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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

31 replies

clem_uk

Level 1

0 points

Feb 5, 2011 6:20 AM in response to Alley_Cat

I wish I was the author of the app but no. Still it really works and really is the end of the issue with .avi files and Apple TV.

Cheers
Clement

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,548 points

Feb 5, 2011 7:12 AM in response to clem_uk

Thanks for clarifying

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,467 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.

Feb 11, 2011 3:44 PM in response to sixam

Video Monkey. Brilliant. Looks up many of the tags & artwork and inserts it.

Feb 25, 2011 5:53 AM in response to clem_uk

I have used both Stream to Me and Air Video - both have been out for a while. Thanks for the idea of using airplay. I have only just updated by iPad and have not had chance to try it.

mhannan

Level 1

0 points

Feb 26, 2011 8:32 AM in response to David White

Far and away the best converter is mpeg streamclip, a free download We use it constantly even for professional purposes, ie- broadcast. Convert the avi to mpeg 4.

Jan 18, 2012 11:37 AM in response to sixam

Hi, this is an easy one. I use Airflick, version 0.51 and it works perfectly. Watching one now on my Apple TV. Also works for MKV. http://ericasadun.com/ftp/AirPlay/

Enjoy...

msilsby

Level 1

9 points

Feb 11, 2012 1:07 AM in response to sixam

Anyone know of any good apps that work via airplay? Surely something is being developed for sale through the mac app store......

Mar 5, 2012 3:43 PM in response to sixam

Praguer

Level 1

0 points

Mar 29, 2012 12:21 PM in response to David White

Not so. Tou can use HandBrakeCLI to convert in batch.

Jan 7, 2013 11:24 PM in response to sixam

Hi,

Before I buy the 3rd generation of the Apple TV, is it possible for the ATV to connect via the home network, detect my iTunes on my main computer and then use an app that can convert any movie files from .avi or .mkv and be able to play it directly to the ATV?

For example, I use an app that you just drag and drop the .avi movie into iTunes and it automatically converts it to play into the iPad / iPhone, and then you just add the subtitle file to go with it, and then you go on the iPad and play the movie and add the subtitle.

Is that the same method for Apple TV? Or does it work differently?

I would like to know more about the process of streaming movies to Apple TV. Thank you for reading this.

nagyg

Level 1

8 points

Jan 8, 2013 7:23 AM in response to sixam

I use Air Video on my Windows PC + iPhone Air Video App to stream to Apple TV 3 via airplay. Works flawlessly, no previous conversion necessary

Jan 31, 2013 5:27 PM in response to Alley_Cat

I don't know a free way. I'm too lazy to think of a free way to watch vidoes. I have been using the conversion way to play AVI via my Apple TV3. And I found the easy way from the bog post

Convert AVI to Apple TV 3- Play 1080p AVI movies on new Apple TV 3

Feb 10, 2014 1:20 AM in response to Alley_Cat

Whether via iTunes or Airplay to stream AVI to Apple TV for easy playback AVI on HDTV, the precondition is that the AVI files is compatible with Apple TV. Therefore, converting AVI to Apple TVmore supported MP4 will be the best option for successfully play all kinds of AVI files on Apple TV 3/2/1.

lesterk

Level 1

0 points

Feb 18, 2014 7:57 AM in response to Evil Squall

Beamer will work with .avi's no conversion

http://beamer-app.com/

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