iPad mini Best video out to HDMI with least restrictions?

[Kadin]

I'm looking to connect my iPad Mini to my HDMI tv and would like to see what's the absolute best solution for this. Is there anything that will emulate the iPad 100%? If not, what would give me the closest experience?

I like the idea of Applet TV but I'm pretty sure it's quite restricted on what that will show. Wireless is the preferred method if possible...

Also, will any of these options allow the iPad to go dark (screen off) and still work when doing things like streaming Netflix, Videos on the device, etc.?

 

[HazyCloud]

Apple's Digital AV Adapter is really your only option unless you want to purchase an Apple TV. (Sure, there's probably knockoffs of the Adapter, but I wouldn't trust them.)

An Apple TV will let you wirelessly mirror your iPad to the TV, which is what I prefer since I don't need any cords to connect it.

If you have an iPad 2, you'll need the 30-Pin version of the adapter I linked to above.

 

[Kadin]

Thanks! Any idea if the iPad will constantly be on during video playback or does the screen shut off?

 

[HazyCloud]

I can't speak for the cable as I use an Apple TV, but here's what I just found after some testing.

Netflix: The screen stays on when mirroring. If you hit the Sleep/Wake button, the playback stops. (If you choose AirPlay and not mirroring, Netflix only sends the audio. I'm guessing Netflix figured you'd be using their app on the Apple TV instead of the iPad.)

WatchESPN: Screen goes off and playback is unaffected.

YouTube: Screen goes off and playback is unaffected.

Pic 1 is Netflix and pic 2 is WatchESPN. Even though WatchESPN shows that screen, you can put the iPad to sleep and the playback continues like I mentioned above.

 

[Kadin]

Awesome! Thanks a lot for posting that, really appreciate it. I think Apple TV is going to be the way to go.

 

[HazyCloud]

Yeah, I think so. I mean you can get the cable for $50, but you can do so much more with the Apple TV without even needing your iPad that I feel the extra $50 is worth it.

 

[pooleman]

The Apple TV is the way to go. Apple made a "remote" app that lets you control the Apple TV, so all of your music, movies, Netflix, etc, is all controlable from your iPad.

 

[str8bucs]

Do you really need to play movies via the iPad when you have an Apple TV? It has all the same apps you can just play directly from the Apple TV

 

[HazyCloud]

Do you really need to play movies via the iPad when you have an Apple TV? It has all the same apps you can just play directly from the Apple TV

It would be nice however if you started a movie on your iPad from Netflix and were able to push it your Apple TV. But, like I said above, Netflix assumes you'd probably just start it on your Apple TV.