APRIL 2020 MACWORLD 29even with files in non-native
formats like AVI or MKV.
That’s because the app does
all the heavy lifting by
transcoding in real time when
needed, complete with
optional subtitles where
available in your chosen font,
color, and size. You can also
import subtitles, as well as
play embedded or external
audio tracks in sync with
the video.
Naturally, real-time
transcoding tends to be quite
processor intensive. While
QuickTime-compatible videos
(including MP4) start playing
immediately with little CPU
impact, non-native formats
require buffering (referred to
as “presegmenting media for
deployment”), which is entirely
dependent upon file size,
resolution, and your Mac. A
90-minute, standard-definition
AVI movie began streaming in
under 20 seconds, while a 4K
MKV of similar length required
several minutes of preparation
before playback commenced,
including extra time to process
embedded subtitles, which
can be bypassed when not
needed.
To be fair, JustStream has a
maximum output resolution of
1080p HD, so anything higher is
redundant anyway. Finally, while
the app is free to download,
you’ll be interrupted every 40
minutes unless you decide to
purchase a license code.BOTTOM LINE
Mirroring offers few
advantages over built-in
AirPlay, but JustStream
redeems itself when it comes
to streaming video files to any
screen in the house. ■mmmh
JustStream 1.0
PROS- Stream any video file to
AirPlay or Chromecast-
compatible devices. - Queue up multiple videos,
even those in non-native
formats. - Mirror Mac desktop without
adapting to target display.
CONS - Video lags several seconds
behind when mirroring. - High CPU while transcoding
some non-native video. - No 4K or surround sound
output.
PRICE
Free (in-app purchases)
COMPANY
Eltima Software
Transcoding can be adjusted to stream non-native videos in
original quality or a wide range of resolutions and bitrates.