Dish Network Releases iPad Remote Control AppDish Network Releases iPad Remote Control App

Satellite TV provider Dish Network has released an application that turns the Apple iPad into a remote control for a Dish digital video recorder.

Similar to Dish's apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch, the Remote Access for the iPad transforms the tablet-style Apple computer into a full-feature remote with access to all DVR functions and features.

Users can schedule recordings of TV programming on multiple receivers, delete timers, browse and search nine days of shows and manage DVR libraries by setting recording priorities, resolving recording conflicts and deleting already-watched programs. The iPad app is compatible with most of Dish's standard and high-definition DVRs.

In addition, the Remote Access app can turn the iPad into a control for TVs connected to compatible Dish receivers. As a TV remote, the iPad can be used to change channels, browse the program guide, start playing recorded programs and access navigation features, such as forward, rewind and pause.

The new Dish application can be downloaded free from Apple's App Store. The TV service provider also offers remote control apps for Internet-connected laptops, PCs and non-Apple smartphones.

Dish is among several vendors planning to partner with Google on upcoming Android-based software called Google TV. Deployed in a set-top box, the web-based application would provide a search box that returns search data from web and television sources. It also would allow users to find relevant content wherever it resides and make content suited to the user's tastes more discoverable and manageable through personalization features. Sony is expected to introduce the first Google TV device in the fall. Dish plans to make it possible to use Google TV through its DVRs. Other partners include Logitech and Best Buy.