Will Amazon Unbox Work on an iPad?

by Meg North
Converting to the proper format allows you to watch Amazon Unbox videos on your iPad.

Converting to the proper format allows you to watch Amazon Unbox videos on your iPad.

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Amazon.com's Unbox Videos on Demand are played using the Unbox Video Player. This video player allows the transfer to a portable video device, such as the Apple iPad, provided it is in the correct format. Although downloaded videos cannot be transferred to the iPod, they may be converted and played on an iPad, despite the Unbox Video Player not being compatible with Mac or Linux computers. The Amazon downloaded videos are in .WMV format.

Convert the Format

In order to play Unbox videos on an iPad, the .WMV format must be converted into a format the iPad can read, such as MP4 or M4V. This requires removing the DRM restrictions on the video by using DRM removal software (in Resources). Several types of DRM removal software are available, which convert media files from one format to another. Download and install the DRM removal software. Then open the Unbox video player in the software and convert it to MP4 or M4V format.

Add Unbox to iTunes

Now that the Unbox video has been converted to the proper format, it can be played using the iTunes format. Open up iTunes and create a movie playlist. This requires using iTunes version 4.8 or above. Click the "Plus" button on the bottom of the iTunes screen to create a playlist. Name the playlist. Then, click on the converted Unbox video on your computer desktop and drag it to the iTunes window to import it.

Sync PC to iPad

Now that the Unbox video is uploaded into iTunes, you can sync your PC to your iPad and transfer the playlist to the iTunes on your iPad. Plug your iPad into your PC by using the included USB cable. The PC recognizes the iPad, and iTunes opens automatically. Click "Devices" on the left-hand side of iTunes and select the iPad. Then, click the "Info" tab to connect. Click the video files and then click "Apply" in the lower right-hand corner. Your PC syncs with your iPad.

Watch Unbox Videos

Once the Unbox video files are synced to your iPad, then disconnect the iPad from the PC. Open iTunes on your iPad and tap on the video player to watch the video.

About the Author

Meg North has written professionally since 2008 as an online copywriter for the Sturbridge Yankee Workshop. She also published a short story in "The Maine Scholar." North has a Bachelor of Arts in media writing from the University of Southern Maine.

Photo Credits

  • Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images