HBO has announced today that they plan on launching a standalone web-based service that does not require costly Cable TV subscriptions. This is, in part at least, a response to the rise of other services such as Netflix and Hulu.
From the press release,
Speaking at the Time Warner Inc. Investor Meeting today, Richard Plepler, chairman and CEO, HBO, announced that the company will offer a stand-alone HBO streaming service in 2015. Following a portion of his presentation focused on HBO’s domestic business, during which he cited significant growth opportunities inside the pay-TV universe, Plepler then turned to the current ten million broadband-only homes, which is projected to grow.All in all, this is a cord-cutter's dream come true. If this proves successful, HBO may find that going through traditional cable service providers may not be as profitable as it once was. Rumor and speculation abound about the price, it is expected to be competitive with Netflix's subscription.Plepler then added:
“That is a large and growing opportunity that should no longer be left untapped. It is time to remove all barriers to those who want HBO.
“So, in 2015, we will launch a stand-alone, over-the-top, HBO service in the United States. We will work with our current partners. And, we will explore models with new partners. All in, there are 80 million homes that do not have HBO and we will use all means at our disposal to go after them.”
