? Do you just want to see your desktop?
3. I convert all my movies to mp4. I have not upgraded to ML so I'm not whining and am not whining and crying about it. I have known for good while that ML would not have mirroring for my MBP and if you look at some of my posts you will see that I have tried to educate others on that.
What I am trying to do is to dispel the myth that AirParrot is a substitute for AirPlay. It's plainly not. But it may have some use in presentation setting, which is what it was originally designed for, but not much beyond that. And if you read my other posts, you will see what I do recommend is that people try the trial version and really really put it through it's paces prior to buying it. Try flash video, try mkv's. And if they find it's output usable...buy it for God's sake. That's it. Sorry if I offended you.
You know, there have been lists published for months that are very explicit about which Macs are compatible with Mountain Lion.
How did that happen to you??
You need to stop bashing others. Apparently, regular, "non-hardcore" consumers don't know much about the specs or requirements. Even if it was DISPLAYED on the website, shoot, there are people who might miss it. For all I know, you might be responding to an old lady. Cut some slack.
Just for fun...So if I go into buy a car and I'm looking for a 6 cylinder and I don't read the sticker on the window (which clearly states it's a 4 cylinder), when I get home, I lift the lid and get upset because it is missing 2 cylinders, should I go on the autodialer forum and accuse them of pulling a scam?
They should know. Isn't being an educated consumer part of life?
The MacBook he or she has I assume is connected to the "internet" as he / she was able to post here and all the answers are only a search away
The MacBook he or she has I assume is connected to the "internet" as he / she was able to post here and all the answers are only a search away
For me Air Parrot works great on my machine in 1080p. What I do to improve performance is first I switch to the discrete graphics card it does not switch automatically. Then I use never sleep to close the lid which turns off the LCD display and allows the graphics card to be dedicated to air parrot.
I set the max fs to 35 and quality to high. I have zero pixilation and zero lag. Now this is what works on my machine and my specs. YMMV but for me to watch say Hulu or other non airplayable content on my tv from my MBP it is a fantastic solution. Add in a BT keyboard and track pad and I never have to go to my computer to change or pause content.
I set the max fs to 35 and quality to high. I have zero pixilation and zero lag. Now this is what works on my machine and my specs. YMMV but for me to watch say Hulu or other non airplayable content on my tv from my MBP it is a fantastic solution. Add in a BT keyboard and track pad and I never have to go to my computer to change or pause content.
You should be banned for this thread. It's not a scam simply beecause YOU failed to read where Apple explicitly wrote which Macs support this feature and which don't.
Uh...
That's not the definition of a scam. Nowhere close.
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AirParrot barely works, and not well.
That's not the definition of a scam. Nowhere close.
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AirParrot barely works, and not well.
As I said, it needs a multicore mac, which is what you have. It also needs a good wifi system.
I really don't understand why you think the use of the discrete graphics cards helps as AirParrot does not use it, it's totally CPU. I tried that and seen no impact. I worked with AirParrot tech support on the lack of performance and they never suggested using the discrete graphics card.
So all I'm saying is it's not a panacea and it may or may not work for a particular situation. Try it and challenge it before you buy it. And think about it, I know $10 is not a lot of money, but it's 50% of what a whole new OS costs.
Like I said this is what works for me on my set up. Never said it would work for everyone. But many of us with 2010 machines which are multicore but lack quick sync it's an option which for me works well.
As for why I use discrete graphics, well it offered some implement. Could be my imagination or it could be that you do not know everything about how air parrot works right? IMHO using discrete graphics doesn't hurt anything now does it???
I am just saying for many of us with new machines under the right set up it works well. Most of the people complaining about lack of air play mirror support seem to be 2010 owners which are multicores.
No harm in trying it out on ones own to see if works for you instead of just dismissing it because someone on the Internet says it doesn't work....right?
Airparrot works but it uses the CPU so it is slower, laggier, uses more battery, creates more heat, and likely kicks your fans into higher gear. Apple's Airplay implementation instead uses hardware acceleration from the GPU through Intel's new Quick Sync technology. Intel's Quick Sync technology is only available on Sandy Bridge architecture and up so Macs without Sandy Bridge hardware is not supported.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Quick_Sync_Video
As for why mobile devices support Airplay mirroring, you will have to ask Intel why they are behind ARM in supporting hardware accelerated on-GPU h.264 decoding. iPhones and iPads don't use Intel processors, they use ARM.
swingerofbirch
macrumors 68040
I was aware of this, but I had read quite a bit about it after my experience buying a current generation iPod touch which does not do AirPlay mirroring with my current generation Apple TV. Both are current generation and don't support this big feature. Also, some bug in either iOS or the Apple TV has made it so none of our family's iOS devices can use AirPlay with Apple TV anymore (not AirPlay mirroring, but whatever you call the other type where you send just a video). I wonder if Macs not supported for AirPlay mirroring can at least do what the unsupported iPod touch is supposed to be able to do, which is to send individual videos or songs?
What a puttz!!! Does the research after purchase
I normally don't bash anyone but this is deserving. If that was the primary reason for upgrading I would certainly check and make sure all my hardware supports it.
Everyone please research before blindly downloading something. To my amazement after purchasing the upgrade to ML today, the AirPlay feature I was looking forward to more than any other was was unavailable. Apparently I can't read or search to see if something is stated to not work on older systems due to the ability to compress video on your device's actual graphic chips without calling upon the CPU.
Google it will/can save you $20..
Google it will/can save you $20..
I did not bash anyone, and i don't do that, starting a threat calling a feature a "scam" because the user cannot read it just wrong. the OP is free to complaint if he doesn't like something on the OS or device, but calling a SCAM is just pushing the line.
Chris, maybe time to stop trolling, eh?
Yes, Airparrot can do it. However, as has been stated many times on these boards, while it works it doesn't work well. Apple state the system requirements for the feature on their website. How is that lying? And as for Apple's decline, they just posted another record quarter's results. I'll take that sort of decline any day.
Just for fun...So if I go into buy a car and I'm looking for a 6 cylinder and I don't read the sticker on the window (which clearly states it's a 4 cylinder), when I get home, I lift the lid and get upset because it is missing 2 cylinders, should I go on the autodialer forum and accuse them of pulling a scam?
.....lol......
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That's his belief/perspective.. so let it be.
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They should know. Isn't being an educated consumer part of life?
The MacBook he or she has I assume is connected to the "internet" as he / she was able to post here and all the answers are only a search away
lol. That's his life...not yours or mine. LOL>
Let me say I'm sorry for being an ass.
But I've rarely had heating issues with Airparrot. From stuff as small Youtubes or college humor to show off to friends. Or stuff as long as a few episodes of HIMYM, or an Episode of Dexter. I've never had issues with it lagging or looking pixelated. The heating issue I can understand, but I've honest to god never had it look laggy or pixelated or the sound be off.
2. It's for when I haven't downloaded videos. Like I said before, I'm generally a converter time. The loss of perfect MKV from transferring it to MP4, has never bothered me in the slightest. So that's why. It's also nice to show off pictures that aren't in my photo stream as well as videos. It's also helped give a presentation before in class because my university is equipped with appleTVs in some class rooms.
As for 3. i totally thought you were the OP. Which is entirely my fault, and I'm quite sorry about that. I have no idea why I thought you were, but that's all I can say. Like I said before I just like airparrot, it does it's job, it's not perfect. but for me it works, and at a decent rate. Would I prefer AirPlay on a new mac? Well I think we both would.
But unfortunately we're stuck here, so I was just trying to help the OP, and perhaps inform others of the app.