Use AirMedia

Visitors to an AirMedia‑equipped room are greeted with a welcome screen that provides instructions for connecting to an AirMedia device. AirMedia device users with a PC can use a web browser to download a guest AirMedia sender application from the device or use an installed version of the AirMedia sender application.

AirMedia users with a mobile device can use mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. For details, refer to Connect to AirMedia Devices with Mobile Applications.

Welcome Screen

AirMedia devices show a welcome screen on a connected display device to convey the connection instructions for guest access. The welcome screen can also be configured to show custom login instructions and branding, as well as the host name, and IP address (optional) for the AirMedia device. AirMedia Series 3 receivers and the AM-200 and AM-300 can be configured to display Wi‑Fi connection details.

AirMedia Welcome Screen for Series 3 Receivers

AirMedia Welcome Screen for AM-200, AM-300, DMPS3, CCS-UC-1, and CCS-UC-1-X

AirMedia Welcome Screen for AM-100 and AM-101

Connection Experience

The guest AirMedia sender applications for Windows or macOS may be downloaded from present.crestron.com, a device’s built-in web page, or from the device’s product page on the Crestron website (www.crestron.com).

Accessing the AirMedia device’s built-in web page allows the user to download the guest AirMedia sender applications and automatically initiate a connection to the receiver. To initiate a connection this way, perform the following steps:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the AirMedia device’s IP address or host name into the address bar. The AirMedia web browser welcome screen is displayed.

    Web Browser Welcome Screen

  2. Select Start Presenting.

The built-in web page will automatically detect the type of device the user is trying to connect from, guide the user on how to connect, and where applicable, automatically launch and initiate a connection to the receiver. If a required AirMedia sender application is not already installed, the system will provide the installation for that particular device.

NOTE: AirMedia Series 3 receivers and the AM-200 and AM-300 can force connecting devices to a secure landing page (HTTPS). Toggle on the Force Secure Landing Page (HTTPS) setting in order to do so. When enabled, the web server uses either the certificate loaded in the certificate store (when available) or a self-signed certificate. When this setting is enabled, the AirMedia connection URL will contain HTTPS. For more information on enabling this setting, refer to either the AirMedia Series 3 Receivers Product Manual (Doc. 9020) or the AM‑200/AM‑300 Product Manual (Doc. 8254).

Login Code

A login code can be set to prevent unauthorized users from connecting to a device. When connecting to an AirMedia device with a code enabled, the code will pop up on the display. The user is prompted to enter the four digit code in the Enter Code dialog box.

Enter Code Dialog Box

There are three modes of operation:

  • Disabled: A login code is not required.
  • Random: A login code is generated after all active users disconnect.
  • Fixed: A static login code can be set in the web administration pages. It can also be programmed using a Crestron control system for AirMedia devices or via the XiO Cloud service on compatible devices.

NOTES:

  • The Fixed setting should be selected for regular users who want to remember a login code. Otherwise, the Random setting is recommended to prevent unintended connections.
  • Any changes to the login code will take effect when all senders are disconnected from the AirMedia receiver.

For information on setting the mode of operation, refer to the AirMedia device’s product manual or supplemental guide.

PC Sender Applications

The AirMedia sender applications for Windows and macOS devices are the most common way for users to share content through an AirMedia receiver. There are two types of AirMedia sender applications available:

  • Guest Application: Download the guest AirMedia sender applications for Windows or macOS from present.crestron.com, a device’s built-in web page, or from the device’s product page on the Crestron website.
  • Deployable Application: Download the deployable AirMedia sender applications for Windows or macOS from present.crestron.com or from the device’s product page on the Crestron website.

NOTE: For more information on connecting to AirMedia with a Windows or macOS device, refer to either User Experience with Windows or User Experience with macOS.

The guest and deployable AirMedia sender applications are compatible with the following operating systems:

Operating System Compatibility Chart

Operating System Versions Supported

Windows

Windows 8, Window 8.1, and Windows 10

macOS

macOS version 10.12 or later

User Experience with Windows

This section provides information on the AirMedia user experience when using a Windows computer. The Windows guest AirMedia sender application is a small file downloaded from the AirMedia device and runs with standard user permissions. The IP address of the AirMedia device is encoded in the file name of the AirMedia sender application so the AirMedia sender application can connect to the AirMedia device upon startup. The user can save the AirMedia sender application locally to allow a direct connection to the device the next time the user accesses the AirMedia sender application.

AirMedia Guest Application on Windows

To use AirMedia presentation on a Windows computer, download the guest AirMedia sender application from the receiver and run the application on a computer.

On an AirMedia Series 3 or AirMedia 2.0 Device

To download the guest AirMedia sender application from an AirMedia Series 3 or AirMedia 2.0 device:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the AirMedia device’s IP address or host name into the browser. The web browser welcome screen is displayed.

    Web Browser Welcome Screen

  2. Select Start Presenting. The AirMedia download screen is displayed.

    AirMedia Download Screen

  3. Select the Windows button to download the AirMedia software for Windows.

On an AM-100 or AM-101

To download the guest AirMedia sender application from an AM‑100 or AM‑101:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the AirMedia device’s IP address or host name into the address bar. The AirMedia download screen is displayed.

    AirMedia Download Screen for AM-100 and AM-101

  2. Select the Download button next to Client for Windows.

Use the Guest AirMedia Sender Application

To use the guest AirMedia sender application on a Windows computer:

  1. Launch the guest AirMedia sender application. A list of devices appears if the Autodiscovery feature is enabled in the AirMedia sender application’s settings. If a list does not appear, then navigate to Connections > Discover to detect devices.

    Connect Dialog Box

  2. Choose the device to connect to, and then select Connect.

  3. If prompted, enter the login code shown on the connected display and select Connect.

    Enter Code Dialog Box

    On an AM-100 or AM-101, if a Crestron Connected® display is connected and configured for operation, the display turns on automatically during this process.

The presentation session begins immediately following the entry of the code or, if no code is required, upon entry of the IP address or host name.

On AirMedia Series 3 and AirMedia 2.0 devices, other senders can connect and begin presenting. A maximum of 10 Windows or Android senders can connect simultaneously, although only the last device to connect will be able to present. If AirMedia Canvas is enabled on AirMedia 2.0 devices, then the last two devices to connect can present. If AirMedia Canvas is enabled on AirMedia Series 3 devices, then the amount of devices that can present is set in the device's web configuration interface. Previously connected senders that may be presenting are stopped. Other senders can restart a presentation by pressing the Start button in the AirMedia sender application.

For details on using the AirMedia sender application, refer to the AirMedia device’s product manual or supplemental guide. For details on AirMedia Canvas, refer to AirMedia Canvas.

NOTE: The guest AirMedia sender application for Windows can also be downloaded from present.crestron.com and distributed to websites or other media for users to download. The guest AirMedia sender application can be distributed with the connection parameters embedded in the file name so the user only has to enter the login code (if required).

The supported formats are:

<any_text>_.<ip_address>.exe

<any_text>_<ip_address>.exe

The underscore and dot must precede the IP address, for example: executive_conference_room_.10.1.1.13.exe.

AirMedia Deployable Application on Windows

To use the AirMedia deployable application on a Windows computer:

  1. Launch the AirMedia deployable application. A list of devices appears if the Autodiscovery feature is enabled in the AirMedia sender application’s settings. If a list does not appear, then navigate to Connections > Discover to detect devices.

    NOTE: This list can also be populated with a room list file. For more information, refer to Configure Room Lists.

    Connect Dialog Box

  2. Choose the device to connect to, and then select Connect.

  3. If prompted, enter the login code shown on the connected display and select Connect.

    Enter Code Dialog Box

    On an AM-100 or AM-101, if a Crestron Connected display is used, the display turns on automatically during this process. The presentation session begins immediately following the entry of the code or, if no code is required, upon entry of the IP address or host name.

On AirMedia Series 3 and AirMedia 2.0 devices, other senders can connect and begin presenting. A maximum of 10 Windows or Android senders can connect simultaneously, although only the last device to connect will be able to present. If AirMedia Canvas is enabled on AirMedia 2.0 devices, then the last two devices to connect can present. If AirMedia Canvas is enabled on AirMedia Series 3 devices, then the amount of devices that can present is set in the device's web configuration interface. Previously connected senders that may be presenting are stopped. Other senders can restart a presentation by pressing the Start button in the AirMedia sender application.

For details on using the AirMedia sender application, refer to the AirMedia device’s product manual or supplemental guide. For details on AirMedia Canvas, refer to AirMedia Canvas.

Launch with Automatic Connection

For custom deployments, the AirMedia sender application can also be configured to automatically connect with a device when launched. To automatically connect to a device on launch, use the following command in a Windows command prompt:

start present:<IP_ADDRESS>?code=<CODE>

where <IP_ADDRESS> is the IPv4 address of the AirMedia device and <CODE> is the login code for the AirMedia device.

Miracast® Presentation

Miracast technology allows users to share content wirelessly from a Microsoft Windows 10 device. Miracast technology is built into the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system, so no software installation is required. This is an alternative to using the AirMedia sender application for Windows. Miracast presentation is currently supported on AirMedia Series 3 receivers and the AM‑200, AM‑300, CCS‑UC‑1, and CCS‑UC‑1‑X devices.

NOTE: The AM‑USB‑WF or the AM‑USB‑WF‑I wireless adapter is required when using Miracast with AirMedia 2.0 devices. For more information on Miracast, refer to Miracast.

To use Miracast presentation:

  1. Press the windows-symbol (Windows) + K to display a list of nearby wireless devices.

    Wireless Device List

  2. Select an AirMedia device to begin presenting.

  3. Direct the presentation with the following controls:

    • Select Disconnect to disconnect from the device and end the presentation.

    • Select Change projection mode to choose how content is displayed.

      • Select Duplicate to show the screen on both the computer and the display.

      • Select Extend to split the screen between the computer and the display.

      • Select Second screen only to display the screen only on the display.

Miracast Controls

 

User Experience with macOS

The macOS guest AirMedia sender application is a small file that is downloaded from the AirMedia device, and runs with standard user permissions. The user needs to open the .zip package and then run the guest AirMedia sender application within the package. The IP address of the AirMedia device is encoded in the file name of the AirMedia sender application so the AirMedia sender application can connect with the AirMedia device upon startup. The user can save the .zip package locally, which enables direct connection to the device the next time the user accesses the AirMedia sender application and AirMedia device.

AirMedia Guest Application on macOS

To use AirMedia presentation on a macOS computer, download the guest AirMedia sender application from the receiver and run the application on a computer.

On an AirMedia Series 3 or AirMedia 2.0 Device

To download the guest AirMedia sender application from an AirMedia Series 3 or AirMedia 2.0 device:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the AirMedia device’s IP address or host name into the browser. The web browser welcome screen is displayed.

    Web Browser Welcome Screen

  2. Select Start Presenting. The AirMedia download screen is displayed.

    AirMedia Download Screen

  1. Select the Mac button to download the AirMedia software for macOS.

On an AM-100 or AM-101

To download the guest AirMedia sender application from an AM‑100 or AM‑101:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the AirMedia device’s IP address or host name into the browser.

  1. Select the Download button next to Client for Mac®.

    AirMedia Download Screen for AM-100 and AM-101

Use the Guest AirMedia Sender Application

To use the AirMedia sender application on a macOS computer:

  1. Launch the guest AirMedia sender application. The Connect dialog box is displayed.

    Connect Dialog Box

  2. Choose the device to connect to, and then select Connect.

  3. If prompted, enter the login code as shown on the connected display.

    • If connecting to an AM-100 that is connected to a configured Crestron Connected display, the display will turn on automatically, and the presentation session begins.

    • On all other AirMedia Series 3, AirMedia 2.0, and AM‑101 (in mirroring mode) devices, a dialog box is displayed, showing instructions on using the native mirroring function. Follow the instructions to begin the presentation session. Select OK when finished to navigate to the presentation controls. If a Crestron Connected display is connected and configured for operation, the display turns on automatically during the process.

      Start Screen Mirroring Dialog Box

NOTES:

  • Only one macOS or iOS device using the native mirroring function can be connected at a time to an AirMedia device. If any other sender connects to the AirMedia device, the last connected device will be disconnected and the connection procedure will need to be repeated.
  • The guest AirMedia sender application for macOS can also be downloaded from present.crestron.com and distributed to websites or other media for users to download. The guest AirMedia sender application can be distributed with the connection parameters embedded in the file name so the user only has to enter the login code (if required).

    The supported formats are:

    <any_text>_.<ip_address>.dmg

    <any_text>_<ip_address>.dmg

    The underscore and dot must precede the IP address, for example: executive_conference_room_.10.1.1.13.dmg.

 

AirMedia Deployable Application

The deployable AirMedia sender application shows a list of devices in the Connect dialog box. The user can select a device for connection or search for a device within a longer list of devices.

To connect to a device, perform the following procedure.

  1. Launch the AirMedia sender application. The Connect dialog box is displayed.

    Connect Dialog Box

  2. Choose the device to connect to, and then select Connect.

  3. If prompted, enter the code as shown on the connected display.

    • If connecting to an AM-100 that is connected to a configured Crestron Connected display, the display will turn on automatically, and the presentation session begins.

      NOTE: When using the moderator functions of an AM-100 or AM-101, the user name that appears to the moderator can be set in the Preferences menu. The default username is the same username as the active user logged into macOS.

    • On all other AirMedia Series 3, AirMedia 2.0, and AM‑101 (in mirroring mode) devices, a dialog box is displayed, showing instructions on using the native mirroring function. Follow the instructions to begin the presentation session. Select OK when finished to navigate to the presentation controls. If a Crestron Connected display is connected and configured for operation, the display turns on automatically during the process.

      Start Screen Mirroring Dialog Box

User Experience with Chrome OS

Crestron has developed an AirMedia extension for the Google Chrome web browser specifically for mirroring from Chrome OS devices. This is supported with AirMedia Series 3 receivers and the AM‑200, AM‑300, CCS‑UC‑1, and CCS‑UC‑1‑X.

NOTES:

  • The AirMedia extension for the Google Chrome web browser is intended for screen sharing from a Chrome OS device. Crestron does not recommend using the AirMedia extension on other platforms such as Windows and macOS.
  • The AirMedia Extension for Google Chrome relies on web technologies for screen sharing that are built in to the web browser. Performance variations with motion video (quality and frame rate) may occur based upon the encoding capabilities of the Chrome OS device and the nature of the content being displayed (i.e., high motion video).

Install the AirMedia extension for Google Chrome

To install the AirMedia extension:

  1. Visit the AirMedia Sender page on the chrome web store.

    Chrome Web Store

  2. Select Add to Chrome.

    A screenshot of a cell phone Description automatically generated

  3. Select Add extension.

Connect

To connect to an AirMedia receiver using the Chrome extension:

  1. Select the AirMedia icon in the top right corner of the Chrome browser.

  2. Enter the IP Address or host name of the AirMedia receiver in the Connect to AirMedia field.

  3. Select the radio button next to Present current tab in the web browser to present only the current web browser tab (with audio) or select the radio button next to Present desktop to present the whole screen (without audio).

  4. Select CONNECT.