Playing Movies on iPad 3

dixiefly

This has probably been done to death but I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I have an ipad 3 and have succeeded in getting it to upload an mp4 file and play it but tried again and can't get iTunes to recognise the mp4 file (it is an mp4 of Borgen that I downloaded).

If possible I would like to
1. Play mp4 files.
2. Copy over DVDs that I have at home. Old DVDs that don't include a code for copying across.
3. Play AVIs (lower priority).

Is there an app I can use to do that reasonably seemlessly? I don't mind paying for it.

Thanks for any help, it is a little frustrating that I paid so much for the iPad and something that should be basic enough is unavailable.

5uspect

Handbrake.
http://handbrake.fr
Has presets for most devices.

VLC is back on the app store too.

EDIT: The reason something so simple seems so difficult is because you downloaded the files, probably illegally. You're being actively discouraged from this. Buying the files from Apple, or using Neflix etc would be perfectly sermless.

EDIT2: There are various DVD ripping programs that break copy protection. I know in the UK you can use these to make legal backups of DVDs you own. DVDshrink is a good example. This will out out files in various formats but iirc it'll make a nice mp4.

If vlc won't play the mp4 then you can use handbrake to encode. Pretty sure vlc can pull files from a network share and store them locally.

Decoda

dixiefly wrote: »

This has probably been done to death but I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I have an ipad 3 and have succeeded in getting it to upload an mp4 file and play it but tried again and can't get iTunes to recognise the mp4 file (it is an mp4 of Borgen that I downloaded).

If possible I would like to
1. Play mp4 files.
2. Copy over DVDs that I have at home. Old DVDs that don't include a code for copying across.
3. Play AVIs (lower priority).

Is there an app I can use to do that reasonably seemlessly? I don't mind paying for it.

Thanks for any help, it is a little frustrating that I paid so much for the iPad and something that should be basic enough is unavailable.

Try AVPlayer Hd....it's played every file type I've thrown at it so far......there is a charge, I think I paid €2.79 but in my opinion it's well worth it. Just add the files through ITunes and they appear in your library in AVPlayer

Hope it helps

Regards

DC

Sorry....I thought the Op was looking for an App to play files only, not convert also....

DC

FourFourRED

dixiefly wrote: »

This has probably been done to death but I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I have an ipad 3 and have succeeded in getting it to upload an mp4 file and play it but tried again and can't get iTunes to recognise the mp4 file (it is an mp4 of Borgen that I downloaded).

If possible I would like to
1. Play mp4 files.
2. Copy over DVDs that I have at home. Old DVDs that don't include a code for copying across.
3. Play AVIs (lower priority).

Is there an app I can use to do that reasonably seemlessly? I don't mind paying for it.

Thanks for any help, it is a little frustrating that I paid so much for the iPad and something that should be basic enough is unavailable.

Edit the file name to Borgen.mp4 and iTunes should recognise it.

VLC player should play all of your AVI's and as mentioned above, Handbrake will convert your DVD's for you.

dixiefly

Thanks guys, will check out those options. I don't download illegally, Borgen was one I did as I missed a couple of the episodes on TV. It is mostly for looking at DVDs I have bought but didn't get to watch on DVD player.

Thanks again.

dixiefly

lindaleee wrote: »

<spam snip>

Thanks Lindalee.

I managed to get the Borgen file to play on the iPad but the subtitles havent transferred over. I see that there is a file with the extension .srt that needs to go with the .mp4 file in order to pick up the subtitles. However the iPad wont recognise this file. Does anyone know how to transfer this file over?

Thanks

billy few mates

Problems like this are the main reason I'm not a big fan of Apple products, it might just be easier to learn Danish....

I have an ipad but I wouldn't even attempt to put movies on it....

dixiefly

Yes, it's a bit frustrating. I was kinda arm twisted at home into buying the ipad, it is a very slick product but trying to do straightforward copying of files is too restrictive in my view. With Apple it seems to be their way or no way.

Anyway, I am rerunning handbrake on the file with a link to the subtitles file so that might work.

I was reluctant to look into jail breaking the ipad but might consider it if it means copying files across is any easier. My problem is that I don't try copying files very often but when I do so it is never straightforward.

5uspect

Like I said, Apple and the industry in general are trying to prevent you having such files and want you to subscribe, pay etc. HDMi cables with HDCP Win8 without DVD support, walled gardens - all that nonsense. I don't care how you get these files, but the industry is going to make it difficult.

Probably the easiest way is to use a NAS. Then your ipad can pull content from there using something like VLC or FileBrowser. If you're away from home then you'll need to have a copy locally on the ipad.

Edit: just checked there. FileBrowser app lets me browse and find files on my NAS. I can then copy links to the files into VLC to play, MKV in this case.
Pretty sure I can configure VLC to connect directly to my NAS' hostname but I haven't bothered to set it up yet as I just watch stuff through my TV and use the iPad for other things.

Yep works too. VLC ftw!

dixiefly

5uspect wrote: »

Like I said, Apple and the industry in general are trying to prevent you having such files and want you to subscribe, pay etc. HDMi cables with HDCP Win8 without DVD support, walled gardens - all that nonsense. I don't care how you get these files, but the industry is going to make it difficult.

Probably the easiest way is to use a NAS. Then your ipad can pull content from there using something like VLC or FileBrowser. If you're away from home then you'll need to have a copy locally on the ipad.

Edit: just checked there. FileBrowser app lets me browse and find files on my NAS. I can then copy links to the files into VLC to play, MKV in this case.
Pretty sure I can configure VLC to connect directly to my NAS' hostname but I haven't bothered to set it up yet as I just watch stuff through my TV and use the iPad for other things.

Yep works too. VLC ftw!

Thanks, will have to check out the NAS. Its new to me.

I tried handbrake to bring in the subtitles but it didnt work, think I'll just watch the missing episodes on the PC. It was as much the challenge as I can watch it on the PC but hoped to watch some on the bus etc.

Armonline

Guys it is a lot easier to download the free VLC app on your iPad and then transfer your file in any format by dragging and dropping over wifi or through iTunes.

If you want to play your movies on a remote PC/ Mac I recomend installing Plex on your Computer and then using the Plex app on the iPad you can play the movies in any format remotely.

People complain about Apple's restrictions without realising there are lots of alternatives in the App Store.

dixiefly

Armonline wrote: »

Guys it is a lot easier to download the free VLC app on your iPad and then transfer your file in any format by dragging and dropping over wifi or through iTunes.

If you want to play your movies on a remote PC/ Mac I recomend installing Plex on your Computer and then using the Plex app on the iPad you can play the movies in any format remotely.

People complain about Apple's restrictions without realising there are lots of alternatives in the App Store.

Thanks, I tried copying the .srt file for the subtitles using iTunes and it wouldn't bring it into the library, probably my lack of knowledge of iTunes etc. how can I do that or drag and drop over wifi?

Armonline

dixiefly wrote: »

Thanks, I tried copying the .srt file for the subtitles using iTunes and it wouldn't bring it into the library, probably my lack of knowledge of iTunes etc. how can I do that or drag and drop over wifi?

Download VLC app on your iPad and follow the instructions. See below for an example:

http://www.padgadget.com/2013/07/22/padgadgets-ipad-tips-how-to-download-movies-using-vlc-on-the-ipad/

Xavi6

I use and swear by MoliPlayer. It's a free app and plays all file formats, you add files through iTunes and it couldn't be simpler.

If you enjoy watching videos on your iPhone or iPad, but don’t care about tech jargon like “transcoding”, “formats” or “codecs” etc, MoliPlayer HD is the hassle free app for you. MoliPlayer HD basically plays “anything you throw at it”, MOV, RMVB, AVI, WMV, MP4, MKV…you name it.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/moliplayer-hd-free-movie-music/id503831696?mt=8

Chazz Michael Michaels

dixiefly wrote: »

This has probably been done to death but I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I have an ipad 3 and have succeeded in getting it to upload an mp4 file and play it but tried again and can't get iTunes to recognise the mp4 file (it is an mp4 of Borgen that I downloaded).

If possible I would like to
1. Play mp4 files.
2. Copy over DVDs that I have at home. Old DVDs that don't include a code for copying across.
3. Play AVIs (lower priority).

Is there an app I can use to do that reasonably seemlessly? I don't mind paying for it.

Thanks for any help, it is a little frustrating that I paid so much for the iPad and something that should be basic enough is unavailable.

Wow, so glad I have an android device.

Gumbo

Chazz Michael Michaels wrote: »

Wow, so glad I have an android device.

My galaxy tab constantly needs firmware and codec updates to play videos. Hits hit and miss whether they will play or not. Video issues are not exclusive to apple ya know.

Chazz Michael Michaels

kceire wrote: »

My galaxy tab constantly needs firmware and codec updates to play videos. Hits hit and miss whether they will play or not. Video issues are not exclusive to apple ya know.

I have a.nexus 7. plays anything.

tallus

dixiefly wrote: »

Thanks, I tried copying the .srt file for the subtitles using iTunes and it wouldn't bring it into the library, probably my lack of knowledge of iTunes etc. how can I do that or drag and drop over wifi?

Just make sure the .srt file has the exact name as the video it accompanies. Otherwise it's not likely to play.

whiterebel

Chazz Michael Michaels wrote: »

Wow, so glad I have an android device.

So glad you hang around the Apple Devices forum?

dixiefly

tallus wrote: »

Just make sure the .srt file has the exact name as the video it accompanies. Otherwise it's not likely to play.

Yes, I have kept the names the same. Just not sure if the iPad will still play the subtitles.

Will try some of the other suggestions later.

CathalDublin

cinexplayer is pretty good, plays most types of files.