I can’t say I’ve been PlayOn’s biggest supporter. In fact, I usually refer to it as a hack. But some hacks are decidedly more clever and useful than others. Their current Windows server software ($40) essentially scrapes web video content, such as Hulu and Netflix, to pipe it to home DLNA devices – so you can catch those standard def Alf episodes from a PS3 and television.
Well, things are about to get more interesting next week when PlayOn releases an iPhone app. The free client channels the same video options, albeit with limited transport controls. Watching “television” in your home on a 3.5″ screen isn’t super compelling. However, CNET reports that you should be able to punch PlayOn content through your home router to access a number of video sources on the go and that higher res iPad streams are in the works. Which are both hacks worthy of discussion.