Using Apple TV

This article provides a quick guide for using AirPlay and the Apple TV at Morningside College.

AirPlay is the technology that allows the AppleTV to serve as an audio-visual receiver for MacOS and iOS.

Should I use AirPlay?

AirPlay is best suited for applications that don't involve video. This could be something like sharing a PowerPoint, website, or other document. AirPlay does not allow you to share a DVD, due to copyright restrictions, and videos typically do not play as well over AirPlay. It's also been discovered that AirParrot is beginning to have issues lagging behind, even with something as simple as moving the mouse. If that will be a problem, strongly consider plugging in.

Worth Remembering

AirPlay is dependent on the room's wireless connection, which is shared with all the occupants of the room. If your audience is larger than a handful of people, you're probably better off plugging in due to the amount of traffic that devices generate.

How do I use AirPlay?

Apple provides a very good document on how to use AirPlay that covers various scenarios. You can find it at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204289.

The following are Morningside-specific items that you should keep in mind:

You'll want to connect to the Morningside wireless network. This network doesn't have the bandwidth limits that the others do, and provides the best chance for success.
The Apple TV that you're trying to connect to will be named after the room that you're in. For instance, BRH 226 A would be the main display in Buhler-Rohlfs Hall, room 226.

What if I have Windows?

Unfortunately solutions that claim to offer AirPlay support for Windows have been less reliable than desired. We are looking for an option, but for the time being, Windows users will need to plug in to the desired display.