Downloaded and tried the new Optimum iPad player yesterday. It turns your iPad into a personal television in your house and is very cool. Unfortunately it will only play on your home WiFi network attached to your Cablevision modem. I tried to access from another WiFi network got a “You must be connected to your home network and signed into watch Live TV” message. It worked smoothly at home without any complicated setup procedures. It seemed to have all the channels that I subscribe to including premium channels.
While I have my issues with Cablevision, have to say that they have increased their value proposition by releasing this app at no additional charge to what I am already paying. I could see them trying to charge a cable box rental fee in the future, but currently the app is free to download and access.
It remains to see if Cablevision will get into a contract dispute with their programing providers like Time Warner. I believe the difference between their app and Time Warner’s is that Optimum app will only work in your home WiFi network.
