by Scott Shaddox

Created on: July 31, 2010   Last Updated: June 08, 2011

Many times practical applications are the most used apps for iPhone and iPod Touch users.  Applications which display important information, such as news and weather, help users stay informed about the world around them.  An iPhone or iPod Touch that has been loaded with these applications not only provides entertainment, but also helps simplify our busy lives. In the world of direct broadcast television DirecTV reigns supreme. The satellite giant is well known for its customer service record and to further enhance subscriber satisfaction, a DirecTV application for the iPhone and iPod Touch is available.  

Once the application has been downloaded and opened for the first time the user is asked to submit subscriber information.  After the information is provided you will be able to browse the DirecTV guide, which is sorted by channel or time.  If “browse by channel” is selected, a numerical or alphabetical listing of channels is shown.   After a channel in the list has been highlighted, a display of shows currently broadcast as well as those to be shown later appears.  When a specific program has been selected, a brief description, run time, when the show first aired, and its genre and rating if available is shown.

Perhaps the most useful function of the DirecTV app is its ability to control a DVR, including the opportunity to record a single broadcast of a show or an entire series.  This is a great perk, especially when you find yourself away from home and suddenly realize you have forgotten to record a show or an event.  The DirecTV guide can also be viewed by inputting specific dates and times into the application.  This feature is most beneficial for those times when you know the exact day and time a show you would like to record is to be broadcast. 

The DirecTV app for the iPhone and iPod Touch also comes with a full scale search menu enabling users to search for a specific show, even if they are unsure of the channel, date, or time the show will be broadcast.  Once a show is located by the app, a complete listing including channel, is created.  Another intriguing feature of the DirecTV application is the ability to order pay per view movies and events.  This is most useful to viewers without a phone line connected to the back of their receivers and as a result are unable to order with their remote control.

As the iPhone and iPod touch continue to become popular in the mainstream, the number of applications available for these devices will continue to rise.  Some of these applications will no doubt prove more useful than others.  Without question the DirecTV app will benefit subscribers of the satellite television leader.  You can leave home confident, knowing that no matter what delays you may encounter the season finale of your favorite show will be recorded and may be watched at your leisure.  This is an app all DirecTV subscribers should have on their devices.

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