Mirroring screen without local Wi-Fi network

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Level 1

4 points

Mirroring screen without local Wi-Fi network

Hello,

I am working on moving 100% away from my Windows laptop to a new iPad (while mobile for business) for in the field client presentations. Please note I heavily rely on a Microsoft Display adapter and the modern WiDi/ Mirocast standard that has been in most windows laptops for the last 8 or so years. I am very hopeful Apple or you great people in the community can help me to solve a potential problem I am having.

Please allow me to explain: The display adapter is a small device that plugs in to any TV (or projectors) HDMI port and also is powered by the USB port on most all TV’s of the last decade. Think of this like a Chromcast type looking device with no apps like Netflix or TV features. The intent of this device is the business market and reliability over movies and apps. It just provides a wireless and secure connection to present what is on my laptop (screen mirror) to the client’s TV or projector in an office conference room or their home living room on house calls.

THE BIG thing is that this technology creates its own wireless network (WIDI) so I do not have to connect to the same Wi-Fi said tv may be on. Note I am in a clients home or office and this is important. I work in the financial industry and cannot connect my device (widows pro laptop or now ipad) to anyones wifi.

Is there a way (hardware and/or software I can buy) that will allow me to easily cast the screen of my iPad to any modern TV or projector? … and even better, assume it is not a smart tv as I often use a projector with no smart features or screen casting built in but they do have usb and hdmi ports.

Thank you for any ideas !

Terry in Florida

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Dec 21, 2021 8:19 PM

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Answer 1

celliott147

Level 6

12,582 points

Dec 22, 2021 12:26 PM in response to Grouperman

It is a little cumbersome, but an Apple TV hardware unit will allow you to do this. It needs to be plugged into a standard outlet for power, and connects to the screen via HDMI. Then you can use the built in AirPlay functionality to display wirelessly. Alternately, you can use a Lightning to HDMI adapter (for the base model iPad and some older devices) or a USB-C to HDMI adapter (for newer iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro models) to directly connect to the display.

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Answer 2

Dec 28, 2021 7:48 AM in response to Grouperman

I’ve done remote presentations in the past and don’t find Apple TV to be that awkward. If you’re near a large screen display it gets power from somewhere, likely the Apple TV could get power from the same place. While the Microsoft Display Adapter is kind of a slick little device, I think the target group of users for that device is actually probably pretty narrow. It’s sort of a niche market is I guess what I’m saying. One of the benefits of an Apple TV is that whether you’re using an iPad, iPhone, or MacBook it will connect to the Apple TV. It may not be as small or glitzy as the Microsoft Display Adapter, but it’s much more functional in my mind and well worth whatever “inconvenience” there may be from having a little bit larger device with an extra power cord. With a bit of practice I have a great deal of confidence that you could connect it as easily and efficiently as you do the Microsoft Display Adapter.

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Answer 3

celliott147

Level 6

12,582 points

Dec 28, 2021 7:31 AM in response to Grouperman

You could get a Roku stick, but I'm not sure if AirPlay will work without wifi on it.

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Answer 4

Grouperman Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 27, 2021 11:17 AM in response to celliott147

I was aware of this "option"...However, the Apple TV is DOA for business application (at least my business). Imagine the "experience" of being in a prospective client's "home" or "office" (typically a conference room with a large display on the wall) and having to "fumble" with extension cords / finding power.

The "beauty" of the MS display adapter is that I can "quickly" plug the device in to the back of ANY TV, sit back with my Windows laptop, and begin presenting the clients plan (we are in the financial industry). We are often on a tight schedule (our clients are busy) so being able to go live in about 30 seconds is precious.

I really HATE Windows and the machines that drive them (even our Dells which are about as good as it gets) compared to Apple. Would love to be 100% dependent on Apple. However, the above "experience" is a significant part of how we do business based on who we serve. Going back in time to fumble with extension cords, power, and / or HDMI cables strung along the clients floor (in their home) or conference table (in their office) is not a solution we can use.

I HOPE Apple reads this and considers the feedback. Seems SUPER easy to add technology that will allow "screen casting" without cords and without needing to access a Wifi network. WIFI Problem: Our devices (along with other sensitive industries like legal and medical) CANNOT connect our device to a public (or other office that we do not control) WIFI.

I guess this is one area MS beats Apple....hmm come on Apple?

Terry Rocks - Florida

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Mirroring screen without local Wi-Fi network

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