The Discovery Channel has taken its existing app for iPhone and turned it into iPad-specific format through the app Discover Channel HD. Although I’m a fan of the Discovery Channel’s programming, there’s minimal content available in this app, and that makes it, ultimately, not worth a download.
I can say that what is right in Discovery Channel HD is its good looks. The app makes smart use of the iPad’s technology (I like the 3D-style headers on the show pages) and the accompanying show photos look rich. I found the best feature of Discovery Channel HD to be its integrated schedule. At the top of the featured screen, users will see a prime-time schedule of Discovery’s current programming that can scroll vertically by hour and horizontally by date. The schedule tab is more complete, offering a full-day schedule and notations when an episode is new.
Discovery Channel HD also offers a “News” section, pulled from the content available on DiscoveryChannel.com, but most users aren’t here for news, they’re here to watch Discovery Channel’s programming. Sixteen of Discovery Channel’s shows are given devoted sections in the app: Each offering videos, photos and general show information. Within each show landing page, you can see its specific schedule and a link to iTunes to purchase full episodes. While Discovery Channel HD offers many videos, fans will be disappointed that there are no full episodes available. Most clips are shorter than two minutes, and users will have to sit through ads beforehand — not worth the time.
Without full videos or iPad-specific content, users shouldn’t be satisfied with Discovery Channel HD.
Download the free Appolicious for iPad app
