AirPlay for Windows Media Center

Updated 5/5/2012:


I finally found an AirPlay for PC solution.  


Click here to see my post on Aerodrom, the AirPlay solution for your PC and Windows Media Center.


Updated 2/12/2012.


I still have not found a solution that works with iO 5 and Windows Media.  I have however, found a solution that will stream audio to your PC from your device.


CLICK HERE TO AIRPLAY AUDIO TO YOUR PC


Updated 1/14/2012, dead links fixed, tweak may be dead.


***To the best of my knowledge, iOS 5 has possibly killed this, I can't get my devices to see the Windows Media PC.  If you get it working, send me a note!!!! In the meantime, I fixed the dead link to the WMC client.***


It's been a few weeks since my last post....summer has been good to us.  Not to mention, there really hasn't been much going on in Geekdom......to avoid being redundant....I'd rather not just duplicate everyone else....On to the today's post....


Fan of "Airplay" on your iDevice? Me too.  Love my apple TV....but now Airplay isn't just for Apple TV, I'm about to show you how to enable Airplay on your PC via Windows Media Center.


I know what you are thinking..."You still use Windows Media Center??"  Yes, I do.  And this tweak is another reason to use it...This tweak will enable Airplay on your PC in Windows Media Center.  


When my Apple TV is occupied on another TV in the house, I simply pop an HDMI cable in the side of my laptop, and whalla, streaming from my iDevices right to my TV. This tweak also works on XBOX Media Center as well. NO JAILBREAK REQUIRED.


Here's what you need:


.Net Framework.  This is usually already installed on your Windows PC. If not, click here to get the latest version of .NET from Microsoft. 


Bonjour Service installed, this typically happens when you install Safari or iTunes.


Click HERE to download the WMC Airplay Client


This is a simple install, once complete, you will be ready to go.  Works perfectly!!!  


Here's quick demo video found on YouTube

Now you can stream Video and Audio from your iDevice to your PC, and/or to XBox right to your home entertainment system.


Don't forget to follow @brucetdoesit on twitter for the latest in Geekdom news and tweaks


Stay tuned, in my next post, I show you how to enable AirPrint on your Windows PC without using your existing printer... No need to waste hundreds of $$ on an AirPrint enabled printer!!!

AirPrint for Windows, no Jailbreak Req'd

Updated 2/6/2013

This method still works on home PC with Windows 8, all of my devices running iOS 6. I'm using the Guest Account option.

Also, still works on my corporate network using the Administrator password for  the PC the printer is connected to (not my network password).

Updated 10/15/2012

Working on iOS 6 using the steps below, on my all devices including  iPhone 5.

Also works on m corporate network using the "Administrator" logon and password for the workstation running the AirPrint Installer.  Again, WORKSTATION PASSWORD, not my network credentials.


Update 1/14/2012

Finally working on iOS 5!!!!  I'm searching for a better solution, but in the meantime, follow this workaround to get printing again on ANY printer connected to your PC.  I have not yet tried this on my corporate network.  This IS working on my home network.

I have tested on iOS 5.0.1, iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 4th Gen, my PC is running Windows 7, 64Bit.

Here's what you need to do:



CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AIRPRINT SERVICE INSTALLER and registry fixes.

Once unzipped you will find three files:

 Two registry fixes for Windows 7, 32 bit and 64 bit.
and the AirPrint Service Installer

Steps:

1. Run "AirPrint_Installer.exe" and then click on "Install AirPrint Service".

2. Run the "AirPrint iOS 5 FIX - 32Bit.reg" or  "AirPrint iOS 5 FIX - 64Bit.reg" to install the iOS 5 fix  (Choose the correct file for you operating system, 32 Bit or 64 Bit Windows). 

3. Go back to "AirPrint_Installer.exe", make sure "Service Startup" is set to "Auto" and click "Start".

4. Restart computer.

If there is a locked icon next to the printer on the iOS device enable the guest account in Windows. Click here to learn how to enable the "Guest" account in Windows 7.

In the "AirPrint_Installer.exe" choose to use Guest Account Auth and tick the "Enable Guest Account" box. Then click "Update". 

You will then need to restart. 

Credit to a post in the MacRumors.com forum. Click HERE for the post.

I'm still playing with this, as I don't like the Guest account option.  Once I figure out a better solution, I will update as usual.

Update 11/5/2011


Support Ticket Response was: iOS 5 update for Print App was submitted to Apple, just awaiting approval.  Sit tight. Should be resolved in just a few days.  Way cool.


Update 11/4/2011 


***iOS5 has killed this app...hopefully the developer will update soon****  BUMMER.


I am waiting for a response from the developer and will let you know what I hear back.  


As promised, here is how to escape the chokehold Apple and HP has on printing from your iDevice.

Today I show you how to print to your existing printers from your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone over your wifi to the local printer on you desktop or laptop PC.  This app will let you print from email, Safari, etc...  It will also save you money on a printer upgrade..I'm using an ancient HP LaserJet 4 Plus for this tutorial.

What you need:

iOS 4.2 or newer installed on your iDevice.

A printer connected to a running desktop PC or Laptop.  Be sure to share your printers on the network. 

If you don't know how to share a printer, FOLLOW THIS LINK.

Click here to get the Print App from the iTunes Store [$8.99, don't be cheap, it's worth it.]

Ignore the bad reviews, it's the usual "don't know WTF i'm doing" so blame the app situation.

Remember, I don't get paid to endorse anything, I ACTUALLY USE THE APPS I recommend.

Go here to download the Windows AirPrint Installer.

Run AirPrint installer and follow on screen instructions.

Now, here's why people keep giving the Print App a bad review, it is a lack of understanding....

The Print app WILL NOT work without the AirPrint installer and AirPrint service running on your PC.

You do not even have to launch the Print App.

When on your home network, connecting to printers, THEY HAVE TO BE SHARED ON YOUR NETWORK.

The first time you select your printer, it will ask you for a user name and a password.  This would be the SAME USER NAME AND PASSWORD YOU USE TO LOG ON TO YOUR PC.

In a corporate, server based network, you have to use Administrator and the administrator password for the WORKSTATION, not the network admin credentials and not your network credentials.

Here are a few screen shots of this working on my iPad.

And that's how Bruce T prints to any printer from iDevices.

Please Share, Tweet, +1 this post if you found it helpful.

Happy Printing!!!