Entertain Yourself from the Couch - iConnected: Use AirPlay, iCloud, Apps, and More to Bring Your Apple Devices Together - page 88

Watch Cable and Satellite TV on Your iOS
Device
A number of major cable providers offer apps for mobile viewing on your iOS device, not
just apps to remote-control their set-top boxes. Bear in mind, however, that most of these ser-
vices restrict your viewing to your home network through a router provided by your cable pro-
vider.
COMCAST: The Xfinity TV Player app for iOS devices allows Comcast subscribers to ac-
cess their existing channels over Wi-Fi, control their TV, and schedule remote recordings.
TIME WARNER CABLE: The TWC TV app offers control over your set-top box and par-
ental controls , plus — if you're connected to your home Wi-Fi network — the ability to watch
shows and sports on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.
COX COMMUNICATIONS: Cox TV Connect allows you to watch TV on your iPad if you
are using your home's Wi-Fi connection. Cox also has a version for iPhones and iPod Touches.
CABLEVISION: The Optimum for iPad app offers all the channels you get through your
Cablevision subscription and also controls your DVR and schedule recordings. But it works
only on your home Wi-Fi network if you also have the Optimum cable modem. There's also a
version for iPhones and iPod Touches.
BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS: Same deal here: Any channels you get via your DVR
are available on your iOS device only through the Bright House TV app if you're connected to
your home Wi-Fi network.
WATCHESPN: For subscribers to ESPN via Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks,
or Verizon FiOS, the WatchESPN app is your route to mobile sports viewing on your iOS
device. The app is free and you simply need a username and password from your provider to
access as many of the ESPN channels available via your cable or satellite provider. And you
aren't restricted to watching from your home network.
SKY GO: For users of the U.K.'s BSkyB satellite TV service, the Sky Go app offers a selec-
tion of channels, including sports, movies, and news. The app is free to subscribers and works
on iOS devices over Wi-Fi and cellular connections — again, you're not limited to watching
from your home's Wi-Fi network.
Control Set-Top Boxes and Other Devices
I've mentioned products like the Slingbox in Chapter 3 that allow you to view and control your
home cable or satellite box remotely. There are also a few providers that offer apps that allow you to
control your set-top box on a local network. DirecTV, Comcast, and AT&T in the U.S. all provide free
apps for their customers that replace the traditional remote control in favor of an iOS device app. In
the U.K., the Sky+ app offers the same control for Sky subscribers, as Figure 4-8 shows.