In fact, Bell let you do that from any browser: http://tvonline.bell.ca/tvonline/servlet/CommandSe... But there is a really nice iPhone app here: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/bell-tv-remote-pvr/... You can record show, view schedule and off course, control your PVR. I beleive it works with any Bell ethernet enabled device.

Is it something inherent to the technology behind it or the networks unwillingness to build better infrastructure?

What is the coaxial output, labeled "in home distribution" on the back of the receiver used for?