HBO Go is a service that promises online viewing via streaming for hundreds of titles. Finally viewers can watch their favorite shows and movies not only whenever, but wherever they want. It allows for online streaming not only to a persons computer or laptop, but also to mobile phones like Droids and iPhones. This was a necessary move for the company to make, because of the technology that is present to people today. I know of friends who can illegally download the most recent episode of "Trueblood" or "Entourage" onto their iPhones within minutes of the completion of its original airing on TV. They say its not even that hard to figure out. Netflix offers online streaming and a much more extensive movie collection than HBO. It has already killed blockbuster. Why on earth would anybody in the right mind pay for HBO? Well unlike Blockbuster, HBO has its terrific TV shows to offer. Still, HBO out of necessity needed to make their product more accessible to their paying customer, or else they would realize that their may be greener grasses elsewhere. With HBO Go the customer has the accessibility with HBO, that it is provided to them by the internet with everything else it seems today.
HBO also realizes they must attack their customer on every front. They have begun using the popularity of social networking sites to their advantage. However they do not just put advertisements up on the sites, but interact with them to market their product in other ways. They have used Facebook and Twitter to allow the average joe to advertise their shows for them. They want people to watch their shows and think that HBO is the only place that a show like this can be found, and is why it must be available on the TV. Now with HBO Go, it is also available on the internet for the first time (at least legally). Today HBO is the biggest cable service in the world with 28 million subscribers ( compared to Showtime's 18 million), and that is only going to grow, given the satisfaction most subscribers receive out out of it, and with HBO Go, only more customer satisfaction can come. I guess that's why they say it's not just TV.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118026452?refCatId=1009
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Partly because of the incredibly busy and competitive schedules of TV networks, and partly because of the access to multiple options rather than watching Live TV, there has been an incredible increase in the need for On Demand and video streaming capabilities. As television networks are all competing for the same viewers all seven days per week, natural competition ensues. From the looks of the chaotic television technology issues, those who have proven to be strong will prevail once more. As Netflix has spent the past few years as the singlehandedly responsible party for the downfall of Blockbuster, the company has also proven that is it capable of adapting to the market, and accommodating the needs of its clients. While the Internet was driving people away from the typical movie-store rentals, Netflix was able to weather the storm better than its competitor. According to Peter Cohan’s recent article, Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished, the web “made it easier to download movies and to rent DVDs than to rent VHS tapes. But Netflix faced the same threat from video streaming, and it has handled that transition masterfully… Netflix harnessed technology to create a service that customers like better than their competitors' offerings.” This being the case, Netflix has shown its ability to change with the times and address the tendencies of the industry’s consumers. It appears that HBO is doing the same with their new HBO Go. With its 28 million subscribers, their customers’ accessibility to the TV shows on the Internet may just keep HBO in the same discussion with Netflix for some time to come.
Some might think that the recent productions of Google TV may put companies like Netflix and HBO at disadvantages in the video streaming field. Judging from Google’s history with innovative technology and success, a bit of concern may be expected. However, if I were a member of the Netflix or HBO corporate offices, I would not be worried. Google’s constantly updating technology and new applications are definitely something to acknowledge with high praises. Programs like Google Docs, Google Health, and Instant Previews have all proven to do have immediately positive results, causing some to believe that Google TV will be just as successful. However, Google is succeeding in the fields of online searching and data recording, but Netflix and HBO still have a significant head start in the field of TV and the process of bringing in viewers. According to a recent blog by Levi Sumagaysay, Netflix has recently signed a deal with Level 3 as its content-delivery network following unsatisfactory performances by their previous network, Akamai Technologies . This means that Netflix is about to get a lot stronger, and increase their advantage over the up-and-coming Google TV. While they have just implemented their new system, I’m sure the HBO will be not far behind in terms of keeping quality TV options available to their 28 million subscribers.
Cohan, Peter. "Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished." Daily Finance. 23 Sept. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. .
Sumagaysay, Levi. "Cisco Sinks Markets; Leo Lives; Google TV Blocked; Netflix Delivery Deal." Web log post. SiliconValley.com. Technology News and Analysis from Silicon Valley, 11 Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010.
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Partly because of the incredibly busy and competitive schedules of TV networks, and partly because of the access to multiple options rather than watching Live TV, there has been an incredible increase in the need for On Demand and video streaming capabilities. As television networks are all competing for the same viewers all seven days per week, natural competition ensues. From the looks of the chaotic television technology issues, those who have proven to be strong will prevail once more. As Netflix has spent the past few years as the singlehandedly responsible party for the downfall of Blockbuster, the company has also proven that is it capable of adapting to the market, and accommodating the needs of its clients. While the Internet was driving people away from the typical movie-store rentals, Netflix was able to weather the storm better than its competitor. According to Peter Cohan’s recent article, Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished, the web “made it easier to download movies and to rent DVDs than to rent VHS tapes. But Netflix faced the same threat from video streaming, and it has handled that transition masterfully… Netflix harnessed technology to create a service that customers like better than their competitors' offerings.” This being the case, Netflix has shown its ability to change with the times and address the tendencies of the industry’s consumers. It appears that HBO is doing the same with their new HBO Go. With its 28 million subscribers, their customers’ accessibility to the TV shows on the Internet may just keep HBO in the same discussion with Netflix for some time to come.
Some might think that the recent productions of Google TV may put companies like Netflix and HBO at disadvantages in the video streaming field. Judging from Google’s history with innovative technology and success, a bit of concern may be expected. However, if I were a member of the Netflix or HBO corporate offices, I would not be worried. Google’s constantly updating technology and new applications are definitely something to acknowledge with high praises. Programs like Google Docs, Google Health, and Instant Previews have all proven to do have immediately positive results, causing some to believe that Google TV will be just as successful. However, Google is succeeding in the fields of online searching and data recording, but Netflix and HBO still have a significant head start in the field of TV and the process of bringing in viewers. According to a recent blog by Levi Sumagaysay, Netflix has recently signed a deal with Level 3 as its content-delivery network following unsatisfactory performances by their previous network, Akamai Technologies . This means that Netflix is about to get a lot stronger, and increase their advantage over the up-and-coming Google TV. While they have just implemented their new system, I’m sure the HBO will be not far behind in terms of keeping quality TV options available to their 28 million subscribers.
Cohan, Peter. "Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished." Daily Finance. 23 Sept. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. .
Sumagaysay, Levi. "Cisco Sinks Markets; Leo Lives; Google TV Blocked; Netflix Delivery Deal." Web log post. SiliconValley.com. Technology News and Analysis from Silicon Valley, 11 Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010.
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Partly because of the incredibly busy and competitive schedules of TV networks, and partly because of the access to multiple options rather than watching Live TV, there has been an incredible increase in the need for On Demand and video streaming capabilities. As television networks are all competing for the same viewers all seven days per week, natural competition ensues. From the looks of the chaotic television technology issues, those who have proven to be strong will prevail once more. As Netflix has spent the past few years as the singlehandedly responsible party for the downfall of Blockbuster, the company has also proven that is it capable of adapting to the market, and accommodating the needs of its clients. While the Internet was driving people away from the typical movie-store rentals, Netflix was able to weather the storm better than its competitor. According to Peter Cohan’s recent article, Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished, the web “made it easier to download movies and to rent DVDs than to rent VHS tapes. But Netflix faced the same threat from video streaming, and it has handled that transition masterfully… Netflix harnessed technology to create a service that customers like better than their competitors' offerings.” This being the case, Netflix has shown its ability to change with the times and address the tendencies of the industry’s consumers. It appears that HBO is doing the same with their new HBO Go. With its 28 million subscribers, their customers’ accessibility to the TV shows on the Internet may just keep HBO in the same discussion with Netflix for some time to come.
Some might think that the recent productions of Google TV may put companies like Netflix and HBO at disadvantages in the video streaming field. Judging from Google’s history with innovative technology and success, a bit of concern may be expected. However, if I were a member of the Netflix or HBO corporate offices, I would not be worried. Google’s constantly updating technology and new applications are definitely something to acknowledge with high praises. Programs like Google Docs, Google Health, and Instant Previews have all proven to do have immediately positive results, causing some to believe that Google TV will be just as successful. However, Google is succeeding in the fields of online searching and data recording, but Netflix and HBO still have a significant head start in the field of TV and the process of bringing in viewers. According to a recent blog by Levi Sumagaysay, Netflix has recently signed a deal with Level 3 as its content-delivery network following unsatisfactory performances by their previous network, Akamai Technologies . This means that Netflix is about to get a lot stronger, and increase their advantage over the up-and-coming Google TV. While they have just implemented their new system, I’m sure the HBO will be not far behind in terms of keeping quality TV options available to their 28 million subscribers.
Cohan, Peter. "Why Blockbuster Went Bust While Netflix Flourished." Daily Finance. 23 Sept. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. .
Sumagaysay, Levi. "Cisco Sinks Markets; Leo Lives; Google TV Blocked; Netflix Delivery Deal." Web log post. SiliconValley.com. Technology News and Analysis from Silicon Valley, 11 Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Nov. 2010.
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HBO finally making its way into the world of online TV shows is something its fans have been waiting for, for a long time. HBO is different than regular cable channels such as ABC or NBC, but these stations have had their shows online for their fans for a while now. As a college student one thing that is very difficult to keep up with is my favorite television shows. The best thing about the shows being online is that I can watch them when and where I want to. Since HBO for television is paid for, I would assume that HBO Go would also have some sort of subscription fee.
But I do not think that a subscription fee would hurt them at all. The shows that HBO has are shows that cannot be found anywhere else (legally) except through HBO. When people want some that baldy they are willing to pay some sort of premium for it. Personally I subscribe to an NHL website through which I can watch hockey games any night of the week. Being from New Jersey and having my favorite team from New York, it is difficult to watch their games on television. So, I subscribe for a set price and can watch all of their games plus any other game throughout the league any night of the week.
I would assume that HBO Go would work the same way as this program that I subscribe to. With that said I think it would help keep the fans they already have happy, and also help them to reach a completely new group of people. I think that there are people who have never bought the HBO package for their television, but if HBO Go was made available to them they might want to buy it. The world we live in today requires people to keep up in the world of pop culture, and some of the most popular television series belong to HBO. I honestly believe that HBO Go may be something that I would be interested in trying out, depending on what the terms and conditions look like on a more specific level.
In terms of competing with Netflix that may not be something HBO will be able to do. They would be reaching a somewhat different demographic than Netflix would be after. HBO would be looking mainly for people who want to watch their television series. To broaden their consumer base the use of facebook and other social networks is definitely something that could be very effective. People always “like” certain television shows and often post on their own walls or on friends walls different videos or descriptions of things they are doing. If people posted pictures and news items regarding HBO television shows and there was a link to HBO Go, I think they would immediately be able to make some extra revenue. HBO may be a little late to the party, but this is definitely one worth them going to.
To say that HBO Go is the smart move for HBO is incorrect. HBO Go is a no-brainer. This should have been done a long time ago, so in fact, they are way behind. The article talks about keeping up with Netflix but Netflix has moved past streaming on the computer. Now you can get your movies on your Wii or other home gaming systems as well as your iPad and there are even talks about a NetFlix app for the Android. HBO needs to pick up the pace.
Yet, while HBO is playing catch-up, I don’t think that it should have any worries about fading into the distance. HBO Series and Comedy Specials are too exclusive to allow the company to disappear. Home Box Office may not be an appropriate name anymore as I do think that Netflix has taken over the onDemand movie niche of the market. But, the shows are what will keep HBO alive. HBO series have produced cult followings. To name a few, Sex and the City, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the new True Blood. I can freely attest to being addicted to all of the aforementioned.
When I read this post I seriously considered giving up the hours of searching that I perform to find last week’s episode of Entourage or True Blood on the Internet for free. How much could HBO Go possibly be? Well, it’d cost me a Comcast basic cable package…plus an HBO subscription. You see, my parents got rid of our subscription to HBO so I spend my Sundays at friends’ houses watching our favorite HBO series all night long. But when I’m here, I will scour the web for the latest episode so as not to fall behind or, heaven forbid, overhear a spoiler from someone else who did see it.
http://www.fastcompany.com/1611420/netflixs-mobile-invasion-continues-android-youre-next
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