Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

Return to Computer Audio Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Mac Mini and Airplay

50.163.14.245
Posted on August 15, 2014 at 09:35:00
lord addleford
Audiophile

Posts: 1095
Location: new england
Joined: July 5, 2005
 Hi,

I am stuck with a older Mac Mini (mid 2009) that will not support Airplay/mirroring.

Has anyone been confronted with this situation and found a way to circumvent this limitation. I won't plunk down $799 for a new Mini when this is otherwise perfectly fine.

Thanks for your responses.

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
Is it a firmware limitation?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 09:50:26
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 or OS-X version limitation?

Wouldn't think it to be a hardware limitation, but WTH do I know?

As Airplay routs through WiFi/Ethernet, I'm surprised a mid 2009 piece is not upgradeable.

Even my discontinued Marantz NA7004 supports Airplay, albeit with a firmware upgrade.


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

AirParrot, posted on August 15, 2014 at 13:04:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Many older Macs won't support AirPlay Mirroring. It requires on-chip GPU support for H.264 encoding via newer Intel processor (with faster on-chip GPU) or outboard GPU used in some Macs, and fast network.

There are alternative solutions for AirPlay Mirroring. One that comes to mind is AirParrot but I have no experience with it.

I assume you're talking about screen mirroring (AirPlay Mirroring) from your Mac screen for display on the AppleTV.


 

RE: AirParrot, posted on August 15, 2014 at 14:13:42
lord addleford
Audiophile

Posts: 1095
Location: new england
Joined: July 5, 2005
 Abe,
Thank you. You described the situation perfectly. The only viable solution, since I am not going to shell out the big bucks, is Air Parrot, which I will down load this weekend.

Thanks for your astute assistance.

la

 

RE: AirParrot, posted on August 15, 2014 at 14:37:23
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I hope it works for you. Like I said, I have no personal experience with Air Parrot. I'd be curious to know what you think of it. Good luck!

 

RE: Is it a firmware limitation?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 15:03:28
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
It's the 'screen mirroring' part that requires a newer Mac with the ability to GPU encode h.264 video w/o loading the CPU.

AirPlay has been around and 'built into' Mac and iOS devices (iPhone iPad) for a handful of years now. Google is trying to do the same thing with their $35 Chromecast HDMI 'dongle' since Google TV pretty much failed to catch on. They will eventually catch up with support from Samsung and others.


 

RE: Is it a firmware limitation?, posted on August 15, 2014 at 19:17:48
lord addleford
Audiophile

Posts: 1095
Location: new england
Joined: July 5, 2005
 Yes, I believe that you are right again, regarding screen mirroring. I shall report back post installation and fooling around with it.'

la

 

Page processed in 0.025 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]