If you’re planning to start using AirPlay speakers as an output audio source for your Apple TV or you want to replace your current setup with something more powerful, it’s a good time to do it as Sony 7.2-channel 4K AV Receiver with AirPlay is currently on sale on Amazon for $399 $299 shipped.

The Sony STR-DN850 is a 7.2 channel 4K AV receiver with built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. It features 150 watts of power, 4k resolution pass-through, high-res audio compatibility, 6 HD inputs and a new intuitive graphical interface. It also ha a high capacity power transformer, custom heat sink, and other specially selected audio-grade components that together add up to class-leading sound quality.

Get it now from Amazon.

Check out how to send audio from Apple TV to AirPlay speakers/receivers.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Redirect your Apple TV audio to Sony 4K AV AirPlay receiver (deals) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Now that you know that you can redirect your Apple TV audio to alternate AirPlay speakers (and you know how to do it), check out the selection of some of the best AirPlay speakers that won’t ruin your budget.

Also check out: 10 best Bluetooth speakers under $100

• iHome iW3 ($59.95)

The iHome iW3 is an AirPlay wireless speaker system that sports rechargeable Lithium-ion battery for portable placement. The iW3 also supports USB for charging and music playback of iPad, iPhone and iPod with any Apple USB sync cable. Modest size and affordability make this an ideal solution for multiple room placement.

Get it now for just $59.95!

• iHome iWS2 – Silver ($199 -> $62.26)

High-quality audio from iHome iW2 provides dynamic stereo sound out of the two active stereo speakers. Specially designed high-end drivers in Reson8 speaker chambers and SRS TruBass sound processing delivers astounding clarity, depth and power in a small space. Configuring the iW2 with a wireless network is made easy with iHome Connect, a free downloadable app available on the App Store.

Get it now for just $62.26!

• Philips Fidelio SoundAvia ($199 -> $74.95)

This AirPlay speaker features SoundAvia technology for rich, balanced sound and includes an aux-in jack that makes it easy to connect to almost any electronic device. Fidelio’s streamlined, compact design won’t clutter up your space. To expand your entertainment options, the Fidelio SoundAvia works with Philips’s free Fidelio app for access to a range of music and other features.

Get it now for just $74.95!

• Philips Fidelio SoundCurve ($99 -> $89)

The carefully designed curved back cover creates a highly effective acoustic structure for sound reproduction. Its clean curve enforces the rigidity of the speaker cabinet, dramatically reducing internal resonance and eliminating the vibration and distortion of sound. Fidelio SoundCurve comes with a remote control and an aux-in jack for fast and easy connection to virtually any electronic device. The USB port lets you play and charge your devices directly from the speaker.

Get it now for just $89!

• Xtrememac Tango Air Subwoofer ($259.99 -> $99.95) 

The XtremeMac Tango Air features five active drivers and one passive radiator for staggering sound quality in a flexible design that maintains its audio integrity whether the speaker is positioned vertically or horizontally. A piano gloss finish and satin-plated buttons make it an attractive addition to any space.

Get it now for just $99.95!

• iHome iW1 with Rechargeable Battery ($299.99 -> $124.99)

The internal rechargeable battery makes it a truly wireless and portable audio solution that you can take anywhere you have Wi-Fi. The iW1 also supports USB docking for iPod and iPhone charging and music playback with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Coveted Bongiovi Digital Power Station circuitry provides real-time digital signal processing that makes your MP3’s shine. Embrace wireless living with impressive technology and an exceptional audio experience.

Get it now for just $124.99!

• Sony RDP-XA700IPN Speaker Dock ($399 -> $139)

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• 60W Total Output Power
• Built-in Sub & Passive Radiators
• Damperless Speakers
• Dock & Charge Your iPod/iPhone/iPad
• Retractable Lightning Dock
• S-MASTER Digital Amplification
• Clear Phase Technology
• Free App for Clock & EQ
• Auxiliary Audio Input

Get it now for just $139!

• Hame Dreamsound Speaker System for Audiophiles ($225.99 -> $139.95)

Super large speakers allow the easy differentiation of treble, midrange, and bass frequencies, and, together with the amplifier and speaker box, make for the ultimate hi-fi configuration. The Wi-Fi router can reach a transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps and offers Wi-Fi coverage within 400 square meters.

Get it now for just $139.95!

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Best budget AirPlay speakers for Apple TV to buy in 2015 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Imagine you’re streaming a song from iCloud via Apple TV but don’t want it to play on the television’s subpar speakers; or you’re watching a movie but would like the audio to play from another speaker. Not many of us know this, but the audio output from Apple TV can be redirected to any AirPlay speakers or even other Apple TVs and Airport Express.

And this article will show you exactly how to achieve this. Actually, there are two ways by which you can send your Apple TV’s audio to an AirPlay speaker.

A. Setting an AirPlay speaker temporarily, just for the current movie

While a movie or video is playing on the screen, just press and hold the Select button on your Apple TV remote for a couple of seconds. A screen like the one shown above will pop up and you know what to do now. Go to Speakers tab, select the required AirPlay speaker from the given list and you’re good to go.

This method works best if you’re using the speakers just for that one movie. When you are finished with it, the speaker selection automatically changes back to your television’s.

B. Permanently set an AirPlay speaker for your Apple TV

You can go into Settings, Choose AirPlay and the screen will show you a list of available AirPlay speakers. Select the desired one and it will be your permanent output for the Apple TV. That’s it!

So if you’ve been looking for a reason to get an AirPlay speaker, I believe this is a good one. Do try these at home and let us know how things are working out for you guys.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post How to send audio from Apple TV to AirPlay speakers appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AirPlay hasn’t been widely accepted in place of low power Bluetooth technologies and so prominent audio makers are keeping their distance from it. That is why there is a severe dearth of quality and good looking AirPlay speakers in the market. And with Spatia, Moshi aims to fill this gap.

Spatia is one of the best looking AirPlay speakers we’ve seen, with a premium metal and wood textured finish. It doesn’t fall behind in terms of audio quality and feature specifications either.

Standard AirPlay features such as lossless audio streaming and router-free Wi-Fi Direct are included, enabling Spatia to operate independently or on an existing Wi-Fi network.

The all-in-one system contains twin 1-inch tweeters, two 2.75-inch drivers, and a 4-inch downward-firing subwoofer, notably in a housing with a stand that keeps all of the speakers floating above the surface of a table.

Moshi hasn’t compromised on the audio processing hardware, either, as it includes two DSP chips and two Class-D amplifiers to separately drive the high/mid and low frequencies.”

All the settings for Moshi Spatia can be adjusted with their free iOS app. The exact price or launch date for the AirPlay speakers hasn’t been announced yet. We will keep you updated on that.

In case you’re wondering how to pair your Apple TV to an AirPlay speaker, don’t worry, we are working on a tutorial as we speak and will publish it soon. Stay tuned!

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Moshi’s new AirPlay speaker Spatia is the perfect Apple TV companion appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AirParrot 2 highlights:

• Media streaming

The ability to stream video files adds an entirely new element to the formerly mirroring-only application. Users can now drag and drop their favorite movies, TV shows and other media files to begin streaming. When available, home theater users will enjoy 5.1 channel audio.

AirParrot 2 allows mirroring and streaming of audio only, too. It can now send audio files or audio from open applications to available receivers. Audio even plays in sync when sending to multiple receivers.

Streaming media is available to Chromecast, AirPlay-enabled speakers and traditional AirPlay receivers like Apple TV and Reflector.

• Multiple destination support

AirParrot 2 allows streaming and mirroring to more than one destination at the same time: Apple TV, AirPlay speakers, Chromecast – all at once. It works for both video and audio-only streaming.

• Chromecast support

AirParrot 2 is the first application to enable screen mirroring from a Mac or Windows computer to a Chromecast receiver.

• Bluetooth discovery/IP Connection/Quick Connect 

AirParrot 2 adds easier ways to connect to AirPlay receivers and Chromecast. Bluetooth discovery and patent-pending Quick Connect technology allow connections over complex and limited networks.

• Redesigned UI

AirParrot 2 includes an entirely new UI. Additions like a recently connected device list and new status bar are believed to “improve the overall experience and make wirelessly displaying content easy.”

AirParrot 2 is a paid upgrade. Original AirParrot users can upgrade at a discount through 11/26/2014 using the code AP2UPGRADE. New users can purchase AirParrot 2 for $14.99 from the Squirrels website.

We are already working on a review of a new version of AirParrot. Meanwhile, you can read our in-depth review of the previous version.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post AirParrot 2 for Mac and Windows released with media streaming, Chromecast support, improved performance and redesigned UI appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

doubleTwist has released a new tweak that adds AirPlay support for Google Play Music. A hack named AirPlay for Android makes use of the API in Android 4.1 which adds support for streaming devices. It is available right now on Google Play as an app, MagicPlay: AirPlay for Android for $2.99. Though publicized as a way to stream Google Play Music from Android to Apple TV, they’ve clarified that this hack will work with any music app that supports Google Chrome Casting.

In order to get AirPlay feature for your Android, you can follow this official guide:

1. Install the doubleTwist AirPlay for Android package
2. Launch the Google Play Music app and tap the Cast (streaming) button
3. Grant root access when prompted (this patches the plugin whitelist)
4. Force stop the Google Play Music app and relaunch it
5. AirPlay devices on your WiFi network should now appear when tapping Cast

Android has a built-in white list feature, which regularly checks for streaming devices and disconnects anything other than Nexus Q and Sonos, for which the API was initially designed. So you might have to restart the app now and then to shake Apple TV off this list. But if you’re already rooted, this caveat is automatically patched by the tweak and things are bright as ever.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Stream music from Android devices to Apple TV or AirPlay speakers with doubleTwist’s MagicPlay appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Black Friday… – all those gadgets that you’ve hovered over the purchase button all year round have now dropped in price and are in that impulse purchase territory.

Here we highlight the best deals for AirPlay speakers as part of Black Friday.

These WiFi enabled speakers enable the sound from your Apple TV to be AirPlayed to them. It’s seamless, quick, and just works. The benefit of using AirPlay over the standard Bluetooth you usually find in portable speakers is that the range is only limited by your WiFi network.

It’s worth pointing out that of course Amazon.com is not the only place to go to get Black Friday deals, but it sure is the most convenient, in most places cheapest, and coupled with the Prime service, certainly the quickest. If we find a better deal, we will post it!

So sit back and check out the deals this year:

• Philips DS9800W/37 Fidelio SoundSphere

$799.99 -> $299.99 (63% off)

Equipped with SoundSphere technology, these speakers let you experience music in its clearest, most lifelike form. SoundSphere technology creates a wider sound stage and more natural audio experience than traditional speakers. The Fidelio SoundSphere’s enclosure is handcrafted in wood.The speakers come with a remote control and work with the free Fidelio app that gives you access to a range of music and other features. You can also charge your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad via the included standalone docking charger.

Get it now for $299.99. 

• LG Docking Speaker with Airplay and Bluetooth

$299.99 -> $167.99 (44% off)

The LG Docking Speaker offers big sound, and functionality, in a stylish package. The 80W sound system, with integrated woofer, will enhance your listening experience while the integrated Wi-Fi allows you to connect via AirPlay or via the included Bluetooth. Compatible with iOS devices the free remote app turns the speaker into an alarm clock with “sleep” functionality. Includes FM tuner.

Get it now for $167.99.

• Samsung 100-Watt Dual Audio Dock

$699.99 -> $497.99 (29% off)

Hear your favorite music for the first time with the innovation of analog and digital technologies combined. It creates a truer, more immersive sound that digital alone cannot replicate. The Wireless Audio System with Dual Dock allows you to wirelessly stream music from mobile devices and play stored content from a PC or laptop with Airplay. Plus, stream CD quality music using Bluetooth 3.0 with aptX technology from any compatible Bluetooth device.

Get it now for $497.99.

• Philips DS3881W/37 Fidelio SoundRing Wireless Speaker with AirPlay

$299.00 -> $199.98 (33% off)

The Fidelio SoundRing is 100% portable and will conveniently play and charge your device simultaneously. The speaker has a built-in lithium-ion battery so you can bring it with you or try out different locations in your home. The SoundRing technology is engineered to completely fill your room with superb sound. A central bass sound pipe and four high-definition drivers–two front-firing and two side-firing–work together to provide an immersive sound experience with full audio impact in all directions.

Get it now for $199.98.

• Libratone Zipp

$399.00 -> $299.00 (25% off)

Libratone Zipp is an easy-to-use, wireless sound system wrapped in changeable Italian wool. The minimalistic speaker provides up to eight hours of battery time and the patented FullRoom technology creates a 360 sound experience. High-end components such as ribbon-based tweeters, digital signal processing and digital amplification provide premium sound. Apple Lossless technology ensures a perfect transfer from a music source to the Libratone Zipp.

Get it now for $299.00. 

• iHome iW2

$199.99 -> $102.07 (54% off)

iW2 provides dynamic stereo sound out of the two active stereo speakers for full-range audio performance. Experience bold, full sound with the iW2 speaker system.

The iW2 is an AirPlay speaker system for streaming music from iTunes, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch using your Wi-Fi network for wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 also supports USB docking for iPad, iPod and iPhone charging and music playback with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Embrace wireless living with impressive technology and an exceptional audio experience.

Get it now for $102.07. 

• Logitech UE Air

$399.99 -> $169.99 (58% off)

Built-in Apple AirPlay wireless technology streams high-quality uncompressed audio over your home Wi-Fi network from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or laptop with iTunes.

Just dock your device, follow the on-screen instructions to download the app, enter your network password and you’re good to go.

Get it now for $169.99.

• Philips AD7000W/37 Fidelio

$199.99  -> $90.22 (55% off)

The Fidelio SoundAvia AirPlay speaker makes a great addition to any room. Its contemporary, sleek design and compact size lets you enjoy your music virtually anywhere–wirelessly.

If you own an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, you can unlock even more features for this wireless speaker using the complementary Fidelio app. The Philips Fidelio app gives you access to over 7,000 free Internet radio stations.

Get it now for $90.22.

• XtremeMac Tango

$299.95 -> $89.89 (70% off)

The XtremeMac Tango Air features five active drivers and one passive radiator for staggering sound quality in a flexible design that maintains its audio integrity whether the speaker is positioned vertically or horizontally.

With built-in Airplay technology and simple plug & pull setup through iOS 5.0 or greater, you’ll enjoy access to your entire music library through your wireless network. Piano gloss finish and satin plated buttons ensure this speaker not only sounds amazing, but looks great no matter where you place it.

Get it now for $89.89. 

• Boston Acoustics MC200Air

$399.99 -> $129.50 (67% off)

MC200Air features BassTrac circuitry for consistent, high-performance sound. BassTrac, a Boston-designed digital audio technology, allows the speaker system to output deep, tuneful bass with minimal distortion, even at high volumes.

The MC200Air can connect to any DLNA-certified device, including PCs with compatible software and smartphones with Android OS via your Wi-Fi network. AUX inputs allow you to connect to a local source, and a USB connection allows you to connect, charge, and play music directly from iOS devices.

Get it now for $129.50. 

***

The deals picked out are some of the best AirPlay speakers out there, and with substantial money currently taken off the RRP, now is the best time to pick yourself up one of these speakers during Black Friday.

Other deals: 

• Black Friday deal: Apple TV 3 available for $89
• Black Friday giveaway: win a copy of X-Mirage

The post The best AirPlay speaker deals for Black Friday 2013 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Black Friday has long been a great way to get insane deals on all things, especially when it comes to high-end tech and accessories. Thanks to Amazon.com, and others, we no longer have to deal with the clear downside of Black Friday… lines, lines, and more lines. Knowing there are likely to be many deals out there that will benefit you and your Apple TV setup, we thought we would collect some of the best Black Friday deals and put them here, for you. So whether looking for an Apple TV, a mount, a stand, a TV, cables, remotes, or some AirPlay devices, we have you covered. Though Amazon is not the only place to go, we have to admit they have clearly got the most going for them from pricing to delivery. That said, we will focus primarily on Amazon.com deals.

WHY AMAZON.COM (straight from the source)

You shouldn’t have to stand in a long line to get a great deal. We’ve been searching for the best Black Friday deals everywhere–including Black Friday deals other stores are planning–so we can bring them to you even earlier. These limited-supply deals will go quickly, but we’ll add new ones throughout the day, every day, so you can skip the long lines and still save a bundle.

The fact that Amazon is price comparing makes this search much easier on us but to ensure you are getting the best deal possible, we will compare each price with that of other sites. If we find a better deal, we will post it!

Apple TV 1

The box that started it all! We all have fond memories of this silver box, and for some (myself included) we still find them a vital part of our entertainment system thanks to OpenElec and CrystalBuntu! 

• 160G HD New – As low as $368.50
• 160G HD Used – As low as $128.74
• 40G HD New – As low as $400
• 40G HD Used – As low as $90

Apple TV 2

Though the Apple TV 1 started it all, the Apple TV 2 is the best Apple. Television, connected product out there. Considering the fact that there is still no jailbreak for the Apple TV 3, the 2^nd gen puck offers all the goods along with the ability to have XBMC installed on top of it!

• New – As low as $200
• Used – As low as $126

Apple TV 3

Perhaps the worst Apple TV to buy, the Apple TV 3 is seeing its own deals right now as well. Keep in mind that there is know way, as of now, to unlock this device meaning it will be the most expensive addition to your setup, in the long term.

• New – As low as $89

Now that you have you device figured out, let’s look at all the goodies that can go along with them:

Apple TV Mounts

• H-Squared TVTray – As low as $19.48 (30% off)

• NuStand – As low as $17.50 (35% off)

• Total Mount – As low as $17.55 (40% off)

• Out of Sight – As low as $14.99 (25% off)

AirPlay Devices

• iHome iW1 AirPlay Speakers – As low as $144.99 (50% off)

• Philips Fidelio SoundAvia with AirPlay – As low as $104.99 (48% off)

• Panasonic Audio System with iDock – As low as $157.68 (25% off)

• Altec Lansing inAir 5000 AirPlay Speakers – As low as $249.00 (50% off)

Apple TV Remotes

• Official Apple TV 2 & 3 – As low as $14.49 (25% off)

• Official Apple TV 1 – As low as $7.49 (50% off)

Logitech Harmony 700 – As low as $55.12 (60% off)

Acoustic Research ARi3G – As low as $25

Apple TV Audio Cables

• Amazon basic Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable – As low as $5.49
• LQP  Premium Optical Toslink Audi Cable – As low as $3.33
• MediaBridge Toslink Optical Audio Cable – As low as $4.59 (70% off)

Apple TV HDMI Cables

• Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable – As low as  $5.49
• Official Apple HDMI Cable – As low as $17.99 (36% off)
• eForCity HDMI Cable for Apple TV – As low as $4.79

HD TV’S

• LG 42-Inch 1080p HDTV – As low as $479.00 (24% off)
• Toshiba 50-Inch 60Hz LED-LCD HDTV – As low as $499.99 (44% off)
• Seiki 46-Inch 1080p 60hz Slim LED HDTV – As low as $349.98 (50% off)
• TCL 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV – As low as $699.99 (36% off)

TV Stands

• 3M Adjustable Stand – As low as $23.36
• Screen Deck – As low as $24.94

Well, there you have it. We hope that this list helps you find some great deals for your entertainment system… and more importantly for you Apple TV! We personally enjoy more than a few of these products and look forward to hearing about the deals you are finding out there as well. Make sure to leave a comment with your thoughts or perhaps other deals that we missed!

Happy Holidays from Apple TV Hacks!

More deals:
Black Friday 2012: Deals on iPhone, iPad and iPod Accessories!
Best Black Friday Deals on iOS Apps

The post Black Friday 2012 Best Deals For Your Black Box appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Fans of Apple TV have long loved how the hardware integrates with the Apple iOS and all of their additional audio/visual accessories. But Apple has never been known to rest on their laurels. On the heels of the upcoming iOS 6 release, Apple TV will give users new and improved ways to integrate wireless speaker systems.

According to flatpanelshd.com, users who install the new operating system will have an additional AirPlay menu option. If you have several speakers connected through your system, you’ll be able to pick and choose which speakers the Apple TV sound plays through, as long as the speakers are AirPlay enabled. This effectively puts an end to wired surround sound speakers in the home.

AirPlay has been a key component of the Apple TV’s popularity, enabling users to enjoy all of their video, games, music and photos through a linked system. On top of being able to stream any of this content from connected devices, the new iOS update will also give users speaker-out capability. That means picking and choosing between any speakers in the home. The surround sound potential is significant, and the fully wireless capability means no more limits as to where the Apple TV and speakers must be placed.

Developers who have given the new features a test drive report that all seems to be working as advertised. Users will have to turn off the Dolby setting to run the speakers at a proper volume, but other than that it all works glitch-free. iOS 6 should be coming out in early fall with the release of the latest iPhone. And when Apple TV set hits the market, the same wireless speaker capabilities will be in play.

[image: FLATPANELSHD]

The post Apple TV iOS 6 beta tweaking AirPlay speaker-out feature appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.