Time Warner Cable Launches Live TV Streaming iPad App, Does Not Realize You May Want To Watch On The Go

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Time Warner has officially launched their iPad application. The app is called TWCable TV and while it does sound exciting in that they are being touted as the first cable company to launch such an app, this one does have some limitations that may keep some from downloading and using it.

First things first, the app is free to download, however you will need to be a current Time Warner Cable subscriber (and have your Time Warner Cable username and passcode) in order to actually use the app. In addition, this one requires iOS 4.2 or later and is only available for the iPad.

That said, we wish we could go on and say something nice, however the current limitations make it hard. Take the app description, right from the beginning it makes you think twice about hitting the download button.

“Now you can watch your favorite networks on your iPad in your home!”

Well, if I am at home I can already watch on any of the televisions that I have. And like many households in todays world, there are likely a few televisions for watching, all probably better than watching on your iPad. But in an effort to turn a positive spin, maybe this would be nice if you wanted to venture out and sit on the patio and enjoy some fresh air. And yes, I realize that was a stretch.

Anyway, given you need to be in the home, you can also likely assume that this is Wi-Fi only. In fact, you will need to be connected to your Time Warner cable modem router.

Otherwise, the features of the TWCable TV app include the ability to “watch live cable TV on your iPad in the home.” As far as use, aside from logging in it seems easy enough. According to the iOS App Store description, you can just tap and start watching or browse through the Channel Guide to find a show.

And lastly, at this time the TWCable TV app is simply a channel guide and television viewer. At present there is no way to access your DVR recordings or have the app serve as a remote control for your regular television.

Bottom line, its a free app for current subscribers and in that respect it may be nice for the occasional use. But in the end, we cannot help but hope that when other cable companies (and Verizon FiOS) begin to roll-out their offerings they take note and make some improvements based on what the TWCable TV app is missing. For example, allow viewing and management of the DVR queue as well as the app to serve as a remote. Plus, remote viewing (outside the home) and on 3G would also be nice. Until then, a Slingbox and the Slingplayer app (though not free) is still likely a much better option for television on your iPad.