Dropping cable service seems to be a popular money saver these days, especially with all of the other options for getting your drama and sitcom fixes. If you’re considering such a drastic measure, new universal app, The CW Network, might make your decision to switch to streaming easy.
The CW Network offers a bunch of features you’ll probably never look at, such as talent photos, social networking for show information and an upcoming schedule. Sure the latter is handy, but, if you watch these shows, you already know when they’ll air. If you are forgetful, use the built-in reminder to give your memory a boost.
What you will be using this app for is the full streaming episodes. Every prime time show currently on the CW is available for streaming the morning after it airs. You’ll be able to watch the past five episodes of each show (and for a mid-season pickup like America’s Next Top Model that doesn’t have five new episodes, it means you can catch last season’s finale).
I found the videos streamed perfectly over Wi-Fi and although some users have complained of audio issues, I didn’t experience any problems (the app requires you to have your volume turned up and silent function turned off). Other users have also commented that leaving the app forces one to start an episode from the beginning. Again, I didn’t experience this when switching pages in-app or leaving to check my email. Skipping ahead was frustrating as I had to sit through quite a few sponsor ads before the program would jump forward for me and usually ended up in the wrong spot anyway.
Even with that frustration, The CW Network is a solid app. Its universal support means you can watch your shows anywhere you have an Internet connection. You can bet I’ll be relying on this app on the nights my TiVo is full.
