Time Warner Cable today launched a beta version of a streaming video service that will let subscribers watch video right from their computers.
With TWC TV, customers can watch live TV, manage the DVR, or tune the set-top box. It's accessible now to Time Warner Cable customers with an online account via twctv.com.
With live TV, not every channel is available, but some options include E!, Bravo, and AMC. It's only available within range of your cable box, though, so no sneaking off to watch TV while you're in the office.
If you're working late, though, and forget to set your DVR to tape "Modern Family," head to the Web site from your PC, find the show via the guide, and click the "record to DVR" button. You can opt to record once or set up a series recording so you don't have to think about it in the future. If you're not sure what you're taping, click the DVR tab for a list of upcoming recordings.
If you're at home and don't want to hunt for the remote, use the online guide to find a show, and hit "Watch on TV" to change the channel on the TV (also good for annoying people in the room trying to watch other shows, I'd imagine). Time Warner Cable said this option will not be available for those with iGuide set-top boxes or analog video customers. Customers will also need a high-speed Internet connection.
The news comes several weeks after Time Warner released an iPhone app that also provides the same services.
The company launched a live TV iPad app (see slideshow below) in March 2011. Its release, however, prompted concern from content holders, who argued that Time Warner wasn't licensed to stream their content. Time Warner argued that the iPad app was simply like having another TV in the house and, since the content did not stream over the Internet, it was not a violation of the companies' content deals. Viacom however, ended up taking Time Warner Cable to court over the issue, though that case was resolved in August.
In December, Time Warner Cable released a TWC TV app for Android phones and tablets, though it did not include live TV. The cable provider promised live TV access with the expanded rollout of Ice Cream Sandwich, however.
Last month, Comcast started rolling out AnyPlay, a service that will let subscribers watch live TV on the iPad. Comcast, along with Verizon FiOS, is also teaming up with Microsoft to bring the companies' services to its Xbox Live platform.