HBO to offer standalone streaming service next year

[Invader3K]

I know there's a lot of people who are fans of various HBO shows, so this should be welcome news for a lot of people.

 

Personally, if I had a way to get Brewers games without cable, I'd probably be able to ditch Charter's TV service finally once this comes out.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/hbo-fulfill-cord-cutters-dreams-launch-standalone-streaming-145913861.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

[Patrick425]

This is interesting. I hope it's a trend that continues. It also prompts some questions I have that I hope maybe others can help answer:

 

- Question 1) I started a thread about this a year or so ago, but thought I would revive the question in case there are services that have popped up since then. Are there any good alternatives to Netflix? By good alternatives I mean services that have a wide selection of streamable recent movies included in the standard monthly fee? By recent, I mean movies such as "Wolf of Wallstreet" or "American Hustle". These movies might possibly be on Netflix by 2018, but I'm guessing they will never be on Netflix. Netflix sucks when it comes to movies. Does Amazon Prime offer movies like this with their standard subscription? I can't believe that in this day and age that I still have to go to my local Red Box to get movies like this or pay individually through TWC's "Movies on Demand" service (assuming I can catch the small window of time that some of these movies are available).

 

- Question 2) We do not have an internet ready TV and the blu-ray player that we use to access NetFlix is old and only limited services are available on it (Hulu, Pandora, Netflix, one or two others?). We have an XBox, but it's in my son's room and I don't want to have to move it back and forth every time we want to use it (and I don't want it in the family room permanently). So, how do I get internet or Amazon Prime (if I choose to purchase that) on my TV without buying a new TV or blu-ray player?

[bjkrautk]

Patrick, I can't answer the first question...since I'm a Netflix user myself, and don't have a subscription to Amazon Prime (or any comparable services).

 

As to the second question, however, you may want to look into the media streaming devices manufactured by Roku. I don't own one, but my understanding is they're fairly functional and (relatively) cheap. Apple TV is another device which might be worth looking into, but I don't know if they allow access to services other than iTunes.

[nate82]

Unfortunately I doubt you will be able to get newer movies on a subscription based service. This has more to do with the production companies and their strangle hold on when new movies can be streamed through a subscription based service. Don't expect new based movies at least popular ones to be on instant streaming for at least 1 year after the DVD/Blu Ray release.

 

Along with the other devices listed there is also the Amazon Fire TV. This comes with a free 30 day Amazon Prime Membership.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CX5P8FC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CX5P8FC&linkCode=as2&tag=ch2014-20

[mtrebs]

Amazon Prime is very similar to Netflix streaming...with older movies and lots of TV shows. I use Amazon Prime for steaming and have a Netflix disc membership for newer movies.

 

I use Roku for streaming Amazon Prime to my non-smart TVs. It's very easy to use.

[Invader3K]

I have both Amazon Prime and Netflix now. I think Amazon has a slightly better selection of streaming TV shows. They actually have current episodes of series on there. The movie selection doesn't seem to be any better than Netflix though.

 

For movies, I like to collect Blu-rays, but I usually don't buy them when they first come out. I scour the Internet a couple months after they come out and sometimes find good deals. There are message boards out there that will list deal alerts that pop up.

[Invader3K]

So, how do I get internet or Amazon Prime (if I choose to purchase that) on my TV without buying a new TV or blu-ray player?

 

Regarding your second question, I'm not experienced with them, but you can buy a Chromecast for like 35 bucks, assuming your TV has HDMI inputs. You would also need to have a wifi network in your house.

[logan82]

Amazon Prime and Netflix streaming are virtually identical. There are a few exclusives on both. We have had more problems with Amazon Prime not working well compared to Netflix but not much. With Amazon the option to buy individual episodes or seasons is available.

[Patrick425]

So, how do I get internet or Amazon Prime (if I choose to purchase that) on my TV without buying a new TV or blu-ray player?

 

Regarding your second question, I'm not experienced with them, but you can buy a Chromecast for like 35 bucks, assuming your TV has HDMI inputs. You would also need to have a wifi network in your house.

 

So would this give me full internet? If so, why wouldn't I just get this instead of Roku? If I can get the internet on my TV, can't I just go to the Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, or whatever website and watch what I want to watch?

[1992casey]

This is interesting. I hope it's a trend that continues.

 

I agree. Nothing really replaces cable or satellite at this point as a lot of programming is unavailable via apps. "Cutting the cord" works fine for some, but it isn't for everyone.

 

The obvious upsides to Chromecast are its size and price. The downside is that operating it requires another device (Android or iOS device; Mac, Windows, or Linux PC).

 

If you directly compare Roku to Apple TV, the upside to Roku is that the user can add apps/services. Apple TV is restricted to content from providers who negotiate deals with Apple. Netflix and Hulu Plus are offered on Apple TV, but Amazon Prime isn't. The upsides to Apple TV are security and consistent user interfaces from app to app. Apple TV also communicates well with iTunes and with other Apple devices. Apparently, Roku is capable of accessing iTunes, but setting it up isn't an easy process.

 

Roku 3 can take the place of a Time Warner cable box. However, you won't get 100% of the channels you pay for. And you're not able to tune by directly inputting a channel number. You need to drill down through categories or perform searches like you would on Netflix or Hulu.

 

When compared to Xbox, Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV are much smaller and much easier to move around. Or rather than moving them, since they're also much cheaper, it's reasonable to buy more than one.

[Patrick425]

This is interesting. I hope it's a trend that continues.

 

I agree. Nothing really replaces cable or satellite at this point as a lot of programming is unavailable via apps. "Cutting the cord" works fine for some, but it isn't for everyone.

 

The obvious upsides to Chromecast are its size and price. The downside is that operating it requires another device (Android or iOS device; Mac, Windows, or Linux PC).

 

If you directly compare Roku to Apple TV, the upside to Roku is that the user can add apps/services. Apple TV is restricted to content from providers who negotiate deals with Apple. Netflix and Hulu Plus are offered on Apple TV, but Amazon Prime isn't. The upsides to Apple TV are security and consistent user interfaces from app to app. Apple TV also communicates well with iTunes and with other Apple devices. Apparently, Roku is capable of accessing iTunes, but setting it up isn't an easy process.

 

Roku 3 can take the place of a Time Warner cable box. However, you won't get 100% of the channels you pay for. And you're not able to tune by directly inputting a channel number. You need to drill down through categories or perform searches like you would on Netflix or Hulu.

 

When compared to Xbox, Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV are much smaller and much easier to move around. Or rather than moving them, since they're also much cheaper, it's reasonable to buy more than one.

 

Not a huge Apple consumer. My wife has an IPad mini that she got as a gift and a work issued Iphone. My son has a school issued IPad. However, I prefer android devices. How well does Roku work with those? (It has always bugged me that it is assumed that everyone that has a cell phone or tablet owns an Iphone or Ipad.)

 

The cable box replacement thing intrigues me. So, what channels won't I get? Will I still be able to get HD channels? Will I be able to get Fox Sport WI?

[DHonks]

Patrick, I'm not sure you can stream at all to Roku. With apple, it's extremely easy via Airplay. We use our Apple TV all the time. I've never had a desire to try Android devices, so I can't say how they work with boxes.

 

Really, this HBO move is something I've dreamt of for a long time. I'm so glad we're about to start getting a la carte TV. The cable/satellite companies serve no purpose with regard to video service anymore. Cable companies are fearing HBO and ESPN going a la carte because they like taking our money for both cable and internet, when we should be able to use the internet to directly get channels without the middle man

[nate82]

 

Really, this HBO move is something I've dreamt of for a long time. I'm so glad we're about to start getting a la carte TV. The cable/satellite companies serve no purpose with regard to video service anymore. Cable companies are fearing HBO and ESPN going a la carte because they like taking our money for both cable and internet, when we should be able to use the internet to directly get channels without the middle man

 

I have been waiting for this for a long time also. I hope more companies go this route as I would rather pay a subscription to get MLB Network, HBO, AMC, ESPN, NFL, NHL, and the local TV channels than pay for 400 other channels that I do not use or watch anything on.

[1992casey]

The cable box replacement thing intrigues me. So, what channels won't I get? Will I still be able to get HD channels? Will I be able to get Fox Sport WI?

 

They'd be HD, but beyond that, I have no idea. When I asked Time Warner for details, all they could tell me was that I could use a Roku 3 instead of a cable box, that I'd get most of the channels I was paying for, and what the interface was like. But nobody was able to fill me in beyond that.

 

You can also use a device called Fan TV, but I was able to learn even less about that. I didn't push any harder because I kind of lost interest when I found out that I couldn't tune by channel number.

 

Apparently, Time Warner is encouraging these cable box alternatives because they're losing money on box rentals. I can see how that could be happening. They're having to exchange and refurbish them frequently, and there'd be rebellion (not to mention cancelled subscriptions) if they raised the rental rates beyond what they already are.

 

If there were a Time Warner app on Apple TV, I'd give it a go-around because I already own one, but they haven't motivated me to go out and buy something new.

 

However, I prefer android devices. How well does Roku work with those?

 

Roku has Android and iOS apps, but I don't know anything about them. I've used Apple's Remote app with my Apple TV. It's good as a supplemental thing, but having to wake up the iPad, enter the passcode, and give it a couple of seconds to get back on the network limits its use for doing quick things. On the other side of the coin, the app is absolutely great when you want to type, especially for putting in passwords. I simply paste passwords from 1Password.

 

I'd assume that the sleeping phone or tablet issue would apply to any devices involved, whether it's Android, Apple, or whatever.

[Thurston Fluff]

I ditched cable for a combination of Netflix a while ago. I recently added Huluplus. The only thing I miss is Brewer games. However since I ditched cable i end up listening to the Brewers while playing with my dog instead of just sitting on my butt and watching it. Which turns out to be much more relaxing/entertaining than just sitting there eating chips. Add in the health benefits of actually moving and it turns out I miss it less than I thought I would. Huluplus isn't very good for movies but does have a lot of tv shows a day after they air. I watch the Daily show and South Park on it for example. Hulu tends to be a bit glitchy and will occasionally freeze my roku box but nothing major. I tried Amazon prime a while back but didn't really like the interface as much as Netflix and there was so much overlap of product it just wasn't worth it.

[Invader3K]

It's really too bad there isn't a way to get home market MLB games ala cart. I would think and hope that day will come eventually.

[adamb100]

I don't ever see a day where you can watch home in-market games online (at least not without a cable subscription). No pro sports league lets you.

 

I do think being able to buy individual games to watch ala carte from MLB.tv would be a cool idea though.

[jerichoholicninja]

It's really too bad there isn't a way to get home market MLB games ala cart. I would think and hope that day will come eventually.

 

As soon as some owner decides to sell his team's broadcasts live online, everyone will do it. The Brewers would be a great team to do it too. With Milwaukee being tucked way away in the SE corner of the state, there are plenty of Brewer fans in the FSN-WI market that aren't going to drive 5 or 6 hours to see a game at Miller Park but would probably pay a subscription to stream every game. Then, this would be added revenue to their crap TV contract they have I think it would be a genius idea and would have only a hair more than zero effect on attendance.

[DHonks]

adamb100, the NFL does. Every game is available over the air for local teams.

[owbc]

It's easy to estimate what the Brewers would have to charge to break even on a streaming service.

 

Lets assume they would like to make $25 million per year on a TV deal (which is approximately what they are making now).

 

About 40,000-50,000 households watch Brewers TV broadcasts on any given night...but I'm not sure how many of them are unique. Lets generously say that a Brewers streaming service could get 100,000 subscribers. At that subscriber count, they would have to charge $250 per year, or $42/month for 6 months.

 

If we assume they would run TV commercials, the price could potentially be less.

 

The big loss for MLB would be the national TV deal, which would presumably collapse if everyone cuts the cord. That deal is the #1 source of revenue for the Brewers now. Being entirely dependent on local revenue would be very, very bad for the Brewers. They are much better off under the current system.

[Invader3K]

I think MLB has structured it so all online revenues are shared equally between all 30 clubs. So even if the Brewers "went rogue" and started offering a subscription like that, I don't think they'd get to keep all the revenue from it.

[owbc]

Yes, MLB.tv is shared equally. I doubt MLB would allow the Brewers to do it. It doesn't matter anyway because sports are going to be he last ones to let the cable model go. They are making way too much money off it right now.

[logan82]

I ditched cable for a combination of Netflix a while ago. I recently added Huluplus. The only thing I miss is Brewer games. However since I ditched cable i end up listening to the Brewers while playing with my dog instead of just sitting on my butt and watching it. Which turns out to be much more relaxing/entertaining than just sitting there eating chips. Add in the health benefits of actually moving and it turns out I miss it less than I thought I would. Huluplus isn't very good for movies but does have a lot of tv shows a day after they air. I watch the Daily show and South Park on it for example. Hulu tends to be a bit glitchy and will occasionally freeze my roku box but nothing major. I tried Amazon prime a while back but didn't really like the interface as much as Netflix and there was so much overlap of product it just wasn't worth it.

Prime is nice for buying a movie here or there. If your connection is a little slow Prime is horrible. I have had Prime stop to load on me at times where it was unwatchable. Happened just this weekend. Switched over to Netflix and had no problems.

 

The only thing I miss is Brewers games.

[DHonks]

I can't buy stuff from Amazon or support Prime at this point in time. They care about one thing, and that's market share. The result is they undercut competitors. Everyone who protests Wal-mart needs to protest Amazon as they're a worse offender. I still can't fathom why the gov't sued Apple for trying to create a market for e-books that allowed for competition and more money going to publishers and authors. Yes they wanted to raise prices, but that's because Amazon was selling books at low prices and holding publishers hostage. It was predatory pricing, but the gov't's lawyers don't understand how Amazon is attempting to re-invent the economic theory of how monopolies price goods.

[Patrick425]

I can't buy stuff from Amazon or support Prime at this point in time. They care about one thing, and that's market share. The result is they undercut competitors. Everyone who protests Wal-mart needs to protest Amazon as they're a worse offender. I still can't fathom why the gov't sued Apple for trying to create a market for e-books that allowed for competition and more money going to publishers and authors. Yes they wanted to raise prices, but that's because Amazon was selling books at low prices and holding publishers hostage. It was predatory pricing, but the gov't's lawyers don't understand how Amazon is attempting to re-invent the economic theory of how monopolies price goods.

 

 

I would think that this is probably a discussion for the political thread.