US satellite TV provider DirecTV has launched a new feature that allows its DVR subscribers to remotely schedule recordings. Users can do it via the DirecTV.com web site, but the company is also prominently advertising the mobile version of the service, available at m.directv.com.
Similar services have been available in other countries for some time (such as with the Sky mobile app in the UK), while TiVo users can schedule recordings over the web, and if they’re Verizon Wireless subscribers and willing to pay $2 per month, from their mobiles as well (AT&T also offers a similar service to consumers who have both its U-Verse fixed-line video service and a mobile with the company). So while DirecTV isn’t treading new ground, the fact that they’re really playing up the mobile service — hell, even launching it at the same time as the web version — provides further evidence that we’re at a tipping point for the mobile web. Mobile access wasn’t an afterthought or a poorly put together add-on here; it’s a central part of the offering and one that DirecTV is making freely available, rather than trying to tie it into an exclusive deal with a particular operator.
I tried the service earlier, and it works well. I was able to set a recording about 10 minutes before a show started, and it was received successfully by my box. (While my box is connected to the internet, the signal is sent down from the satellites, DirecTV says.) The process was pretty painless on my E61. My only real criticism is that it might be nice to be able to browse listings; currently you can only search by title, keyword or channel.
Here are a few screenshots:
The main search screen…
Results page (note it indicates which shows are in HD)…
Episode page, with description and other info, and the option to schedule the recording…
Nice option here, to record regardless of what else is scheduled, or only if nothing else is scheduled.
Confirmation screen. But wait, what’s that at the bottom?
Eep. That CYA language isn’t very reassuring…
But never mind, orange light = success!
All in all, I think it’s a pretty decent process. The disclaimer worries me a little, though — if the service only works some of the time, that’s a pretty poor user experience. Still, it’s great to see a major brand like DirecTV launch this service on the mobile web.