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Any apps that allow me to stream videos from computer over 3G

D

Doju

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jun 16, 2008
1,510
1
I know of apps that can stream videos from my computer to my iPhone via WiFi (same network) but if my computer was at home, and I'm at work per se, is there any app that would allow me to stream it over 3G from my computer?

Note: I'm aware Dropbox could do this, but unless I pay for more the storage is limited. Apps like this where I put it on a company's server or storage and stream it from there are not what I'm looking for. I'm looking for an app that will let it stream directly over 3G to my iPhone.

I have no problem using an app that requires an additional desktop app to open the streaming, but I don't want to have to put it on their server.
 
If you have a mac, then Here, File File! will let you access (and stream) any file over wifi or 3g. Streaming over 3g from a home computer can be a bit fiddly as you have to setup port forwarding on your broadband router. But it's doable. There's instructions on their website on how to do this. It's a very slick app too.

Not sure if there's a windows equivalent.
 
Air Video is the best one out IMO!. There is even a free version so you can try it out. The full version is only 2.99 but it works perfectly! :)
 
With Air Video, can I do it over 3G with port forwarding?
 
Yes you can, you actually get a message saying that it works only over wifi but it will play the video and it does it very well.
 
Air Video hands down.

It requires you to download their free server software and run it on your home computer. From there it is automatically discovered by your phone via wifi. If you want to stream over 3G you go to settings in the server software and use the pin number provided. You then go to your phone app and manually enter the pin number and save it...that's it. You can now view videos anywhere. All settings are saved no need to enter Pin numbers anymore.

If you have a ton of movies kept on a networked drive, air video recognizes that drive as well (anything your home computer can see/access, air video can also access, you just have to point the software to the folder you want accessed).

Tip: On your home computer under power management, prevent the computer from going to sleep. You can allow screen saver and allow the screen to go to sleep. That way you can always stay connected from wherever you are.
 
Of course, the other option is you don't need an app. If you had a Mac, you could hack iTunes to enable a function on it to turn it into a personal web server. You can then share anything you want on the local area network (LAN) – movies, music, files. It can also be accessible outside your LAN over the internet. Downside is there wouldn't be a nice graphical interface; merely a list of your files.

All you need to do is enable web sharing and then create symbolic links to your media folders in the root folder. Then you should be able to stream your iTunes library to your iPhone. You can also stream your Movies in iTunes which are properly encoded (not the .mov reference movies) in h.264. They don’t even need to be formatted for the iPhone. You can also allow access to any folder on your Mac, serving you with documents or pictures you left at home.
 
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