Anyone have this app and understand how it works? Does this app work and can you view full episodes using 3/4G wireless or do you have to be at home using wifi? And does this cost you anything?

Thanks.

Looks like you can only watch clips unless you get CATV through one of the providers listed when it asks you to log in or authenticate

I was able to finally log on using an account through AT&T but nothing works. Every video says authication error. Oh well.

I agree, oh well. I got it before I realized the limitations. I don't have CATV (of any flavor) and have no interest in watching clips. But it was free, so no big deal.

Well that sucks.

If I'd payed, that would suck. But since all I did was spend 2 minutes downloading it and 10 minutes fiddling, I'll go with just 'a bit disappointed'.

There seems to be a growing trend of video apps that are just 'an extra feature' to supplement traditional TV viewing. I believe the HBO app works this way too.

Originally Posted by twerppoet

If I'd payed, that would suck. But since all I did was spend 2 minutes downloading it and 10 minutes fiddling, I'll go with just 'a bit disappointed'.

There seems to be a growing trend of video apps that are just 'an extra feature' to supplement traditional TV viewing. I believe the HBO app works this way too.

You're right. That is the way the HBO app works. Same with the new Showtime app. Not sure though why you'd be surprised, though. After all, the content providers charge for their service on TV on a monthly basis. Would you expect them to give it away on the iPad? I don't find it objectionable.

On the other hand, there are other pricing models that I do find to be a complete ripoff. MLB (Major League Baseball), for example, provides audio coverage of games on my laptop/desktop for $20 for the season. Fair enough. But I'm unable to access that subscription on the iPad and have to purchase a separate "mobile" app (At Bat) app at the same price. Even if I'm willing to plunk down $120 for full video access to all major league games on my computer, I have to purchase At Bat additionally for the iPad to access those games. And if I pony up $20 for the iPad and want the same access on my android phone, it's another $20.

Such "nickel and dimeing" to get the same service on different devices is very annoying.

Originally Posted by jsh1120

You're right. That is the way the HBO app works. Same with the new Showtime app. Not sure though why you'd be surprised, though. After all, the content providers charge for their service on TV on a monthly basis. Would you expect them to give it away on the iPad? I don't find it objectionable.

Not surprised at the profit model, just disapointed that it means I can't use the app to watch full cartoons. I can't get CATV where I live, not that I would any way; not for the few channels I might enjoy. That the developer and networks want money is a given, and I am willing to pay (within reason), or watch ads. In the meantime Hulu Plus is better than nothing.

Originally Posted by twerppoet

Originally Posted by jsh1120

You're right. That is the way the HBO app works. Same with the new Showtime app. Not sure though why you'd be surprised, though. After all, the content providers charge for their service on TV on a monthly basis. Would you expect them to give it away on the iPad? I don't find it objectionable.

Not surprised at the profit model, just disapointed that it means I can't use the app to watch full cartoons. I can't get CATV where I live, not that I would any way; not for the few channels I might enjoy. That the developer and networks want money is a given, and I am willing to pay (within reason), or watch ads. In the meantime Hulu Plus is better than nothing.

I understand your motivation and I apologize if my comment implied that you were trying to get programming for free. The problem is that cable tv content providers in general don't want to sell their services individually. Instead, they prefer to bundle their content with other "channels" in packages sold by cable companies. Opening the door to sale of individual channel content even over the internet would undermine that business model. Just one of many examples where completely "free" markets don't necessarily benefit consumers.

Originally Posted by jsh1120

I understand your motivation and I apologize if my comment implied that you were trying to get programming for free. The problem is that cable tv content providers in general don't want to sell their services individually. Instead, they prefer to bundle their content with other "channels" in packages sold by cable companies. Opening the door to sale of individual channel content even over the internet would undermine that business model. Just one of many examples where completely "free" markets don't necessarily benefit consumers.

Don't worry about it. I wasn't. Just wanted to be clear where I was coming from. CATV is going to have to find a model that works better eventually. Probably not this year, or even in ten years, but as the internet gats faster and more content shows up people are going to start abandoning CATV unless they come up with some really compelling reasons to keep it.