On a day where Samsung was announced as the new manufacturer for Virgin Media TiVo boxes, the service provider has also released a set of new screengrabs of its forthcoming iPad app controller. And it claims that support for the application with become part of every TiVo box in the UK when the first major firmware updated is rolled out over the next few months.

The free Virgin Media TiVo iPad app will allow tablet-touting TiVo-holics nigh-on complete remote access to their set top boxes. It will offer up similar search functionality, electronic programme guide (EPG) and metadata browsing as the box itself, while recordings will be able to be set in a much more intuitive and friendly way than on the currently available iPhone/Android application.

The major Virgin Media TiVo software update roll out will also bring with it a raft of other improvements, new features and fixes, and more will become apparent soon.

Virgin Media has also confirmed that you will not be able to watch content on an iPad, rather choose what you want to play on your TV. However, the company will continue to look at ways to improve the service, even after the first patch:

"In less than a year since launch we are already building new features to offer our customers more ways to enjoy their service with an unprecedented user experience, and maintaining our position at forefront of technological innovation in TV," says Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment.

"The companion app and other forthcoming enhancements we are working on form part of our long term strategy to deliver the most dynamic and user friendly multi-screen entertainment experience in the UK."

With this app, and Samsung on board to improve the reliability of the boxes, it's certainly heading in the right direction.

Are you looking forward to controlling your TiVo box with an iPad? Let us know in the comments below...