Apple Airplay Best Practices
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APPLE AIRPLAY Rev:171114-0225 BEST PRACTICES: SET UP 1. NETWORK BEST PRACTICES F Minimize the number of apps running on the iOS device. F Minimize the number of Wi-Fi devices on the network. F Be aware that multiple simultaneous activities over Wi-Fi in the household such as web browsing, file downloading, and streaming content can effect AirPlay audio streaming performance. F Choose a Wi-Fi channel with low traffic. This minimizes Wi-Fi connectivity interference when multiple Wi-Fi networks are in the vicinity, such as in high occupance residences. F Remove the iOS device from any protective cases containing metal as AirPlay performance can be affected. F Turn off the Bluetooth feature of any device in the vicinity. F Check the firmware version of your router. Please contact your router supplier to upgrade the latest firmware version. F Use a DHCP reservation or set the server to a static IP address. F Change the DNS settings in the server to use a Google DNS IP address. F A Wi-Fi network with sufficient bandwidth and low latency is essential to have the best possible experience using the Airplay feature. F Disruption in the audio (audible gaps, crackling) may occur if the response times on the network are highly variable or greater than 10ms. F Test the ability of wireless devices to reach the router to test the condition of the wireless network. Open a command prompt on a laptop (if available) or terminal window and ping the router. Test the wireless device as close as possible to the wireless router to avoid interference or wireless range limitations. • Attempt to ping an iOS device from a wired computer and check for responsiveness. • Attempt to AirPlay directly from iTunes of a wired computer to test for any sound trouble. F IGMP snooping must be turned on when multiple e-Series devices are used in the same system or when used in the same system as a MOIP product. Additionally, all firmware for streamers, amplifiers and network gear must be up to date. 2. APPLE PRODUCT CONSIDERATIONS F 5s and older iOS devices may need a system update to work with Airplay on Autonomic streamers. • iOS 11 is the most current operating system. F Understand iOS device volume control and how it operates with the amplifier in the system. • The iOS device may not be able to control the volume depending on what amplifier is connected to the system. Volume control may be though the Autonomic application on the iOS device. F Apple music can be played through AirPlay on the server, however the Mirage app and web player are not compatible with with Apple Music. 3. ENABLING AIRPLAY F Navigate to the System tab on the configuration page of the MMS. F If using a Mirage amplifier, ensure the system ID is selected in the Amp settings. If using any other amplifier select NONE in the drop down box. F The AirPlay Section is at the bottom of the System Tab page. F Click the link and enter a password to protect access to Airplay, otherwise leave the field empty. F Either a list of zones corresponding to the zones available on the amplifier if using and Autonomic Amplifier or a list of the server outputs if using other than an Automonic amplifier will be visible in the AirPlay section. These zones or outputs are the potential Airplay sources. F Check the outputs/zones to be available for AirPlay usage. All sources listed can be selected. F Click Save Changes. F Each output/zone will appear as an Airplay target on the iOS device or in iTunes. 4. TROUBLESHOOTING F Make sure all connected devices are updated to the latest firmware. F Check that the Airplay option is selected in the server configuration. F Make sure Airplay is turned on in the source device. F Make sure the Airplay device recognizes the Rooms (Zones). F Apartment complexes can cause issues with Network traffic, check wireless speeds and set passwords to ensure unauthoried users do not have access to the LAN. F Check the Autonomic server logs for latency issues. F Some Amplifiers require that every zone is a new Airplay room. • EXAMPLE: A 401e has 4 different zones/rooms available. F Walking from one zone/room to another with the iOS device playing requires the device to change the airplay room. Connect time can be up to 30 seconds. F Check the server logs for AirPlay latency if AirPlay issues persist after completing all previous checks. Contact Technical support for further assistance. Phone: 866-838-5052 Hours: M-F 8am - 8pm EST Rev: 171114-0225.