Dish Network's subscribers can now get both linear and recorded video on their iPads.

The free downloadable app that makes it possible to view Dish content on iPads works for customers who are equipped as follows: They must have a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled device such as the Sling Adapter and one of the company's ViP DVR models (ViP 722 or 722k).

It may have been only coincidence that Dish's announcement came on the day that Comcast informed customers in some of its systems that a downloadable app was available to turn their iPads into remote controls for their video service.

"Dish Network is the only pay-TV provider to offer a true TV Everywhere solution, and now we've extended that experience to the iPad," said Dish Network chief marketing officer Ira Bahr. "Unlike mobile viewing from cable and telcos that limit access to select programs, our TV Everywhere services give consumers 24 x 7 access to all of their live and recorded content included with their Dish Network programming subscription."

The Dish Remote Access app also gives Dish Network customers with compatible DVRs the ability to browse and search up to nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings, manage conflicts, delete shows on multiple receivers and transform the iPad into a fully-functioning remote control, the company said.

The Dish Remote Access app for the iPad can be downloaded for free from Apple's iTunes App Store.