Cablevision’s march to push content to more multi-screens continued with today’s release of its Optimum App for Laptop.
Optimum App for Laptop lets Cablevision customers watch all of the channels they subscribe to live on any Mac or PC laptop computer in their homes. The laptop version of the Optimum App followed on the heels of last year’s release for iOS devices, including iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches.
“We think this additional viewing option will make the Optimum App even more useful for our customers, with a completely redesigned and more comprehensive and functional user interface and guide, DVR controls, and other unique features,” said Bradley Feldman, Cablevision’s vice president of video product management.
In addition to the new interface and searchable guide, the app lets Cablevision subscribers manage their DVR content and tune conventional TVs in their homes. Like the earlier versions, the app also comes with parental controls and closed captioning. Customers can also see what other shows viewers are watching through “most watched” info.
While other cable operators, including Rogers Communications, Time Warner Cable and Comcast, are also delivering content to various second screens, Cablevision is the only one to date that offers its full linear TV lineup. Cablevision also noted in today’s release that the Optimum App video content is delivered over its own secure network and not over the Internet.
Cable operators are still working with content owners on being able to offer programming outside of customers’ homes, but some industry experts expect that logjam to start to break up later this year.