CBS, the owners of TV.com who are currently in a content battle with HULU have recently upped their stake to grab more eyeballs by syndicating their content to iPhone users. Via their new TV.com iPhone application (not available in Canada), they are offering access to a library of content from the CBS network of properties (The CW, Showcase, CNET TV, etc...). 

Full episodes of mainstream network content ranging from Star Trek to C.S.I. can be accessed to users but apparently a lot of shows still aren't available in their entirety, but hopefully that will change over time. Regardless, this is a great first set and will no doubt put pressure on the others content players to follow suit, so bravo to CBS for taking the first step! Now what about us up here in the north?? CBC, CTV, CanWest?? 

Oh and I almost forgot...screw you HULU!  [via NYTimes]

i.TV is one of my favourite iPhone applications. You might think, well what's the big deal it's just a TV guide right? Wrong. If you're like me and currently use Rogers you know exactly how painful it can be to scan the guide on that VCR sized cable box. I'm not sure how it's possible that a company that has a virtual monopoly on the cable/vod/broadband business, making billions of dollars can be content with the service it's providing it's customers. The guide interfaces for most cable/satellite dealers have horrible usability and sluggish response times at best. There are no visual cues, poorly written synopsis, and the longer titles are truncated so you have to guess at the title. 

So along comes i.TV, a great solution...even their ads are well integrated. 

When you first launch this app it will synch up your iPhone via postal code and service provider to bring you the relevant programming information. This can take a minute but it's a one time process. The guide is displayed by title and thumbnail images so you can immediately recognize what you are looking for, as well as the channel, rating, reviews and a well written detailed synopsis. If available you can also view a sample clip or trailer.

i.TV also allow you to search movies and theatres based on your location using the iPhone's GPS feature. It also offers tons of great sorting features, email alerts, reviews, search, share and customizable features (you need to sign up for a free account). Using TiVo DVR? Then you can set to record it instantly. Got a Netflix account? Instantly add your selection to your queue. Now if it can only replace my outdated cable box...if anyone from Rogers is reading this please please contact i.TV for help!

You can download the iPhone app here.