DIRECTV

As a long time user of DirecTV's online services, I welcomed the addition of its companion iPhone app with open arms. And I will say, up front, that it does do what it purports to do: allow you to set one or more of your DVR(s) to record any number of programs remotely. This feature is useful if you are away from home and spontaneously decide to record something or if you do not have internet access to do it on the web (a DirecTV feature for some time). After logging in to your account, the app loads in your particular channel set up; from here you can display your channels or all channels (not sure why you would want to do this though). You can browse 14 days of programming by channel or by show and from here can set your DVR to record a particular episode or an entire series. The user interface is intuitive, graphically pleasing and generally easy to figure out. Unfortunately that is the extent of the feature set; you cannot otherwise manage your recordings. The ability to view the list of scheduled recordings and make changes (e.g. delete a recording) and organize channel or show favorites would earn this app permanent real estate on my phone. As it stands, the DirecTV iPhone app performs one function reliably and for free. You will need to decide for yourself if it offers enough functionality to warrant a download.