Turning Your iPad Into a Remote Control and TV Guide

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Comcast has just released its new Xfinity TV app for the iPhone and iPad. The app, which will be demoed Monday at the Web 2.0 Summit, acts as both a remote control and a TV guide for your compatible Comcast set-top box.

Right now, the Xfinity TV app [iTunes link] doesn’t let you watch video content on your device, but Xfinity TV content will be coming to the iPad next month. We took some time to play around with the app and we’re really impressed with what the Comcast team has accomplished.
The Xfinity TV app — which is free — works by connecting to your compatible DVR or cable set-top boxes. When you log in to the app, you’re presented with what boxes you have that are compatible with that service (some boxes aren’t compatible) and you can test and name the boxes and DVR units that you can control.

Once you enter in your zip code and choose your channel offerings, you are presented with an interactive, searchable TV guide. Selecting the program gives you the option to watch it on TV or to set a recording.
When you click on “watch on TV,” your channel changes. You can find a variety of information, such as when the show is on again, if episodes are available on On-Demand and episode descriptions.


What we really appreciate is that you can restrict your channel listings to only stations in HD or only stations of a certain type. You can even create favorite channels.
The app also allows you to browse the On-Demand listings available through the Xfinity TV service. This is nice because it’s faster than using On-Demand’s remote-based setup and provides the choice of watching programs directly on TV. Future updates will allow users to access content directly on the iPad, much like the rebranded Xfinity TV service (formerly Fancast) that Comcast rolled out a few months ago.
You can also manage your DVR recordings from the app — although at this time, the iPad version takes you to a web page where you can control your recordings and rearrange or reschedule shows. An iPhone app that lets you manage your Comcast DVR already exists.
We were impressed with how quick and responsive remote controls were on the app. We also appreciate the ability to switch between rooms and to assign DVR recordings to various devices in the house.
As a free offering for all digital cable subscribers, the Xfinity TV app adds a real sense of value. The next question is: Will Comcast consider bringing live TV streaming, akin to what Verizon demoed this August, to the iPad or other devices?
Oh and for Android () fans — Comcast says it plans to bring the Xfinity TV app to the Android Market () sometime next month. It’s not clear if any of those apps will support streaming video playback.

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4 of 5 Photos
TV Guide


The TV guide uses a traditional grid and also makes it easy to watch or record a program.

This is where you locate and name your various DVR or set-top boxes.
Startup Screen
1


This is the navigation help screen.
Getting Started
2


You can select specific TV shows or movies and then select content to watch on your TV.
On-Demand Selection
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3


The TV guide uses a traditional grid and also makes it easy to watch or record a program.
TV Guide
4


You can choose to record a current or future broadcast or watch the TV show or movie immediately on your TV.
Program Information
5






View As Slideshow »
Startup Screen

This is where you locate and name your various DVR or set-top boxes.

Getting Started

This is the navigation help screen.

On-Demand Selection

You can select specific TV shows or movies and then select content to watch on your TV.

TV Guide

The TV guide uses a traditional grid and also makes it easy to watch or record a program.

Program Information

You can choose to record a current or future broadcast or watch the TV show or movie immediately on your TV.





[ Christina Warren/Mashable]