We’ve been pining for HBO GO on our HDTVs for some time. While we’ve seen some hacks and support is supposedly headed to Samsung devices this fall, I’ve got even better news to share with you today. As all Roku models will receive access to a dedicated HBO GO app by the end of the month.
I’ve frequently declared that HBO GO is arguably the best value in entertainment — for those who subscribe to cable or satellite. Cord cutters need not apply. Included in the cost of an HBO subscription (~$20?) is online access to the complete and broad catalog of all original HBO programming. Think Deadwood, Sopranos, The Wire, and Boardwalk Empire. Further, there’s a solid selection of movies on demand, including some current releases in addition to the back catalog stuff you’d expect.
Basically, HBO GO will my make Roku infinitely more valuable than any of my other streaming boxes. For a time, anyway. As I suspect HBO, like Netflix, intends to leverage as many platforms as possible. It’s just too bad they’ve yet to consider an over-the-top, online-only subscription.
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Per the comments on last week's Microsoft post, it looks like HBO Go is coming to the living room via the Xbox too. I'm *almost* tempted to pick up the channel after years of resisting. But it's at least $20 more on top of our existing Fios package. I might cave at $10, but not $20.
But no commitment. Pay the $20 for a few months, catch up on many episodes of series you've missed and your daughter can watch kids movies on the iPad. $20 is way cheaper and more convenient than a box set of say The Wire.
The Microsoft announcement(s) were vague as to launch, basically by the end of the year. Also, Xbox Live does require a $60 fee. As a gamer, I pay that. But they're limiting uptake (via sales of new units) with that requirement. Hm, perhaps they lose money on the $200 360 hardware?
A few days ago - after looking over the content that is available and the news that it would soon be coming to the Xbox - I made the plunge and added HBO to my Cox subscription in order to get access to HBO GO. By the end of this year, Xbox will provide me access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, Epix, HBO GO, ESPN3, Crackle, Bravo, SyFY and Zune music & movies; pretty stout.
With this announcement, Roku will now give me access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, Crackle, HBO GO, and Epix; also pretty stout. With Roku players in the bedrooms and an Xbox in the living room, my movie needs are covered pretty well. At this point all I need is Vudu on both devices and for Roku to implement some type of search feature across all video services - or at least the major ones.