Comcast iPad Remote App: Digital Convergence Finally Arrives?

[Woochifer]

As I've posted many times over the years, every previous attempt at convergence (the final integration between the network and the home theater) to date has been a failure. The problem is not technological, but ergonomic. Simple ergonomics is why most TV programs are not viewed on computers and handhelds, and why most web content is not viewed on TVs.

Much speculation has centered on the iPad (and other upcoming tablets). While much of the tech press as usual blabbers on about the iPad's potential to kill TVs (ignoring consumer preferences for larger screen sizes), I wrote a while ago about the iPad's potential to be the missing link. With the right app, an iPad can function as both a control device for a home theater AND a device for accessing content. This type of integration device that seamlessly brings networked content into the living room, would actually respect how consumers prefer to interact with their content.

New IPad, who wants one?

Well, now Comcast has developed the first of what's sure to be many remote control apps for the iPad. This is just scratching the surface of what's possible, but it allows for an iPad to control cable box content from anywhere with a wi-fi or 3G connection. Here's the video demo.



For now, the remote app basically replaces the on-screen menus. Already, it's an improvement because you can use the iPad's touch interface to scroll through the menus and search for on-demand programs. The potential drawbacks I see would be latency, since the control goes through a network connection.

I think the big potential for this is with content sharing between the iPad and the set-top box. Something like this could easily be configured to function like a Slingbox, where the iPad can view cable content. But, it could also go in the other direction, where web content accessed through the iPad would be shared and moved over to the TV, while that content is controlled by the iPad. Lots of possibilities and this just the start.

[kexodusc]

iPad, huh...nah...
I'm holding out for the official Federation approved version...it'll integrate with my holodeck:

[pixelthis]

YOU SAY "POTATO"...
A lot of wags are still talking about the "difficulty" of convergence,
while increasingly more and more have already converged.
I either watch TV on my 42" computer monitor, or surf the web on my
42" TV , PICK YOUR POISON.
Just dont think the IPAD will be a decent remote until its a universal remote,
the key thing about having a HT remote is consolidating all of your functions,
creating marcos, etc.
AFRAID THE IPAD still falls short of my seven year old Pronto, looks like
the proverbvial camel designed by a committee.
Or that giant remote you can buy for old folks( like talky)