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The performance doesn't match the promise.
Time Warner Cable took a fine free iPad app allowing authenticated cable TV customers to watch dozens of national cable networks and turned it into a complete disaster in its latest upgrade, now dubbed TWCable TV App for iPad.
Under no circumstances should you consider running this until the inexcusable bugs are worked out in a future release.
We tried this app at Stop the Cap! HQ last evening and ran into immediate problems — troubles shared by the majority of app users who took the time to bottom rate the app in Apple’s App Store.
- On several attempts, the application claimed we were running a modified version of the Apple iPad 2’s basic software. While “jailbreaking” iPad to improve the user experience is important for some, it has never been for us, and we are running an unmodified original firmware version of iPad 2. But you can’t tell that to Time Warner Cable — the app will refuse to run when this error message displays.
- When we were able to launch the application, we found the expanded channel lineup, which now includes around 100 national cable networks enticing… if we could manage to watch any of them. Within two minutes of launching any channel, we found a frozen, unrecoverable picture. The only way to restore viewing was to exit the channel and start again. It left things completely unwatchable. A few dozen channels you can watch or 100 you cannot watch? This was not an improvement.
- The “interactive program guide” addition allows users to see program listings for up to 7 days. Customers can also configure the guide to display only their favorite channels, in order to avoid scrolling through the entire channel line-up. That last feature is essential — it will take you 7 days of eternal tedium to scroll through hundreds of channels looking for something to actually watch. Cable companies need to abandon the traditional “program guide” and deliver an improved service that answers this basic question: what do YOU want to watch. If I am in the mood for mysteries, show me what I can see. If I want one of those cheap “true crime” documentaries, let me select from a seedy list of those shows either on now or upcoming. It no longer matters what is showing on each channel at any time. We want program content, not a recitation of upcoming programming on the Yarn Channel.
- The ability to tune the set-top box from within the new guide in the app. Simply tap on a network logo within the iPad program guide or the “watch on TV” button within the program description to tune directly to the channel. Playing around with this feature only showed one of my set top boxes — the DVR in the living room. The one in the bedroom is apparently the bad child you want to forget. It doesn’t show up at all. This feature turns your iPad into a glorified remote control. Its most useful function is to annoy your family as you change channels from another room. Sick and tired of your significant other watching Design on a Dime when you could be watching Columbo? Just change the channel on them. Again and again.
- The new app theoretically allows you to remotely manage your DVR recordings. I say ‘theoretically’ because it worked only inconsistently. I repeatedly found recordings I wanted to “manage” were completely unmanageable with the app, exiting with an error message.
Time Warner’s control freak mentality over jailbroken versions of iPad no doubt deals with their nightmare scenario: you might be an “unauthenticated” cable cord cutter trying to watch their networks for free, or even worse, record them for later viewing. It took all of a few hours for iPad enthusiasts to outwit the cable company and work around this roadblock.
Perhaps it’s wrong to complain loudly about a free app like this, but with all of the negative reviews and basic functionality problems, one wonders who beta tested this thing?
What are you complaining about? Seriously any real customer of Time Warner Cable already knows that this is generally how the TV bound services function. Most channels freeze or artifact, the DVR may or may not record your show and there is generally nothing but the Yarn Channel or Home Shopping channel
repeated for the hundreds of channels they claim to offer. At least your Ipad app is free, the rest of us generally pay good money to consistently be given a horrible experience
[/sarcasm]
I must be fair though, Roadrunner rocks, so they at least do one thing right..
Poem58, Exactly, Roadrunner works just fine, but the tv service is utter garbage, which is one reason we dropped there dvr box and tv service, now we just get local channels which is fine for us, although no ipad app.
“Perhaps it’s wrong to complain loudly about a free app like this, but with all of the negative reviews and basic functionality problems, one wonders who beta tested this thing?”
The same idiots who tested their horrible DVR software. Talk about sluggish!
TWC “can’t afford” to make a good app or have good customer service but can afford Britt’s salary
Hmmm…for me it’s the ONLY thing that works right!? I watched for over two hours today with no problem whatsoever… and, believe me, I hate to give TW the slightest edge. I consider them one of the trashiest of the ‘lowlife’ companies around…despicable is a good word for them. I ordered their ‘triple play’ last December. (2010) 1. They totally ignore my requests for the $250 reward card I never received (SCAM!) 2. There’s an ADDITIONAL MONTHLY CHARGE for the ‘BOX” 3. They refuse to remove the “BOX”… they claim it’s obligatory. If it is, then their offer of $99.99… Read more »
I just spend some time with the app this morning and it’s still an epic fail for me in western NY. Several channels report as “unavailable” and others run for about 30 seconds to a minute and then stall. I had the last version of this app and -never- experienced a single stalled video or problem, not once. This video is streamed directly from Road Runner’s own regional server network so external network issues are not the problem. Either the traffic load is too great for TWC to handle or there are other inherent problems with the update. For that… Read more »
I’ve always found it interesting how an app can go from working great at initial launch to bugged beyond belief the next update. I know Time Warner was getting in trouble with Broadcasters at one point over this app, so maybe the TV networks have a role in this. Otherwise, I think someone should have spent more time beta testing and bugfixing. It’s Coding 101, really.
As of this morning, it’s still more of the same for me — stalled video streams and inconsistent DVR programming ability.
The ironic part is that Time Warner suggested my router might be responsible — the one they charged me dozens of dollars to install and program when we upgraded to DOCSIS 3.
I knew better — it’s on their side, not mine.
This app sucks now. They promissed “over 100 channels” yet I dont see new channels at all! I don’t know if this is because of my cable subscription or what. The should really explain more.
If you do not subscribe to a cable TV package, this app will not work for you. If you do, my guess is your region has not yet introduced the expanded lineup. These channels are served from Road Runner’s own server network regionally/locally.
I have more channels, better HD, and a lower monthly bill. I started working with DISH at one of their call centers about a year ago, but even before I became an employee I’d been recommending the service to both friends and family members…something I’d never do unless I truly believed in the service. Check it out here http://www.BestTVForMe
I guess my only “gripe” to add to the bug pile is, “why have this ‘mobile app’ at ALL if you cannot use it? I work on the road about 250 days a year… When the app was first introduced I was ecstatic.. Until I discovered I can only use it at home?? WTF?!? When I am at home, it works semi-ok; but I have a tv in my LR, my bedroom, my kitchen, and my basement. WHY would I need to use my iPad to watch?? Other service offer remote viewing, like Hulu… Don’t they have anyone who can… Read more »