Using HDMI or AirPlay to Connect an External Display

The Switcher Studio app supports the use of external displays via HDMI or AirPlay. The external display (i.e. monitor, TV) can show either the full Switcher Studio app interface or just the livestream feed. On site viewing with an external display allows production members and talent to stay up to date on the stream status and content, providing viewers with a polished and professional experience.

In this article:

Finding the Best Output for Your Production

Deciding which option to use to connect an external display with Switcher Studio will likely depend on the type of equipment you currently have available. However, if you would like to add to your existing equipment, both HDMI and AirPlay have their benefits. The following sections explain each output option in further detail to help you make the right choice.

Note: The external display's output will match your streaming quality when using both AirPlay and HDMI.

HDMI as an Output

HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a hardwired method to connect devices for video and audio output. Most current computer monitors and televisions are HDMI compatible. To check if a display is compatible, simply look for an input labelled HDMI on the back of the display. Although an HDMI cable and adapter are required for this method, a hardwired connection will always be a reliable choice.

Required equipment for HDMI output:

  • Monitor or television equipped with an HDMI input

  • HDMI Cable

and ONE of the following Apple adapters:

For steps to connect an HDMI output to the device running the Switcher Studio, see the Setting up an HDMI Output section of this article.

AirPlay as an Output

AirPlay is a feature that allows Apple devices to wirelessly share audio and video. In this case, an Apple TV is the recommended AirPlay output device. AirPlay is a great output for large productions where the production team and talent with the external display are not near the main switching device (i.e. iPad, iPhone) running Switcher Studio.

Required equipment for AirPlay output:

  • Apple TV

  • HDMI Cable (used to connect the Apple TV to a monitor or television)

  • Monitor or television equipped with an HDMI input

  • Wireless router

For steps to connect an AirPlay output to the device running the Switcher Studio, see the Setting up an Airplay Output section of this article.

Setting up an HDMI Output

  • Plug the HDMI cable into the external display (i.e. monitor, TV).

  • Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the Apple adapter.

  • Plug the Apple adapter into the main switching device (i.e. iPhone, iPad).

  • Open the Switcher Studio app

    • The external display will show the Switcher Studio output.

Note: When using an external source for audio, connect the HDMI output before plugging in the external audio source.

Issues With Outputting HDMI Audio

There is a known issue where HDMI audio is not output when using multiple extension devices. This is not a Switcher defect, but rather a compatibility limitation of iOS (which appeared in iOS 17 and has continued into iOS 18).

The defect works based on the "last plugged in" rule: If you plug in a USB device last, then you'll have audio input/output via USB. If you plug in the HDMI last, then you'll have audio output going to HDMI...but since HDMI doesn't have an audio input, it switches to the built-in mic. As such, when swiping down from the top right and trying to select manually the output, you'll only see either USB or HDMI as output, but never both at the same time, so you can't select the other one.

You should be able to still output the visual source via HDMI, but it will have no audio... If audio output is needed and you are running iOS 17 and iOS 18, then you will need to output via Apple Airplay instead.

Setting up an AirPlay Output

  • Plug the Apple TV into the external display with an HDMI cable.

  • Connect the Apple TV to WiFi.

  • Connect the main switching device (i.e. iPhone, iPad) to the same wireless network.

  • Open the Control Center on the main switching device.

    • The control center can be opened by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.

  • Tap the Screen Mirroring icon. (two screens)

  • Tap the Apple TV name from the list of options.

    • The external display will show the Switcher Studio output.

Configuring the Output Settings

There are a few output settings that can be adjusted depending on preference and the type of external display that is connected. See the following sections for more information on adjusting these settings.

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Outputting the Live Feed vs. the Whole Screen

The external display (i.e. monitor, TV) can show either the full Switcher Studio app interface or just live feed. The Whole Screen setting is great when there are multiple production members providing coaching and direction to the person using the main switching device (i.e. iPad, iPhone). The Live Feed setting is useful when the external display is used for on-screen talent to view what the audience can see.

To select the Live Feed or Whole Screen option:

  • Tap the Outputs tab.

  • Tap To HDMI/AirPlay under the Outputs section.

  • Tap to select the preferred output method: Output the Live Feed or Output the Whole Screen.

Adjusting The Underscan

Adjusting the Underscan is used when the video output extends beyond visible bounds of the external display. By adjusting the Underscan, the output can be scaled down in size to make sure none of the video is missing from the external display.

To adjust the Underscan:

  • Tap the Outputs tab.

  • Tap To HDMI/AirPlay under the Outputs section.

  • Tap and drag the slider next to Underscan to the preferred setting.

Using The Rotation Feature

Using the Rotation feature, you can control how the feed is displayed on the external screen. This is especially useful if you are recording vertical video (9:16) and have an external monitor to display the feed to the live talent.

To adjust rotation:

  • Tap the Outputs tab.

  • Tap To HDMI/AirPlay under the Outputs section.

  • Tap the rotation setting you wish to use: 0, 90, 180, or 270.

Keyword(s): output, HDMI, airplay, external, monitor