Streaming Videos to an iDevice Using Air Video

Air Video allows you to stream your videos to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices.

I like it and recommend that you give the free version a try. Here's how to set it up in a few minutes.

AirVideo

Air Video has two parts. The first part is a server that runs on your desktop machine at home or whenever your videos are stored. The server essentially reads the local videos (that you've configured to be viewable) and publishes them for your mobile devices. In some cases, that requires that the videos be converted to a format for your mobile device. This conversion can happen in real time (Air Video "Live Conversion") if you have at least a Core 2 Duo processor on your desktop. Live conversion allows you to watch the video instantly. The videos may also be converted in batch mode. You basically say you want to convert a video and it will be available to watch as soon as the conversion finishes.

Step 1) Install the Air Video Server on a fast machine with access to the videos you want to stream.

Air Video has good instructions for installing and configuring the server which you can read on their site.

The second part of the Air Video system is the application that runs on your iDevice. You'll need to use this application to view the videos that your Air Video server is publishing.

Step 2) Install the "Air Video Free" application on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad. Just search for Air Video in the AppStore. The free application limits the number of videos it will display during browsing but you can use it to immediately see if Air Video will work for you.

Step 3) Start up the Air Video application. Make sure you're using wireless and on the same LAN as the server you just installed. You should see your server listed. Touching the server will take you to a list of videos and directories. From there you should be able to play videos.

Step 4) To play videos remotely (on 3G, at work, at a hotel, on the road, etc.) you'll need to enable "Remote Connection" on your Air Video Server. This is a one click operation on the server and matter of entering a PIN number in your Air Video application. Air Video provides good instructions for enabling the remote connection.

Air Video is great distraction for grumpy traveling kids.