Multi-screen Video With Ipod

multivid_ipod_multi_sync

[Marco Tempest] has developed some software called MultiVid that allows synchronized video across multiple iPhone or iPod Touch devices. For this to work, all of the devices must be connected to the same WiFi network. Playback can be controlled from any one of the iPhones/iPod Touches or from the Mac running the controller software. There is of course the option of connecting to larger monitors through a video output cable. The app also supports OSC. We’ve embedded the example video as well as a video detailing the software setup after the break.

The client software is available at the apps store and controller software can be downloaded from [Marco’s] website. Both are free which is our favorite price point.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/6288279%5D

Example video of MultiVid in action

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/6315983%5D

How to setup and use MultiVid

[Thanks tommEE]

Update 9/6/09: We contacted Marco because this app was MIA from the App Store. He responded promptly to let us know that his app is “still in approval limbo”. He’s going to contact us when it is approved and we’ll be sure to pass on the update to you.

25 thoughts on “Multi-screen Video With Ipod

  1. For all of you people complaining about not having a mac. Find yourself a copy of VMWare. And to Duck, what would be the point of coding software that streamed separate videos to each iPod? The iPod can already do that on its own just fine.

  2. @Collin You could have synchronized video from different angles, or combine a few iphones to make a larger screen, similar to what you can do with 4 xbox 360’s and four TV’s with forza motorsport 2, or 3 of each for forza 1.

  3. I would like to see this done with audio. although im sure it wouldnt be too difficult. it would be great for finally creating that silent rave from the walkman commercial. (at least i think it was walkman. the little blue guy?)

  4. >And to Duck, what would be the point of coding software that streamed separate videos to each iPod? The iPod can already do that on its own just fine.

    I was intending for use with the AV out, allowing remote control of video on screens.
    I’m investigating other alternatives from MultiScreen for doing displays :)
    Here’s my blog post review on MultiScreen: http://blog.duklabs.com/?p=108

  5. Ahh I see, that makes sense. I was wondering if there would be shown a multi screen iTouch video display. I just assumed the reason they didn’t show it was do to that fact that it might be impossible to accurately sync the devices together due to the 1/2 second lag.

  6. I can think of a couple reasons for running more than 1 video across a group ipod/iphones. If you were in a lecture or some sort of group participation event, making a selection from a bannk of options would give different videos (think of those choose-your-path books). Choice A gives you the correct answer video and Choice B gives you the wrong answer explanation video. This sort of application has tons of real world use. Very cool!

  7. I don’t see this as a really big deal. It’s just synchronized playback of the same file. There’s no streaming or multi-plexing involved. Is the host even really necessary for this other than putting the files on to the device? It would be nice to see this evolve further to at least multiplexing.

  8. Excellent. This is a nice use of the iPhone/iPod. You might be interested to check what we are doing (www.spinetix.com) concerning multi-screen and other synchronized display. It is not using the iPod, but our own device. However the result is very similar and would be more targeted at professional application.
    Have fun with the best toy in the world… the iPhone :-)

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