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New 'Orion' App Turns Your iPad Into an HDMI Display for a Console or Mac

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Lux, the developers behind popular camera app Halide, today announced the launch of Orion Video System, an app that is designed to turn the iPad into an external HDMI monitor that can be used with computers, gaming consoles, cameras, and other devices.

orion app
Using the Orion app requires iOS 17, an ‌iPad‌ that has a USB-C port, and a USB-C Video Capture Card. USB-C Capture Cards can be purchased from websites like Amazon for around $15 to $20.

The app is able to work with any device that supports HDMI, including Macs, PCs, game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, retro consoles, and cameras. According to the developers, Orion Video System will upscale Nintendo Switch gameplay to 4K in realtime. When used with a camera, Orion allows an ‌iPad‌ to be used for checking framing, focus, and color for video capture and stills.

Orion is free to download, and there is a demo mode that allows users to test the app without a Capture Card. There is an optional one-time $5 upgrade purchase to unlock AI-powered 4K upscaling, CRT Emulation, and Picture Adjustment.

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Top Rated Comments

G
GhostRaider
39 months ago

Seems redundant. Sidecar?
It’s for HDMI devices. So iPad becomes a portable HDMI display.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
neuropsychguy
39 months ago

I guess it's cool but, you can get better portable monitors than an ipad for a display.
True (and I have one -- only 1080p and not the most accurate colors, but it works) but that's one more thing to bring with you. If you already own an iPad and a small adapter (or buy one -- they are inexpensive), that's easier and less expensive than bringing yet one more "device" with you.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lucas Curious Avatar
Lucas Curious
39 months ago
does this mean I can hookup iPad to my camera via HDMI as a camera display?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
RobArtLyn
39 months ago

There are cheap usb c portable displays. Why deal with an app?
My iPad Pro is already paid for.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Boeingfan
39 months ago
Cool, something to try out.

Am I the only one on the planet that thinks that 4:3 still has plenty of merit, particularly for photos and monitors. Given that most websites, and I've noticed American ones particularly, run down the middle of a 16:9 monitor leaving most of it as blank real estate. 4:3 is beneficial in those situations, and the miles of extra width 16:9 gives is often chasing an elusive use.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChompChomp Avatar
ChompChomp
39 months ago
This is what I've been waiting for. This is the first step towards plugging your Xbox, Playstation, or anything else into your VisionPro USB-C port so that you have a personal large screen for any video input you might have.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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