Dish Network is the latest in a string of cable and satellite providers to provide subscribers with access to on-demand video via a second-screen app. Dish rolled out an update to its “DISH Remote Access for iPad” app that now features thousands of hours of on-demand content, including HBO, Cinemax and other premium channels (assuming you’re paying for them in your service, of course.) Like other cable/satellite apps, it only works within the WiFi confines of your home.
The app will also stream live TV remotely, but you’ll need a broadband-connected compatible DISH HD DVR receiver along with the Sling adaptor to make it work. The app already features a searchable program guide and remote DVR control.
I haven’t had a chance to test it at home quite yet, but if you look at the iTunes reviews, subscribers say they’re having some troubles with crashing and buffering (the latter of which could be a slow WiFi problem at subscribers’ homes).
DirecTV, Time Warner, Cablevision, Xfinity and Cox already feature second-screen apps with video access — either live and on-demand or both — and you can expect they’ll continue to ramp up their investment in these apps as the race for the second screen heats up.