Twonky Beam is barely mentioned by folks in these forums, other that to say they are having network problems and they can’t get it, and other apps to work on the WD. So, I’m taking a moment to introduce the app to the community, and let you know it works great. It is an app you will want to have on your tablets and phones for using with your DLNA devices; especially the WDTV.
I recently learned about the Twonky Beam app. It’s one of the easiest and best apps I have found for streaming from a tablet or phone to the WDTV, the Roku, Apple TV, etc.
According to the Twonky website, “Beaming with the Twonky Beam Button is a simplified, streamlined use of Twonky and DLNA technology to accomplish the task of sending online media to a capable playback device on the local network, such as a connected TV or set top box.”
If you have used the “Play To” feature of Windows with your WDTV, you will feel comfortable with this app right away.
This video link below, (posted this past December) is what brought the app to my attention. Although it discusses the app being updated for use with Roku and Xbox 360 devices, it is also a good introductory video for WDTV. The app is used in the same way with the WDTV.
Recommended video to get you started with the app.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vUVrFgq5PdM
* The basic usage is to download the free Twonky Beam app for your tablets and phones.
* Set it up on each installed device by signing into your YouTube, etc. accounts.
* Turn on the TV with the connected WDTV, and select the WD for the TV’s input. Select which device you want Twonky Beam to connect to (WDTV).
* Pick a video from your YouTube account to watch and when you see the Twonky Beam Button appear on the device’s screen, tap it, and your YouTube video will be playing from the tablet/phone to your WDTV and then on your TV. It’s so easy.
(One Tip: Go into Twonky Beam settings to adjust the video quality. It is preset for Medium quality, but if you have a fast wireless network, then change the video quality to High; it makes a difference.)
Note: When setting up my Roku for Twonky Beam, I was notified to open a MyTwonky account, and I did. So, if you only have a WDTV and want to explore this free option, go here: http://my.twonky.com/video .
For those who don’t know, the WDTV boxes use built-in Twonky Server software to run a lot of the activities going on in the media players. For those tech-types who want to know more about Twonky, check the website at http://twonky.com/ .
So, why is this great app free? I think it’s because we have already “paid for it” by buying all the many DLNA devices running Twonky inside of them. So, Twonky wants folks to use their DLNA devices to their fullest ability so that Twonky ends up in many more devices!
If WD isn’t doing so already, they should inform buyers of their media players to download this app – right on the player’s box!