DirecTV Reveals Feature Set of its Soon-to-Launch iPad App

DirecTV has provided some information on the feature set of a new iPad application that it says is "coming soon." According to the company, the new DirecTV iPad App will:

• Function as an advanced remote control, complete with play, pause, rewind, fast-forward and record buttons, as well as remote DVR management and full search capability.
• Allow users to "simply tap" to view DirecTV's line-ups of movies and sports programming, as well as a 14-day EPG, "all without interrupting the show you're currently watching on TV." Users will be able to tap on any program or game listing to "channel-tune instantly, record to your DVR or get detailed info," the company says. That "detailed info" will purportedly include information on cast and crew, parental ratings, and upcoming airings, as well as photos from the show the viewer is interested in and information on similar shows that might appeal to them.
• Allow users to create a personalized home screen with instant access to their favorite channels and sports. "You control what's on your screen by choosing the channels you want to see, the teams and sports you want to follow, even the modules you want to include," the company promises on its Web site.
• Allow users to create a personalized "sports roster" with real-time scores for the teams and sports they wish to follow.
• Provide users with a module for their home screen that lists all DirecTV's "family-friendly" channels.

In other DirecTV news: During its earnings conference call earlier this week, the company revealed that it expects to conduct trials of a premium VOD service later this year; plans to offer more VOD movies day-and-date with their DVD release; and hopes to have 2 million of its customers equipped with broadband-enabled set-top boxes this year (currently around 850,000 customers have connected set-tops) and 40% of its subscriber base so equipped by 2013. Light Reading Cable's Steve Donohue has more.