Moderators Youthman Posted December 8, 2012 Moderators Share Posted December 8, 2012 I've always been a late adopter of things, never jump on the bandwagon of anything new. Until now, the only Apple product I own is a 2GB iPod Nano (probably the first generation too) that was given to me that I use in my truck. About a month ago, I posted a WTB iPad2 32 GB ad on Craigslist. and a guy emailed me yesterday offering to sell me his. I purchased his White 32GB iPad2 for me from my wife as my Christmas present (don't you like how that works). [] The guy included a leather SmartCasefor $250. I could never see myself spending $600 on it but I was willing to invest $250 in one. So far, I really like it. My children who are 9, 11 and 13 are teaching me how to use it since two of them have iPod Touch and they have friends that have iPads. I have another friend who is giving me his iPhone 4 since he just upgraded to the iPhone 5. So my question is, how have you encorporated Apple into your HT? I've heard a little about AppleTV, Airplay etc. From what I can see, if I want to use the iPad as a controller for the HT, I will either need an AppleTV or I could buy a Logitech Harmony Link to allow the iPad to interface as a remote? Just trying to get some ideas to see if I want to pursue encorporating any of the Apple products into my HT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shodrewken Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 As far as I know if you want to wireless utilize your iPad/iPhone you need to have a AirPlay capible device to stream your content to, such as the Apple TV or devices that have AirPlay built in. I know Onkyo and Denon have apps you can download for free to control their respective AVR's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TasDom Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 So my question is, how have you encorporated Apple into your HT? I've heard a little about AppleTV, Airplay etc. From what I can see, if I want to use the iPad as a controller for the HT, I will either need an AppleTV or I could buy a Logitech Harmony Link to allow the iPad to interface as a remote? Just trying to get some ideas to see if I want to pursue encorporating any of the Apple products into my HT. You'll have fun with the new toy. [] For Airplay you need an Aiplay enabled AVR or an AppleTv device. The latter is under 100.00 bux. You can stream music, photo's, videos from your iPad or any other computer on your network. There are many remote control apps available depending on the equipment you want to control. I can control my Onkyo, Directv or my BR player from the free apps I've down loaded. The Onkyo app is great for me as it allows adjustments on the fly. If you want aiplay and haven't yet, set up your iTunes account and let the streaming begin!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappydue Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 I don't use my iPad as much as my iPhone. But I do enjoy my denon 1713 and being able to control the whole receiver from anywhere within range of my apple time capsule is pretty awesome. Nothing like opening your windows, going out to do some yard work and streaming pandora and what not and controlling volume while your outside working. As long as family is not inside obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 The only apple in my system is if I am eating one[:S]. On the serious side, I should invest in one since the avr is geared for Apple product. Merry X-mas on an early note.[<)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K5SS Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 My IPad 2 hooked up to my SC-35 and displayed on my 82" Mitsubishi DLP (sorry for the terrible lighting). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted December 8, 2012 Author Moderators Share Posted December 8, 2012 K5, does your iPad have to be hard wired or does it stream that wirelessly to your screen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K5SS Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 I am pretty terrible with technology so I just have it plugged into my AVR via HDMI and use a wireless mouse/keyboard. To tell you the truth, I usually just use the iPad on the couch and watch TV. I am sure I am missing allot of cool features. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajoker2c Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 YM, once you get the remote app your happy with, I suggest one of these for your Theater seats and will be able to use it in truck as well. http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-Systems-RAP-299-2U-RAM-A-CAN/dp/B00361ET98/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top There are different types of holders as well for just ipad or if its in a protective case. http://padholdr.com/apple-ipad-holder-and-ipad-mount/ I love it and works well in my home theater chair cup holders. I use it for ipad with WD Hub remote app for movies ,iPeng app for my Logitech Duet for FLAC music on squeezebox for 2 channel. I have individual apps for TV, BDP, WD Live Hub and squeezebox. I'm going to watch this thread for the universal remote options (I have Harmony One as well and like the Link idea) for everything, but now feels like I'm at the helm of the enterprise with everything I need right at my side.[] One thing I do like is with iPeng app I can bring my iPad into bedroom and use headphone jack and have access to all my music on NAS to use in my bedroom set up or connect the ipad to my Klipsch Pro media 2.1 in Kitchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivanhurd Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 I absolutely love airplay. I listen to way more music on my HT now that I have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted December 9, 2012 Author Moderators Share Posted December 9, 2012 YM, once you get the remote app your happy with, I suggest one of these for your Theater seats and will be able to use it in truck as well. http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-Systems-RAP-299-2U-RAM-A-CAN/dp/B00361ET98/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top That looks slick but how does it secure to the back of the iPad? I don't see any clamps. Do you have to purchase the RAM mounting system plus the individual $150 holder for the iPad? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted December 9, 2012 Author Moderators Share Posted December 9, 2012 Nevermind, I didn't see this unit. That's much more affordable option than the second link you provided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajoker2c Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 Nevermind, I didn't see this unit. That's much more affordable option than the second link you provided. you got it...sorry for confusion. Here is the one I have and works fantastic http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-Systems-RAM-HOL-AP8U-Holder/dp/B00430B0L6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tremors Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 iDo!, check the sig for gear currently being used. I'm a huge fan of Spotify as a streaming service and utilize my airplay enabled iPad with the Apple TV nearly every time I'm in the HT. I also have a Mac mini connected to the AVR in my living room which goes straight to my TV via HDMI. The Mac mini is a better option than an Apple TV if you want the speed and processing power required to do things like; Surf the web, listen to music, have multiple pages open in an browser simultaneously with no lag. The Mac mini gets used for EVERY party as background music for the first floor. Leaving the wireless keyboard out for guests to use also allows others to change the music if they want and everyone has fun with it, "Hey, you gotta here this cool song", **click, click, tap** there it is, any thing you could possibly want to here is at everyone's finger tips. The next step for a fuller, richer user experience will be adding some Philips Hue bulbs to the HT and a few more around the house. This is a just released wifi enabled bulb that is controllable with an iPad or smartphone via app. With it we'll be able to dim the lights, change the color scheme, etc., all from the comfort of the couch. Or, turn on the interior/exterior lights of the house while away on vacation to make it appear as if we're home. Super cool stuff. They're only available thru the apple store currently and last time I checked were back ordered 3-4 months, so ill be patient. But me AND the wife are super excited for the prospects of this little project Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TasDom Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 The next step for a fuller, richer user experience will be adding some Philips Hue bulbs to the HT and a few more around the house. Very cool! Hadn't seen this before and am putting it on my short list. [Y] Edit: Hmmmm.....just looked at the prices.[] Might have to add to the longer short list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tremors Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 The next step for a fuller, richer user experience will be adding some Philips Hue bulbs to the HT and a few more around the house. Very cool! Hadn't seen this before and am putting it on my short list. Edit: Hmmmm.....just looked at the prices. Might have to add to the longer short list! Keep in mind that it IS way cheaper than the home automation systems currently on the market. Also, the avg person should get around 10 years out of each LED bulb before needing replacement. 60 bucks a bulb is pricey but in the end is actually pretty cost effective for what you get, IMO. Bear in mind also that it does not behoove you to switch out ALL of your bulbs with the way they currently operate. No physical on/off switch means that turning on/off a much used table lamp requires going into the app every time to do so. But, selectively choosing your placement could yield huge rewards as mentioned above, and very cheaply in my book. It's def on my short list In fact I'm gonna check their current availability right now! EDIT: Wah wah wah, still 3-4 months ......A full home automation system for a small/medium size house could easily go into the thousands. I don't need or want full home automation. I DO want to be able to set up my lighting scheme BEFORE entering the HT and to be able to control while I'm down there. I also want to be able to control an outdoor light for security purposes while I'm away. I also want to be able to control the lights in our primary living room when I'm at home and when I'm not. All of my wants equals five bulbs. You get three and the wireless bridge for $199., add on two more bulbs at $60/each and were talking about $320. That's $320 for ten years of full control over my home lighting schemes while I'm there AND away. Less than a $1/month. I can think of so many different ways that I spend ONE dollar every month that doesn't give me much or any enjoyment. Ill save that $1 and spend it here, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rudy81 Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 I recently started using iRule to control my HT via my iPad or Droid phone. Works extremely well, totally customizable. iRule controls any and all systems via RS232, IP, or IR. It is a bit of a learning curve to 'create' your customized remote, but well worth the effort IMHO. You can read about it on the iRule site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 I don't have an i anything but do use my android tablet to control my HT, listen to endless internet radio, stream music etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prerich Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 I have an iPad2, but I prefer using my Android to control my HTPC - it works better than my iPad and it's smaller too ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajoker2c Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 That looks slick but how does it secure to the back of the iPad? I don't see any clamps. Do you have to purchase the RAM mounting system plus the individual $150 holder for the iPad? Here's a quick pic I took to show it working. It fits solidly in cup holder and easily removed to use in truck if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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