Killer HT Upgrade: the Directv iPad App

[BadAssJazz]

VERY nice! You get the impression that we're just barely scratching the surface with these new technologies. Can't wait to see how much further the innovations will take us.

By the way, I totally understand the hand-wringing when it came to deciding on either the iPad or getting a new whatsitdozit for your home theater. I was at a similar crossroads last week. One path lead to the new iPad, while the other headed straight towards the Marantz AV7005. (Actually, I guess we can throw the Apple TV device in the conversation as well, since that's what started my latest upgrade quandary.) Ultimately, I decided on the Marantz, but after reading your post I think it's safe to say that the Apple Store will be next in line to receive my hard-earned cash.

[Woochifer]

VERY nice! You get the impression that we're just barely scratching the surface with these new technologies. Can't wait to see how much further the innovations will take us.

By the way, I totally understand the hand-wringing when it came to deciding on either the iPad or getting a new whatsitdozit for your home theater. I was at a similar crossroads last week. One path lead to the new iPad, while the other headed straight towards the Marantz AV7005. (Actually, I guess we can throw the Apple TV device in the conversation as well, since that's what started my latest upgrade quandary.) Ultimately, I decided on the Marantz, but after reading your post I think it's safe to say that the Apple Store will be next in line to receive my hard-earned cash.

As far as "convergence" goes, we're getting closer but definitely not there yet. Techies have been pushing the whole "digital living room" bit for more than a decade, basically presuming that people actually want the PC experience in their living room. Of course, media PCs have been a bust precisely because people don't want their TV viewing to emulate a PC (with its needless complexity and bugs).

I've been saying for quite a while on this board that a media convergence device needs to respect how people actually consume media -- i.e., leaning back in a sofa/chair using one hand to control everything while expending minimal brain power to figure things out. The iPad is getting close -- it's simple and anyone can use it while leaning back (instead of leaning forward like you would with a PC).

The Directv app seems more like the beginning, and it should be interesting to see what other functionality gets added as things evolve. It's far from ideal mainly because in order to gain full functionality, you still have to connect it to a wired network, and Directv satellite receivers still don't have wi-fi built in. I took the trouble to add a wireless Ethernet bridge to my HT system, but I doubt that too many other consumers will do the same thing. Most home theaters and TVs are not networked, including components with network capability. Until more components start to include wi-fi, you'll still see a lot of these network gaps in most homes. And that's a shame, because apps like the Directv iPad app add a lot of functionality, once you make all the required connections.

I have Cablevision service. Their Optimum App for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, laptop, and Kindle Fire has similar features. Also, if you have subscriptions to HBO and Cinemax through DirectTV, you can access HBO and Cinemax programming while on the road (app not required). Just visit the HBO Go and Max Go sites, register, and you're in business. I suspect the other networks will eventually get on board with providing similar mobile access to cable service subscribers.

I'm not familiar at all with any iPad apps offered by other service providers, but since I see Comcast's Xfinity commercials all the time, it does look like their iPad app has comparable functionality as Directv's app.

I've been using HBO Go since it first went live. But, I don't use the website that often because I don't like watching TV while sitting at a computer desk (or holding a laptop for that matter). The iPad is actually a more compelling option since I prefer viewing shows on a tablet over a PC, and the HBO's iPad app has a better interface than the website.

Also, Amazon finally posted their Prime Video streaming app this week (because the iPad forbids Flash, Amazon's streaming video had been unavailable), which brings their video library to the iPad. It's pretty cool (though in a very rough state right now, for example, it lacks any search function), but I'm actually more excited about Amazon Prime getting added to the PS3. This is because even with the iPad, I can't go for long viewing stretches. I'd rather just watch it on my TV.