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[iPadOS] Free $0 15-Day Beta Test: Video Assist - Use iPad as a HDMI Monitor @ Apple TestFlight

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I’ve been working on a new app that allows you to use your iPad as an external monitor and recording device with compatible USB Capture Cards. You can easily record videos or capture frame grabs from any HDMI Video Source. SDI Video Sources are also supported with specific capture cards.

In a nutshell, this allows you to plug your PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, DSLR, Vide Camera, Headless Computer, etc. into your iPad and use it as a display. Record videos, take frame grabs or screen share via Discord and other video chat apps, there are plenty of options.

Video Tools such as Color Correction, Transform, Grid Lines, Center Marks, Aspect Ratio Masks, Anamorphic Desqueeze and RGB/Luminance Histograms are built-in.

Record Trigger is supported for all ARRI Alexa, Sony Venice and Blackmagic Cameras via a custom computer vision model. Support for RED Cameras will be coming prior to public launch.

The app also supports clean video output from the iPad. This means you can use your iPad as a recorder and then output a clean video feed of live or playback via a USB-C to HDMI Adaptor or via AirPlay.

To date, the only way to use your iPad as a monitor is via a QTake ScreenPort or the Accsoon SeeMo range. I’m excited by my app based approach as it allows people to use off the shelf hardware to turn under utilised USB-C iPads into great displays. USB Capture Cards range from $20-$250 depending on compatible resolutions, so they are well within reach for most people.

To make things a bit clearer, I’ve put together a short demo of the 'Video Assist' app in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KxTDOyLeWQ

If you are curious and want to test it for yourself on a USB-C iPad running iPadOS 17 Beta, I welcome you to try the pre-release version via Apple TestFlight as per the link in the post.

Apple’s iPhone Media Event is scheduled for tomorrow, typically new iOS Versions go live shortly after. My aim is to have 'Video Assist' available as soon as iPadOS 17 is available to the public.

If you have any thoughts, questions or comments please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you! I appreciate your time!

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closed Comments

  • -7

    So you want us to test the app for free?

    • +16

      The app is stable and ready for release, the term 'beta' is more about it being pre-release at this stage. You're welcome to try it out and see if you think it's cool.

      • +9

        Isn't a 7 day trial more of a promotion for you than a deal for us?

  • -8

    How much does it cost to test your app usually ?

    • -1

      You want to pay to test?

  • +2

    This is amazing, nice work!!!

    • Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!

  • +27

    While this looks cool, it’s debatable if it’s a bargain because TestFlight doesn’t let you keep a copy from the App Store if the beta testing is over.

    • -8

      Thank you. TestFlight builds don't technically expire on devices that install them. By default they expire after 90 Days but even if I select 'Expire Build' from App Store Connect that just stops new downloads of that build. If you have an existing build installed it should stay installed until you delete it.

      • +12

        This is not correct. The moment build expires it cannot be used even if the app is installed. The system will refuse to launch the app.

  • Wow this is very innovative and hope the testing goes well for you OP!

    • -1

      Thank you, I appreciate it!

  • -5

    How much can I get for testing your app on MY iPad?

    • +3

      You get nothing, good day sir.

      • +2

        Take my upvote
        Always up for a wonker meme

        I SAID, GOODDAY SIR

  • +26

    Hey, this looks like a cool App, but it seems as though you just get it for the length of the beta trial. After that, presumably if we like it we need to go pay full price. This really just looks as though you're asking us to test your app for future purchases. I think if this is to be a bargain it should be something more like "[iPadOS] Video Assist App, Use iPad as a HDMI Monitor (Free Beta Test for 14 days) @ TestFlight Beta". The utility here is if people can get value out of it in that time frame. Otherwise, the title is misleading.

  • To think something like this wasn't already developed if it was possible this whole time, looks awesome

    • +3

      It's a new feature in iOS17

    • Thank you! Yes, new tech in iOS 17 means this is finally possible.

  • Fantastic work @brad7 - Love this idea.

    • Thank you!

  • +17

    I am sorry mate but this is not a bargain.

    TestFlight purchases are valid for a very limited period of time and are in no way designed to be used this way. It is for beta testing only.

    I get that you are looking for additional exposure but this is not the way to do it.

    • Yep, this.

    • Agree that being a beta tester is not a deal. Mods please remove.

  • As Mac users, we already have this function built in.

    • Built in how?

      • +1

        It uses UVC to interpret a camera feed as a webcam. On macOS you can use this functionality by default with the QuickTime App.

        • -1

          No its through AirPlay

      • -1

        It’s already available from previous MacOS version Monterey. Its called AirPlay which you can extend or mirror your Mac or Iphone, ipad to another Apple devices wirelessly. Check the AirPlay menu on the top right corner of your screen.

  • This is brilliant idea. Reminds me of early days of iPad that people were innovative about new use cases of the platform.

    I hope you can get close to an Atomos feature set as it would be a good unique selling point for your app.

    Keep up with great work and I will test the app for sure with Sony Alpha once iOS 17 is released. ☺️

    • Thank you, there have been a number of feature requests to date and I suspect it will get very close to what an Atomos has in the way of tools, it's just a matter of time. Please do let me know how you go with the Sony Alpha, I've been building record trigger functionality and would love to include that feature for Sony Mirrorless Cameras.

    • ICYDK There are already apps that allow viewing from Alpha cameras with a plain USB cable eg Monitor+

  • +2

    maybe you should try giving out some promo codes for lifetime premium

    • +1

      That's a fair point, I don't believe I can generate any form of promo code until the app launches but I will take a look into it.

  • +11

    Time limited beta access to gain publicity is not a bargain, this should be a forum post.

  • So I can connect chrome cast and record?

    • I suspect that is quite possible. A lot of high end USB Capture Cards block HDCP Content so it depends if the Chromecast is outputting HDCP. Alot of cheaper USB Capture Cards ignore this though.

  • +10

    Suggestion: Offer to give free lifetime premium to people on here who give you useful feedback. Otherwise this is just free marketing and testing for you

    • Thanks, that's a good point, I don't believe I can generate any form of promo code until the app officially launches but I will take a look into it.

  • +4

    I agree with others, I wouldn't call this a bargain unless there was some incentive for the beta testers when the final version goes live, such as free or discounted access to the final version. Should belong in the forums if you're only after beta testers.

    • Thanks for your thoughts, point taken, I don't believe I can generate any form of promo code until the app officially launches but I will take a look into it.

  • +2

    Any chance you could let me know of some cables that will work for this? Will any hdmi to usbc cable work?

    • +1

      Absolutely, you need to USB Capture Card, these have all been tested and verified to be working:

      Verified HDMI Capture Cards:
      Elgato HD60 X
      Elgato HD60 S+
      EVGA XR1 Lite
      AverMedia Live Gamer Mini
      UGREEN Video Capture Dongle
      Simplecom DA315

      Verified SDI Capture Cards:
      AJA U-Tap SDI

      • Avermedia ExtremeCap UVC (BU110) also works.

        • That's great to know, thank you! Can you confirm if you are getting 1 Audio Channel or 2? I'll update the supported devices list in the app, looks like a nice capture card and it says it support 1080 at 60fps.

          • @brad7: Yeah it's not bad. Does 1080p60. Confirmed getting 2 channel audio fine.

            • @AmperSand: Perfect, thank you! I'll add this to the list of Verified Capture Devices. I appreciate the update!

  • +7

    Bro u are asking for beta testing

    • https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/770072

      What's the difference?

      Just depends on if you enjoy the thing you're beta testing or not.

      • You got rewards for playing in the beta.

        • its the principle, I picked a random beta of a random thing.

          There are a tonne of beta games that get posted that dont give you rewards.
          Here's one that meets your nitpick: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/789143

          I'm just attempting to show that it's a matter of perspective - and is valuable to those that find value in it, hence a deal.

          • @fratzhaus: The difference is these betas are for games, so they entertain you, hopefully, even if you play them for a limited time. This software is a utility that sets it apart.

            • @Mistredo: You can use the app as a utility to play games on the iPad as a monitor😂 for those who are purchasing 'portable' Aliexpress displays this could be a good way to try out what it would be like

    • DUUUUDE, Tesla makes you pay 10k for 'beta' testing their 'self' drive. The only thing that drives is their share price. At least this is free.

    • I saw that, it's very cool!

  • +5

    Ozbargain is not Product Hunt.

    The least you can do is offer the app for free for those willing to test it out now.

    • Thanks for your thoughts, point taken, I don't believe I can generate any form of promo code until the app officially launches but I will take a look into it.

      • Are you planing to generate any promotional codes for OzBargain.

  • Will this work as a window 11 portable secondary monitor as well? Roughly how much will the app cost when it is up and running?

    • It’ll be a subscription I bet 🙄

      • +1

        It won't be a subscription!

    • Yes, as long as your output from Windows is HDMI and it goes into a HDMI Capture Card it will work. I'm still working out the pricing structure for the app.

  • This is very interesting. If there is a way to hide the application UI and use it like an external monitor, this app will be very useful for drone pilots as a second screen when using the RC Pro.

    I'm guessing you must use a USB capture card for this to work? A USB-C to HDMI cable, won't work, correct?

    • Yes, there is full screen mode, simply tap the video feed and press the full screen button in the top left. Yes, a USB Capture Card that supports UVC is required for this to work, unfortunately a USB-C to HDMI Cable does not work the other way around, as in HDMI to USB-C. Luckily USB Capture Cards are super affordable, there is a UGREEN Dongle based one that works quite well for HD.

  • It asks me INVITATION CODE… what did I do wrong…. Haha

    • Well.. i clicked the wrong button 😆

  • +4

    How is it different to Duet Display or Luna Display?

    Nonetheless, TestFlight access is not a deal.

    • Duet Display and Luna Display both require their dongle to work and primarily use a network connection to transfer the video data, they can work wireless and wired. This approach uses an off the shelf USB Capture Card to allow video input into the iPad.

      • Can you share a link of what usb capture card is required pls.

        I am looking for a Duet Display alternative so I can use my iPad as a second screen. Sounds like yours will do that if I have a USB capture card. Would you say it is a stable solution?

        Luna does not work for me, and Duet is too expensive.

        • -1

          Absolutely, this is a list of verified USB Capture Cards that work with Video Assist:

          Elgato HD60 X
          Elgato HD60 S+
          Elgato CamLink 4K
          EVGA XR1 Lite
          AverMedia Live Gamer Mini
          UGREEN Video Capture Dongle
          Simplecom DA315

          Yes, so far it's proving stable. No crashes in normal operation, I resolved crashes that were occurring with Discord Screen Sharing yesterday, so far so good.

  • +3

    I thought we should get paid for testing it.

  • +3

    I agree, this is not a bargain, it's advertising or free testing.

  • Very cool! I have been looking at these type of options for a while and this seems much more practical. Great that iOS17 opens these options up. The devices could be so much more, sucks how hard they gimp them. I'm primarily Android/Windows but the M1 iPad has so much to offer. Just ordered a dongle for this

    As for the whingers constantly here for a free meal I'm really glad to have seen it here and I'm sure many other creators would be too. I'd be open to a cheeky OzB discount on the app when it launches though lol

    • -1

      I agree 100%. I've used dongles like Luna Display in the past and they work okay over wireless but really need to be wired for a solid, reliable connection. They are also specific in terms of what devices connect to what. Great that HDMI is now an option!

      I appreciate that, I'm looking into doing something in that realm.

  • is it free for beta testers forever? or jsut for the testing?

  • good stuff! sadly my only ipad is on ios 13 and jailbroken so i won't be updating it and sadly won't be able to use this, but it is stupid hard to find a simple app to make a ipad a second monitor, let alone one over HDMI. hoping this does well ^^

    • -1

      I hear you, iPad's have had great displays for a long time and it's been a massive shame you can use them for external video until now.

  • I'm not really into Mac/Iphone, etc but have an M1 macbook pro for Firefox+VSCode.

    Would this work for me? I read you can run ios apps on it.

    • -2

      There is an option that can be enabled via TestFlight that allows iOS Apps to be used on macOS with M1/M2. That is enabled for Video Assist but it requires that you have macOS 14 Sonoma installed. If you are running that OS it should work for you though I have not tested this extensively on macOS.

  • +5

    I don't think we should count TestFlights as deals. If you're trying to give away free apps on OzBargain it should be through the App Store.

  • +5

    7 day trial of a beta app by associated is an ad not a bargain.

  • +4

    This seems like some shameless self promotion.

  • +3

    @brad7 While it's understandable that the developer wants to share their new app with the OzBargain community, it's important to understand that the platform is not meant for beta testing. The rules clearly state that the deals posted should be bargains and not generic advertisements or calls for beta testing. The primary purpose of OzBargain is to share deals that provide immediate value to the community members, such as discounts or special promotions.

    Beta testing, while crucial for app development, doesn't necessarily provide immediate value to the users. It's more of a service to the developer, as they get feedback and bug reports to improve their app. This could be seen as a form of free labor for the developer, rather than a deal or bargain for the community.

    Instead, a more appropriate way to engage the OzBargain community could be to offer a promotional code that gives users free or discounted access to the full version of the app once it's officially released. This way, users are getting something of immediate and tangible value – access to a new app at a reduced cost, which aligns with the purpose of OzBargain.

    Reference: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/help:rules_guidelines

  • Agree with most other comments on this, a 7 day trial for a beta test is blatant advertising- no deal

  • It works with DJI Action but only at 35fps. nice app though

  • It's probably not possible without an arduino with custom code, but a iPad console would be cool, have the keyboard and mouse on the ipad screen and show the video from the capture card

  • I wish it works with ipad with lightning port too

  • Ozbargain is not a advertising place.

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