DirectTV users get mobile access to their digital recorders

DirectTV Inc. introduced a new mobile site that will allow its TV subscribers to manage their digital video recorders remotely. The new offering comes nearly a year after TiVo Inc. introduced a similar service for cellphone users.
According to DirectTV’s Web site, the company’s new remote scheduling service allows subscribers to schedule recordings from any computer or mobile phone. Users can browse DirectTV’s programming guide, choose from among different recorders in their house, and prioritize their recordings.
DirectTV’s mobile service works off the company’s WAP site, m.directv.com. The mobile service is free, aside from wireless carriers’ data access charges.
TiVo, which offers its own digital video recorder, got into the mobile field early last year with a BREW application for Verizon Wireless. The $2-per-month app allowed TiVo owners to remotely control their TiVo Series2 or Series3 digital TV recorder.
A number of players are currently working to push the digital recording market a step further by allowing cellphone users to watch their TV directly on their phones. Indeed, Sling Media, which was recently acquired by EchoStar Communications for $380 million, offers a service that allows mobile users to tap into their live TV feeds.