The iPad is known for being one of the tablets with the best screen and brutal image quality. However, it is always more comfortable to see things on a larger screen and while Smart TVs are not even smarter, it turns out that the fastest way to play content on your TV is by connecting the iPad to the television. It could be to watch movies that you have on the iPad, photographs that you have taken and want to show to friends or family, make a presentation...
Therefore, we are going to see the different options you have when watching iPad on TV depending on your device (iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air) and the accessories you have (Apple TV, composite cable, HDMI...).
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View iPad on a TC via AirPlay with Apple TV
One of the easiest and fastest solutions is to connect our iPad to the television thanks to Apple TV. The only thing you have to do is turn on the Apple TV, tune on the television to the channel to which the Apple TV is connected and from its interface, enable AirPlay.
Once this is done, you can play the videos on your iPad and wirelessly watch them on the television just by clicking on the "AirPlay" button that will appear. If you want, there is also mirror mode that will display everything you see on the iPad on the screen.
The great advantage of watching the iPad through Apple TV is that it is done without any cables, making it ideal for games, for example, in which we will use the iPad as a controller and save on purchasing accessories and cables.
Connect the iPad via HDMI
If you have a television with HDMI input, this is a good option although there will be cables involved. You will have to purchase an Apple Digital AV adapter and simply connect the television to the iPad via the HDMI cable. This type of cable is ideal for playing the content on the iPad screen - presentations, apps, websites and more - on the TV since it transmits video and sound in high definition (yes, movies are played in up to 720p).
With this option you will also have mirror mode to duplicate the screen and the cable will work for iPad 3 and 4, iPad mini, as well as the iPhone 4 and iPod touch, 4th generation. Please note that the HDMI cable is not included with the Digital AV adapter.
Connect iPad with a VGA adapter
If your television screen or projector does not support HDMI, you have the option of using a VGA adapter. With this adapter you can connect your iPad and enjoy your multimedia files on any compatible projector or screen that has a VGA output. It is worth noting that, as with HDMI, movies will be viewed with a maximum resolution of 720p.
You will also have to buy this adapter if you don't already have it and it is compatible with the iPad 1, 2 and 3; iPhone 4 and 4S and iPod touch, 4th generation. Mirror mode will only work on iPad 2 or later and iPhone 4S.
Connect iPad via composite cable
For older televisions that do not have an HDMI input, we have the option of using the composite cable. This cable breaks down the video signal into three colors: red, white and yellow.
Keep in mind that connecting the iPad via composite cable will not achieve the same video quality as if we connect it via HDMI or AirPlay.
We have reviewed the different options you have to connect the iPad to the TV and thus be able to see all its content on a larger screen. You no longer have an excuse since it is quite simple and the only thing you have to do is buy some accessories and adapters that, as far as possible, are quite cheap, at least for what Apple people are used to.
Enjoy your movies, songs and presentations now from the comfort of your television!
Inveterate technophile. I write about technology, science, productivity and general culture.
