Cablevision Ups The Ante

Time Warner has drawn fire for its new iPad app, but Cablevision has upped the ante with a similar iPad app that permits in-home streaming. But Cablevision's system has one significant change: it connect without using the Internet. Cablevision claims this is a virtual set-top arrangement, which is permissible under its existing agreements.

Cablevision will stream 300 channels to its users, who can register up to 3 iPads for use with the service. Customers will only be able to use 2 iPads at one time. Furthermore, customers will have to meet the following requirements:

• Subscribe to Cablevision's Optimum Digital Cable
• Have at least 1 digital cable box
• Use an Internet-blocked modem (supplied by Cablevision) to allow the box to connect to the subscriber's Wi-Fi network
• Password protection of the home network
• Promise not to use Apple Airplay to transfer audio or video