How to Play WMV on Apple TV with Beamer

If you’ve ever tried converting WMV to Apple TV, you might already know that the process can be extremely lengthy and include several complicated steps that might make the trouble not worth it for some Apple TV users.

If you’re looking for ways to convert WMV to Apple TV and stream it from your Mac, you’ll need to use a third-party app because Apple TV, Mac, and even iTunes do not support this video format. You can convert WMV files to Apple TV using a video converter to Apple-friendly video formats.

However, there’s a better way to directly stream any video format on Apple TV without converting WMV to Apple TV. Want to know what this straightforward process entails? Keep reading!

How to Convert WMV Video Files to Apple TV – 4 Simple Steps

Suppose you haven’t heard of it already. In that case, Beamer is a streaming application that allows Mac users to stream any video format directly to their Apple TV or Google Chromecast without having to convert the files first. In addition to WMV files, it supports other video formats, including AVI, MKV, MP4, MOV, FLV, SRT, SUB/IDX, etc.

It is pertinent to note that Beamer does not support Blu-ray and DVD files, as they are protected by copyright. However, with Beamer, you can play videos—not natively supported by Apple—from your Mac on Apple TV or Google Chromecast with the help of AirPlay.

The following are the four straightforward steps to using Beamer:

Step 1. Download Beamer App

First and foremost, you will need to download the video streaming app Beamer to your Mac.

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After downloading the free version, you can test it by streaming the first 15 minutes of any movie or video on Google Chromecast or your Apple TV. To watch files after the free trial and of longer durations, you’ll need to purchase the app—only if you’re satisfied with the results.

Step 2. Launch the App

Once you’ve downloaded Beamer, you can launch the app, prompting a small window on your screen. You’ll notice a message in the window requesting you to “Drag movies here to stream to…”

Step 3. Select Your Device

After ensuring that both your Mac and Apple TV/Google Chromecast devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi, locate the device menu, which is located on the right-hand side in the lower corner of the application’s window. From there, choose the device on which you want to stream the video.

Step 4. Drag and Drop

Simply locate the file that you want to stream and drag and drop it into the application window, which will prompt playback immediately without the need to transcode the file into an Apple-friendly format. You can also use Beamer’s Playback preferences to select different subtitle language and audio tracks.

Is There Another Way to Convert WMV to Apple TV?

There’s another way to play and convert WMV to Apple TV. The VLC Media Player is similar software that allows Mac users to stream videos on Apple TV without using a third-party Apple TV converter tool. The following steps will help you in using the VLC Media Player:

1. Download VLC from Apple TV’s app store
2. Select Remote Playback and then click on Enable Remote Playback
3. Connect your Mac or computer to the same Wi-Fi network
4. Open the browser on your PC
5. Enter the address which was prompted after the completion of step # 2
6. Drag and drop the file you want to stream into the prompted VLC’s Remote Playback window on your PC
7. Alternatively, you can use the + icon on the window to add files for streaming on Apple TV
8. The files streaming on your Apple TV will be cached on your TV till the space is required for other contents

As you can tell from the steps mentioned above, using VLC requires approximately double the number of steps Beamer requires, making the latter the optimal option for people of all ages and with varying tech skills. As a less user-friendly alternative, VLC is not preferred by Apple TV users who want to stream videos to their TVs.

On the other hand, Beamer is super convenient, easy, fast, and user-friendly and lets you get the job done in 4 simple to follow steps. Want to know more reasons why we love Beamer more than any other Apple TV streaming app on the market? Keep reading to find out!

Reasons Beamer Has Become a Hot Topic in the Tech World

A user who has fallen in love with the Beamer app has rightfully called it the #TechCrushOfTheDay. Let’s take a look at some of the many reasons why Beamer users have nothing but raving reviews for this app:

1. Stream Any Video Format

You can practically play videos of any resolution, codec, and format using Beamer, which also includes formats supporting multiple video encodings. You can use the app for any model of the Apple TV, including Apple TV 4, 1st and 2nd generation Google Chromecast, and other devices containing Google Cast. You don’t need to convert any files or worry about glitches! The following are all the supported video formats:

• SUB/IDX

• SRT

• WMV

• FLV

• MOV

• MP4

• MKV

• AVI

2. Unmatched Video Quality

Did you know Beamer lets you stream videos at up to 1080p, depending on the source file? The app also uses high bitrate, Surround Sound support, and native streaming capabilities to offer an immersive experience for its users. You’ll face no bugs, disruptions, or delays, which are common problems users face while using AirPlay’s mirroring feature on Apple TV. So, if you want to watch videos of the best quality, Beamer is the perfect streaming companion you need. The video audio and playback will be the best with Beamer.

3. Automatic Subtitle Detection

The app will automatically detect any associated subtitle files or embedded subtitles. Moreover, users can add external subtitle files in any format, including Blu-ray, DVD, MPL(2), Subviewer, SubRip, etc. All embedded and text-based formats will work through Beamer without any issues.

4. The Ultimate User-Friendliness

The user-friendliness of Beamer doesn’t end with the app itself; it continues even while you’re watching the movie or video on your Apple TV or Google Chromecast. You can rewind, fast-forward, and pause movies with just a click of a button on your Apple TV remote, meaning you won’t have to leave your sofa unless you want to. You can also play the next video in your queue by double-pressing the Play button on your Apple TV remote. If you’re like us and love binge-watching movies or shows, you will enjoy this user-friendly aspect of Beamer.

5. Create Playlists and Queues

You can build a playlist and adjust the queue according to your liking to prepare for the best movie night ever! The player window can also show all the movie titles and the total time of the playlist. In addition to this, you can remove any video or movie or let the player automatically remove the watched files.

The playlist and queues can include multiple videos and movies of varying formats. In case you face any issue playing a specific video format, you can also head to the company’s support website to look for answers.

6. Test Before You Commit

The free version of the Beamer app lets you test the application before fully committing to it and making any payments. As mentioned, you can run 15 minutes of any video or movie to see how the application works. You won’t need to commit to anything before you’re satisfied with its features and can test it out before you make the pocket-friendly investment.

Want to know more about converting WMV to Apple TV and streaming videos on your device? Take a look at the following frequently asked questions, answered for your convenience: 

FAQ

Can Apple play WMV files?

Released by Microsoft in 1999, the WMV format was natively built for Windows Media Player and has since been one of the most popular and widely used video formats worldwide. However, since it was exclusively built for Windows, other audiences, such as Mac users, can’t use this file format. Users must download third-party apps, converters, and media players to convert WMV to Apple TV.

How can I play WMV files on my TV?

There are several ways to play WMV on your Apple TV, which include connecting your PC directly to the TV, copying the file on a USB and playing it via a console, or copying a file to a DVD. However, you can also download user-friendly Apple TV conversion apps like Beamer to make the streaming process relatively easier.