If you're a Verizon FiOS customer with an HD set-top box, use your iPad to control your FiOS TV. It's faster and easier than using a normal remote control.

First, make sure your iPad is connected to your home Wi-Fi network and launch the App Store. Search for Verizon FiOS Mobile. Install and launch the app.

Read over the end-user license agreement and agree to the terms and conditions. After that, log in to your Verizon FiOS account -- use the same credentials you use to log in via the Web.

Next, you'll see the What’s Hot on the FiOS page. Click the Remote Control icon in the top right corner.

Click Next at each window that pops up until it asks you for a PIN number.

Go to your set-top box and press the Widgets button on your FiOS remote. Navigate until you find the FiOS Mobile Remote widget. Select it.

Select Launch from the menu to run the FiOS Mobile Remote widget.

Select Register a Mobile Remote from the menu.

At this writing, there's no listing for an iPad. The iPod listing works for iPad. So select iPod and press OK on your remote.

Select Generate Authorization PIN and press OK.

This will generate a new four-digit PIN number. You'll use this on the iPad to gain access to your TV.

Back on your iPad, enter in your new four-digit PIN. Tap Next.

The application will prompt you to connect to your set-top box. Make the appropriate selections. Now you'll be able to control your FiOS set top box with your iPad.

No more searching for remotes all over your house!

Based in Washington DC, Todd Moore is a senior contributor at BYTE. Follow him Follow him @toddmoore or email him at [email protected].