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Are you someone who avidly uses VLC for playing videos on your Mac? Have you ever wondered if it is possible to stream these videos onto your Apple TV? If yes, then this blog is for you. In this blog post, we will be discussing three different methods to stream VLC videos from Mac to Apple TV without requiring any additional hardware. By the end of this post, you will be able to mirror your Mac screen and play any video on your Apple TV without breaking a sweat.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Streaming VLC Video from Mac to Apple TV:
Often times, it becomes a troublesome task to stream your favorite VLC videos from your Mac to your Apple TV. This becomes even more of a challenge when you do not wish to purchase additional devices or subscribe to any expensive services. Although Apple’s AirPlay app has improved over the years, there still isn’t a native way to stream VLC videos to your Apple TV from a Mac. That is why we have come up with three different methods so that you can easily share the content of your VLC videos onto your Apple TV.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before you start the streaming process, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary requirements ready at your disposal. Here are a few things that you need to prepare for:
1. A Mac (running macOS High Sierra or a later version)
2. An Apple TV (4th generation or later)
3. Wi-Fi connection (both Mac and Apple TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network)
4. The latest version of VLC Media Player
5. VLC Streamer Helper (if using method 3)
Method 1: Via AirPlay Mirroring
AirPlay Mirroring allows you to mirror your entire Mac screen onto your Apple TV, including any audio or video that is playing. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Connect your Mac and Apple TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: On your Mac, open VLC Media Player and start playing the video you want to stream.
Step 3: Click on the AirPlay icon from the menu bar at the top of your Mac screen.
Step 4: Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
Step 5: Turn on the Mirroring option that appears next to your Apple TV’s name and the entire screen of your Mac will be mirrored on your TV.
Step 6: You will now be able to see the video playing on your Mac screen on your Apple TV as well.
Pros:
1. Mirrors everything on your Mac screen, including audio and video.
2. No additional hardware required.
Cons:
1. Poor video quality due to compression.
2. Limited support for some file types.
Method 2: Via VLC Streaming Option
This method requires you to share the VLC interface with your Apple TV and then stream the video contents. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player and click on the Playback tab from the menu bar at the top of your screen.
Step 2: Click on the Renderer option.
Step 3: Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
Step 4: Start playing the video you want to stream from your VLC Media Player.
Step 5: Once the video has started, click on the Playback tab again and select the ‘Renderer’ option.
Step 6: Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
Step 7: The video playback will now begin on your TV.
Pros:
1. Better video quality.
2. Direct streaming, no mirroring required.
Cons:
1. Only plays videos supported by VLC.
2. VLC interface appears on screen.
Method 3: Via VLC Streamer Helper
VLC Streamer Helper allows you to stream VLC video content directly to your Apple TV without the need for any additional software. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download and install VLC Streamer Helper from the website.
Step 2: Open VLC Streamer Helper and select your video from the list.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Add to VLC’ button.
Step 4: Open VLC Media Player and click on the Playback tab from the menu bar at the top of your screen.
Step 5: Click on the ‘Renderer’ option and select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
Step 6: The video playback will now begin on your TV.
Pros:
1. Good video quality.
2. No VLC interface on-screen.
Cons:
1. Requires additional software installation.
2. Dependable on third-party helper.
Why Can’t I Stream My VLC Video from Mac to Apple TV?
If you are unable to stream your VLC video from Mac to Apple TV, then here are a few reasons and fixes you can follow:
1. Wi-Fi: Make sure both your Mac and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Software: Ensure that you have the latest version of VLC Media Player.
3. Third-party software: Make sure that if you are using a third-party software like VLC Streamer Helper, it is installed and updated.
Additional Tips
– If your Wi-Fi network is not reliable, you may want to consider connecting both your Mac and Apple TV to the router via ethernet cables.
– Adjusting the video quality in VLC Media Player can help improve the video stream quality.
5 FAQs about Streaming VLC Video from Mac to Apple TV
Q1: How do I check if my Apple TV is compatible?
A: Check which model you have by going to Settings > General > About. If you have a 4th generation or later model, it should be compatible.
Q2: Can I use these methods to stream other videos as well?
A: Yes, you can use these methods to stream other videos as well, as long as they are supported by VLC Media Player.
Q3: Can I stream audio-only from VLC Media Player?
A: Yes, you can stream audio-only from VLC Media Player by following the same instructions as video streaming.
Q4: How do I disconnect my Mac from Apple TV?
A: Click on the AirPlay icon from the menu bar and select ‘Turn AirPlay Off’.
Q5: Can I pause, rewind or fast forward the video playing on my Apple TV?
A: Yes, you can control the video playback from VLC Media Player on your Mac.
In Conclusion
With these three methods, you can now easily stream VLC videos from your Mac to your Apple TV without any additional hardware or expensive subscriptions. Consider your requirements and follow the steps carefully to pick the best method for you. Say goodbye to the hassle of streaming your favorite VLC videos once and for all!