iMac as Streaming Display via AirPlay?

[x00vash00x]

I'm thinking of getting an m3 iMac to replace my current 2019 16" MBP + Dell External Monitor. However, the biggest issue for me is that my AppleTV 4K is connected to the Dell Monitor and I use it to stream Hulu/Netflix/Paramount/HBO. I'm struggling with figuring out how have my iMac be a Streaming Center.

I'm against using Safari or Chrome as most providers nuke 4K settings on browsers (i.e. Hulu 720P on Chrome & Safari). None of these allow for native Mac APPs (which seems really dumb). Which leaves me with the idea of getting an iPad and then using AirPlay to stream content from my iPad to the iMac (https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/stream-video-mirror-screen-ipad-ipadf27a8cb7/ipados). Basically, replace the AppleTV 4k with an iPad as my streaming center and then using AirPlay to use the iMac as a monitor.

Would this work? Would I actually be able to stream 4k HDR content via my iPad to the iMac via AirPlay or will there be quality resections (i.e. 1080P SD). Is there issues with HDCP and Content Protection?

 

[Andrey84]

Streaming via iPad will be a hassle. I agree with @HobeSoundDarryl below that using one display, but switching between inputs should work best.
Often you want to switch between streaming applications, watch a different episode, and with iPad you can either share the entire screen which will break the resolution, or you will have to be constantly switch between apps and clicking AirPlay.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

OP, embrace separates. I loved my iMacs for more than a decade but went separates a couple of years ago and paired a desktop Mac with the 5K2K ultrawide monitor with built-in hub (new version of that monitor announced at CES 2024). The screen looks so much like the former iMac... except it is much wider. It has FOUR video inputs, so you could use one for your AppleTV, one for a Mac Mini or Mac Studio (or even a MB in clamshell) and still have two more left over (I'm filling one of those with a Mac-Mini-like PC for "old fashioned bootcamp").

There are MANY good options beyond only ASD or (smaller) ASD + computer in the new iMacs. If you want a nearly identical 27" size & shape without paying the fat ASD premium, consider the Samsung S9, which also comes with more than a single video input port...

This will get you the same iMac 27" size, 5K "retina", a superior webcam (that is also removable), ASD-type stand options included NOT for an extra charge, etc. It also comes with a remote and can run apps, so you might not even need to attach the AppleTV for mainstream apps. And it DOES come with the airplay option you WISH you could have in a new iMac.

In short: get what you want by taking advantage of much more available to you beyond the wall.

 

[Andrey84]

OP, embrace separates. I loved my iMacs for more than a decade but went separates a couple of years ago and paired a desktop Mac with the 5K2K ultrawide monitor with built-in hub (new version of that monitor announced at CES 2024). The screen looks so much like the former iMac... except it is much wider. It has FOUR video inputs, so you could use one for your AppleTV, one for a Mac Mini or Mac Studio (or even a MB in clamshell) and still have two more left over (I'm filling one of those with a Mac-Mini-like PC for "old fashioned bootcamp").

There are MANY good options beyond only ASD or (smaller) ASD + computer in the new iMacs. If you want a nearly identical 27" size & shape without paying the fat ASD premium, consider the Samsung S9, which also comes with more than a single video input port...

View attachment 2342543

This will get you the same iMac 27" size, 5K "retina", a superior webcam (that is also removable), ASD-type stand options included, etc. This one also comes with a remote and can run apps, so you might not even need to attach the AppleTV for mainstream services. And it comes with the airplay option you WISH you could have in a new iMac.

In short: get what you want by taking advantage of much more available to you beyond the wall.

That's a good suggestion. Mac Mini + Apple TV + an external display, which can switch between the two, seems like the best of all worlds.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

...especially later, when OP is again needing a new computer... and won't be facing the great iMac all-in-one pain of having to throw the whole thing out when any one part conks or the Corp opts to obsolete it. With separates, OP could simply update that Mini (or Studio or MB) and keep using a quality monitor, cam, attached speakers, etc.

 

[x00vash00x]

In short: get what you want by taking advantage of much more available to you beyond the wall.

Yeah... This was the conclusion I came to as well. I tried to AirPlay from my phone to my MBP and realized Netflix doesn't work and went down that rabbit hole of basically Netflix nerfing their Airplay support for....reasons....

I've decided to just get a new monitor that's better for media consumption (27" MiniLED like the Phillips 27B1U7903 or the RedMagic 4K MiniLed 5088 that was recently announced). I currently have a Dell U2723QX that is great for productivity, and is acceptable to me for 4K Playback - I originally got it because my older Dell 1440P didn't support HDCP 2.2 which a lot of content needed. I'd end up just getting black screens when trying to stream from my AppleTV t the older Dell 1440P.

Whole point of this is to say, I'm going to get a 4K 27" MiniLED to replace my Dell 4K - which should be a huge upgrade in terms of media consumption with HDR. The Dell 4K will replace my 2nd Monitor (the current Dell 1440P) and the Dell 1440P will be find a a use... Probably give it my wife since she has 13" MBA but not external monitor. Don't know how she lives with such a small screen.

Thanks for the replies everyone!