AirPlay

AirPlay is an interface for wireless transmission of content from iOS and OS X devices via the iTunes software on AirPlay -enabled receiver devices such as speakers, AV receiver, stereo systems, and televisions. Technically AirPlay is a streaming protocol that was developed by the U.S. manufacturer Apple Inc. and may be licensed from other manufacturers for installation in receivers.

Predecessor AirTunes

With AirTunes to audio content from iTunes to Apple devices such as AirPort Express or Apple TV was streamed. By considering the network latency can AirTunes sound for several rooms in sync.

AirTunes used primarily Wireless Local Area Network ( WLAN). If a local network is available, shared use AirTunes to it and thus achieve wired and wireless receivers together. AirTunes - capable devices are automatically integrated into iTunes. The user can choose whether only certain speakers or all - trying to achieve and set a common volume - even in different rooms.

AirTunes was replaced by airplay in June 2010.

Functions

AirPlay streams music, videos and photos from compatible devices (iTunes, newer Apple computers and iOS -based devices ) to other devices. Even the current screen contents can be transferred, for example to browser content or video games represent on a larger screen.

Third-party manufacturers can license AirPlay and directly build into their speakers, hi-fi equipment, etc., so that no additional equipment is needed. Previously always had to be interposed, such as the wireless station AirPort Express or Apple TV an Apple product.

Maybe in the future AirPlay will also replace the cable Apple Dock Connector, because so no remote control is required at the receivers.

Airplay can achieve transmission rates up to 120 megabits per second. Music is transmitted with a maximum sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and 16 bits to the receiver. This corresponds to the quality of an audio CD.

Alternative implementations

Although the protocol is not open documents, there are now numerous ports to other platforms, such as by Erica Sadun AirPlayer for Mac OS X, Shairport for Windows by Franck miliary, Shairport for Linux by James Laird, AirMediaPlayer Apostolos Georgiadi, AirReceiver by Florian Pflug and Aerodrome for Windows and Windows Media Center. Similar solutions are Miracast and Digital Living Network Alliance ( DLNA).