On March 11 when the Apple iPad 2 goes on sale, many will question the shelf life of the original iPad. Before you jump the gun and go selling your first-generation tablet let’s explore the possibilities. Can we turn the iPad into a true set top box?
AirPlay or HDMI?
In order to exploit the potential of the iPad we need additional AirPlay support. Thankfully in today’s iOS 4.3 announcement, Apple confirmed that enhancements to AirPlay will allow streaming of additional content including video from their party apps and websites. Additionally we’ll be able to stream videos from the Photos app and previews from the iTunes app to our TV. The only caveat is that in order to make use of this new capability we’ll need to have an Apple TV.
Apps on the big screen
As we discussed earlier in our HDMI adapter announcement, choosing between a $39.00 adapter or a refurbished $85.00 Apple TV will be difficult. With AirPlay support for all third party apps, streaming Hulu Plus is a cinch. If you’re looking to save some coin you could always use the dedicated video apps offered by network television providers. Bottom line, getting TV from your iPad can be achieved via AirPlay or the HDMI adapter.
Downloaded video, no problemo
Being able to stream video content from apps is a start, but what about downloaded video content on our computers? Thanks to iTunes Home Sharing, iOS 4.3 allows playback of music, movies and TV shows on either an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch from the iTunes library on our PCs or Macs. Using the HDMI adapter, simply connect your iPad to your TV and begin streaming your iTunes library from your computer wirelessly.
What about live TV?
At&t U-verse, DirecTV and even some premium providers like HBO currently offer access to their content via apps in the App Store. Alternatively, installing a Slingbox on your network will get the job done. Using either Airplay or the HDMI adapter you’ll be able to send your SlingBox feed to your big screen without forking over the ridiculous fees charged by your service provider for another box. If you’re looking for over the air programming, opting for the HDHomeRun and using a combination of EyeTV and turbo .264 will bring a live stream as well.
Time for a verdict
At the end of the day the enhancements iOS 4.3 brings to AirPlay and iTunes Home Sharing, combined with the new HDMI adapter, will help transform your iPad into your set top box. The HDMI adapter certainly has the resolution advantage for the iPad 2, but the original iPad outputting in 720p will certainly impress. If you are looking to drop all the wires in your setup you’ll need to pick up the new Apple TV. A next generation Apple TV with A5 chip should offer 1080p playback, but a release date is unknown.
