User profile for user: sixam
sixam Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Is there a way of playing .avi files on Apple TV?

I've got the new Apple TV. I want to know if it's possible to watch .avi files on it. All the films and TV Shows I have are in .avi!!

Or if someone could recommend a fast and effective converting application, that would be great too!

Mac Pro 1, 1, MacBook Pro 6, 2, Mac OS X (10.6.5), (Y)

Posted on Dec 6, 2010 7:04 AM

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User profile for user: Noiseboy2006
Noiseboy2006
User level: Level 3
921 points

Posted on Dec 7, 2010 1:36 AM

I bought the Elgato Turbo.264 HD at the same time as I got my AppleTV. Its not cheep but it'll save hours of encoding. On my old iMac it can convert an average DVD in about half an hour. I also takes the load off your processor so you can do other things with your Mac while it encodes. You can also use it with other apps like iMovie, Quicktime 7 and Final Cut.

So long as you have the correct codecs to play your AVIs in Quicktime it should be able to convert them.

If you haven't already install Perian http://www.perian.org/

http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/products/Turbo264HD/product1.en.html
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User profile for user: Noiseboy2006
Noiseboy2006
User level: Level 3
921 points

Dec 7, 2010 1:36 AM in response to sixam

I bought the Elgato Turbo.264 HD at the same time as I got my AppleTV. Its not cheep but it'll save hours of encoding. On my old iMac it can convert an average DVD in about half an hour. I also takes the load off your processor so you can do other things with your Mac while it encodes. You can also use it with other apps like iMovie, Quicktime 7 and Final Cut.

So long as you have the correct codecs to play your AVIs in Quicktime it should be able to convert them.

If you haven't already install Perian http://www.perian.org/

http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/products/Turbo264HD/product1.en.html
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User profile for user: TheOneAndOnly BiGMaC
TheOneAndOnly BiGMaC
User level: Level 1
99 points

Dec 6, 2010 4:53 PM in response to sixam

I also recommend Handbrake. Use the Universal setting to start so the files will also play on all your portable devices and phone. If you want metadata for your movies after transcoding i recommend Subler.... Free, Automatic (drag and drop), and editable or manual on the rare occasions it's needed. The metadata will display on your ATV2 when perusing your iTunes library of movies
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User profile for user: tigelane
tigelane
User level: Level 1
9 points

Jan 17, 2011 8:59 AM in response to sixam

I payed for the original Visual Hub and moved to Video Monkey now that it's public (and Visual Hub doesn't work on snow leopard)

BTW, if you start converting, it's possible to get jittery video, audio sync issues, etc. Just read the forums for answers. I've found that trying a different bit rate for my final mp4 (in line with the original encoding) usually clears these things up.
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User profile for user: Jon Walker
Jon Walker
User level: Level 6
19,529 points

Feb 11, 2011 5:43 AM in response to Winston Churchill

While this is unlikely, the point is that you need to determine the type of compression used within your AVI files before it's possible to suggest any conversion software at all. Handbrake may well work, but it's not guaranteed.

To add to what Winston said, any QT compatible AVI file can be added to, managed by, and played in iTunes if you simply move the content data from the AVI container to an MOV file container. This does not change the compression format. Once managed by iTunes, the files will play just as they did in the QT player or Front Row apps. As to TV2 (and other mobile device) playback, they will only play if, and only if, the audio and video compression formats contained in the new MOV file container are already device compatible. If they aren't then you can use iTunes to convert them to a compatible playback format.

User uploaded file
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User profile for user: clem_uk
clem_uk
User level: Level 1
0 points

Feb 4, 2011 6:42 AM in response to sixam

Hi,

I have the answer and it works perfectly and is dead easy.

It will only be available in a couple of weeks but since I have a developer account, it already works for me.

The solution is STREAM TO ME !!! User uploaded file

The latest update of STREAM TO ME and the next iOS release (i.e. 4.3) will let you play the .avi files on your iPad or iPhone or iPod Touch and then beam then through AirPlay on your Apple TV 2.

It works like magic.

No more need for my script (done with Automator) to change the .avi files into MPEG files.

The app is only 1.19 Pounds so it is a no brainer.

Enjoy guys !!!! User uploaded file
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User profile for user: Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
User level: Level 10
122,702 points

Dec 6, 2010 4:58 PM in response to sixam

AVI is an outdated container for video and audio, it can contain many differing types of compression some of which may not be possible to convert at all.

While this is unlikely, the point is that you need to determine the type of compression used within your AVI files before it's possible to suggest any conversion software at all. Handbrake may well work, but it's not guaranteed.

To find out what type of compression is being used, See This
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Is there a way of playing .avi files on Apple TV?

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