A secret weapon you might want to add to your kit.
This
cheap and compact AirPlay adapter
is a secret weapon in my kit. I don't find myself using it on every job
but I'm sure glad I have it when I need it.
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Miracast Airplay adapter with it's combo USB power cable and antenna |
If you typically run your own wireless network on set, it makes it even
easier to use as it will automatically connect to the last network it was
paired to. So all you'll need to do is plug it in and connect by airplay
on your computer. When you plug it in you're greeted with a screen
with information on how to connect and control the device. This is
important to note the default SSID, Password and
IP address.
If you know the basics of wireless networking you can easily use this. No apps or account are needed. If you need to connect the adapter to another network you simply connect directly to the wireless network provided by the adapter and navigate to its IP address in a browser to change the network connection. There's other settings in the menu but once you've configured the network you don't really need to access the settings again, especially if you always run your own network. It supports 2.4ghz and 5ghz networks and as well as 1080 and 4k resolutions.
I've used this in various scenarios. One in particular where I was a few
hundred feet from a home on a hot, sticky, summer day in Florida with
clients comfortably sitting in an air conditioned house viewing images as
we shot. I had my own network running via a wireless access point and
could roam around the property from shot and not worry about the signal.
At one point I was even in the adjacent home and able to share
without issue. When I use this on a location job, as long as I
strategically place my access point on set I'm good to go. I've used this
with my Eizo monitors and various televisions found at locations.
It's also been nice to have in hotel rooms to watch whatever I want on the
room TV.
It's worth noting that this isn't the only AirPlay adapter out there. They come in various shapes and sizes from many different brands. The one I've had for years is still around LINK. But you can see others HERE.
For those instances where you need one more display or you're having trouble with congested networks and wireless HDMI devices, this can be a great tool to have. For its price you won't really regret it and it's compact size makes it easy to tuck away in your kit.
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