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superkendallJan 18, 2011
Can live without. Enjoy your marginalization, HBO.
rovalfJan 18, 2011
the average viewer can get by on average tv shows
kinserJan 18, 2011
Which is what HBO is. Nothing there is above average.
rhawk187Jan 18, 2011
The Golden Globes disagree.
kinserJan 18, 2011
I disagree with the Golden Globes. Most people do.
quadeJan 18, 2011
Ricky Gervais certainly did...
smurfzJan 18, 2011
Netflix is just fine without HBO. There are really 2 main shows from HBO that I would like on Netflix though - Entourage + East Bound & Down.
micahcJan 18, 2011
Two words that describe HBO's stance: LAME SAUCE.
Closed AccountJan 18, 2011
thats fine... i can get all hbo s**t here http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/
Closed AccountJan 18, 2011
i guess no one wants a good site for free tv shows and movies.
its not spam or anything. they even have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Free-TV/134946929868003Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
matthrJan 18, 2011
If it's true, this is pure Hubris on HBO's part. Just another dinosaur staring at a mountain falling from the sky, roaring it's defiance moments before it's extinction.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Well they do the same thing to Cable TV providers. It's actually a common practice. It's one of the major reasons your cable TV bill goes up constantly.
reaper527Jan 18, 2011
that and various state and local taxes
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Nope. The taxes don't change THAT much. I've worked for Time Warner Cable and Cablevision in their IT department. Every time their rates went up it was because some programming provider wanted to charge a lot more for their channels. I always felt bad for the phone reps who had to take the abuse from pissed off customers. If there's a change in the taxes you will only see a couple dollar rise. When it's a rate increase from the owners of some package of channels the jump is substantial. These people are the ones who do not want ala carte pricing for Cable TV. If that were allowed the vast majority of the crap channels they force people to pay for would go away since very few, if any, viewers would be willing to pay for them.
nixie77Jan 18, 2011
Similar to when newspapers didn't launch online classifieds when Craigslist appeared. That worked out well for that industry, right?
wolfboyJan 18, 2011
Newspapers had online classifieds long before Craigslist appeared.
gurudrewJan 18, 2011
Yes, but most of them charged extra to list online so no one used it. They should have just included it along with the print add and had free online only postings supported by ad revenue.
trdrstvJan 19, 2011
Actually that's right on. The downfall of the newspaper isn't in Cable news or internet news it's ebay and criags list poaching the classifieds (historically the most profitable section of the newspaper).
charlotte_webJan 19, 2011
Not hubris; they are just protecting their subscription model.
If you could get all or even most of HBO's exclusive content for $8/month, why would you pay for cable + HBO?
Besides, when HBO eventually does start selling content directly through their website, they don't want to be undercut by Netflix.
bdog2g2Jan 19, 2011
Netflix will kill HBO with variety alone. And let's not bring Hulu into the mix.
charlotte_webJan 19, 2011
Certainly all of the movie content on HBO (and other premium movie channels) will be rendered meaningless by Netflix.
It costs $15 for me to upgrade to HBO on my cable service, and I assume a portion of that is the markup from the cable company. HBO could produce their own iPad/iPhone/Android app, and start charging $12/month, but it would take them time to establish their market. Netflix is on just about every streaming device, so HBO could be everywhere, immediately, just by signing onboard with Netflix, but HBO thinks they can still demand the same premium for that privilege.
The problem for Netflix is that, if they give in to HBO, then a lot of other companies will start withholding their content as well, hoping to get additional compensation. The end result would be that Netflix will be as expensive (or more) than the cable service.
So yeah, Netflix is better off just letting HBO go it alone and do their own streaming.
matthrJan 19, 2011
Their subscription model was dead as soon as netflix released watch instantly. More content, when you want it, where you want it, for a lower monthly cost.
The effect is obvious, HBO has been on a backslide for quite some time, they closed out 2010 at a 4 year low for subscribers, and I doubt 2011 will be any better for them.
As for them striking out on their own, good luck with that. 8 bucks a month for maybe 2 or 3 shows you want to watch seems steep, especially when compared to hulu plus (7.99/ month for several times the content) or netflix (7.99/month for unlimited streaming from a catalog that has hundreds of thousands of titles).
charlotte_webJan 19, 2011
I think we're within a few years of the cable monopolies falling apart, at least where content is concerned. Digital cable costs me $60/month, but there's only a handful of channels I actually watch. And now that I have Netflix, I spend even less time channel surfing. So, if I could get my cable content ala carte through the internet, I'd jump on it.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Nice. They think they can do to Netflix what they do to cable TV providers.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Nice. They think they can do to Netflix what they do to cable TV providers.
trdrstvJan 18, 2011
Then no HBO... no big loss as far as I'm conserned. If I REALLY want a show I'll get the discs.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Or download like most people who don't find HBO's programming worth with they charge for a monthly subscription.
trdrstvJan 18, 2011
Actually I can see why they wouldn't want to deal with Netflix anyway. Isn't the whole Netflix on demand streaming service simply a better "Home Box Office" than HBO anyway.
HBO will fade into obscurity as there's already more content delivered on Netflix for less money. They simply don't need the HBO originals. HBO would be better of making a deal with Netflix like they did with Starz.
soonerdmJan 18, 2011
HBO doesn't rely on advertisers for income they rely on subscribers. So of course they can't price their content the way a non subscription channel can. I think it's a horribly written article.
FTA:"But that hasn't stopped HBO from streaming programming itself. Last year, the company launched HBO Go, a free service for current HBO subscribers that streams movies, television shows, and other programming."
No, that is incorrect. HBO Go is not a free service. It's an additional service for those that subscribe to HBO. Its an added benefit in order to entice more subscribers.
kinserJan 18, 2011
But why should netflix have to charge more just for HBO's crap? That does not make sense, considering Netflix is a subscription service too. No, I think HBO will just have to live with the fact that a majority of people do not think their programming is worth what they think its worth.
rhawk187Jan 18, 2011
The idea is if Netflix is charging $8 a month right now, and if they tell Netflix it will cost them $12 per subscriber to have their content, they would have to make that up by charging $20 a customer, that or offer different packages, one that has HBO stuff, one that doesn't.
kinserJan 18, 2011
It still doesn't make sense that they should have to do something like that. HBO is not so big that it deserves its own netflix subscription. I say just leave the hbo shows as DVD only. Problem solved.
rhawk187Jan 18, 2011
I'm not saying they should or that it warrants it either, I'm just saying this is why HBO is making that claim.
Although, I will be renewing my HBO subscription when Game of Thrones comes out.
superkendallJan 18, 2011
If HBO is correct and the programming they offer is really worth more, people will flock to HBO Go.
Good luck with that.
What HBO is not factoring in is that while HBO *may* have some shows people would pay more for, that Netflix has a huge number of people and can be watched through a huge number of devices. HBO may get less money but they get a greatly expanded customer base, which apparently HBO is not willing to sacrifice for.
nosferatu149Jan 18, 2011
Comparative to the size of HBO netflix isn't a huge customer base. I did a couple quick google searches to look up the subscription numbers. Currently HBO has something like 28.6 million subscribers, while netflix has 12.3 million. So while netflix does have a large base it isn't even half the size of HBO's. I would also be curious about how many netflix subscribers are also HBO subscribers.
While I would like HBO to come to netflix for cheap as much as the next person, I just don't think it is accurate to paint the picture like HBO is suffering for the lack of netflix users, when in fact they have many more.
Sources
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68C1A020100913
http://netflix.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=346
lilrabbit129Jan 19, 2011
But how many of those subscribers are part of some sort of package that gets HBO/Starz/ etc. The point being that while HBO may have that many subscribers, you never know how many of those are there just for HBO.
Closed AccountJan 18, 2011
That's ok, I'll just download them from TPB then.
garhentJan 18, 2011
Its called DVD. Most people don't want to watch non stop episodes until the show is up, they actually have lives. I'm good with two to three discs a week.
Sorry HBO, bugger off. Once the movie execs decide to quit producing discs then I might be interested in paying $240/year for you, but its doubtful,
agmlauncherJan 18, 2011
Once ISPs get the green light from the lack of FCC oversight to do whatever the f**k they want with their bandwidth, you can bet your $7.99 streaming-only option will cost a good $20-30/month, else the ISPs won't allow Netflix traffic on their network.
seroevoJan 18, 2011
Many ISPs here in Canada immediately altered their plans when Netflix began service north of the border.
nixie77Jan 18, 2011
HBO does realize that their content is available via discs through Netflix, right? It's not that hard to get them delivered via the mail. It is the principle that we all signed up for with Netflix.
KRESHJan 18, 2011
Netflix is overrated. All they've got is a bunch of 5-10 year old movies
kinserJan 18, 2011
Really? I could have sworn I saw movies from recently on there. Maybe i'm just seeing things! Sure they aren't brand new things, but I can get the dvd's of new releases!
KRESHJan 18, 2011
They have a few new things but like 75 % of whats on there is pre 2008
darkmatter911Jan 18, 2011
Hmmm. Let me think about this. So according to your logic there have been as many or more movies produced in 2009 & 2010 than in 2008 and earlier? Or are you saying that Netflix should purge old movies?
Really not sure what your point is.
kinserJan 18, 2011
Yes but thats the great thing about netflix as well! You can watch old crap anytime you want for such a small price. Personally thats why I have a netflix subscription.
bluerayusaJan 18, 2011
Dvd's and the glorious Blu-ray's!
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Come back to us when you have actually taken a look at Netflix's library.
KRESHJan 18, 2011
I have netflix on my computer, ps3, and main living room in my house, and browse it almost every weekend looking for a good movie. I always check there first, but a lot of times I just end up going on HBO or Cinemax on demand instead. I'm not saying Netflix sucks or anything i just think its a little overrated.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
darkmatter911Jan 18, 2011
Really you end up going with HBO? I like some of what they do but they just rerun the same crap over and over and have little to nothing to truly offer. Minus their original programming (which can only go so far) they maybe have 3 movies every 6 months that are worth watching.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
I dumped premium channels like HBO because I saw no value in what I was getting. The movies they show which I would watch I would already own on DVD. That left me with their original shows. They were asking way too much for what little they were giving me. I eventually dumped Cable TV altogether because I was paying for a crap load of channels I never watched. So now I watch the local TV stations for prime time shows and download the original HBO and Showtime shows I like to watch. I'd be more than willing to pay them a reasonable rate to be able to download the shows from them at a reasonable resolution. Since they don't offer this I will keep downloading them like everyone else.
chilidogsJan 18, 2011
You are arguing two different points. Neflix has any dvd available by mail 30 days after it's retail release. A lot of what is on watch instantly is old but they do frequently add new things. I don't own a television. I have one computer for games and internet and another that I use for netflix watch instantly, hulu and comedy central. I have not missed television one bit.
norman619Jan 18, 2011
Allow me to quote your original comment:
"Netflix is overrated. All they've got is a bunch of 5-10 year old movies"
jacanfieldJan 18, 2011
I've to agree with Kresh. The streaming library is very very thin. You are kidding yourself if you think otherwise.I am huge fan of netflix, and I really want them to succeed, but just last night I decided to cancel my account because I've already watched everything they have that I wanted to see.
superkendallJan 18, 2011
That used to be true but the library is much better now. Still not a ton of first-run mainstream movies but some are appearing... where Netflix streaming really shines is TV shows and 2nd-tier films (some of which can be quite good).
One example of a recent movie that appeared on there soon after run is Alice In Wonderland.
chilidogsJan 19, 2011
shutter island 2010, unthinkable 2010, lost boys: thirst 2010, I'm still here 2010, Frozen 2010, death and a funeral 2010. That is from the first page of new movies. There are lots of old movies but I like those too.
bluerayusaJan 18, 2011
Fine by me, dont need HBO, i might just want to see one or two shows from HBO but hey, i can just order the dvd's or a quick search online shows many instant streaming websites where i can watch them for free. Thank you tv-links for paving the way... and rip tv-links..
athenadhoganJan 18, 2011
...and ...does anyone even still watch HBO
crustyjustyJan 18, 2011
HBO needs to figure out a way to allow people who have cut the cord to access their content. Whether it's Netflix, iTunes or a premium web-only account, they are leaving money on the table.
FPSmotoJan 18, 2011
HBO will eventually give in and agree to Netflix's terms. It's just a matter of time. As Netflix gets bigger though and more channel's shows are available, it will get more and more difficult for HBO to not accept.
morrisonhs1Jan 18, 2011
The reason this deal won't happen is that HBO gets a price A of from cable and a price of B from netflix. If A is greater than B, that's cool if the new sales volume created by the introduction of B is greater than it would be if the only sales situation is A. However, I foresee a situation where everyone would switch to netflix and cancel HBO cable. That leaves HBO in a situation where they're selling as many units at a lower sales price, creating less revenue. And that sounds like a bad choice for someone in the business of making money. An addition to the netflix charge for people who wanted HBO in addition to traditional netflix would be a reasonable option.
darkmatter911Jan 18, 2011
That's allright HBO. I can get all of your content online for free.
chilidogsJan 18, 2011
The only HBO shows that I cared about were Deadwood and The Wire. I watched both for free from the public library. I don't get it.
reaper527Jan 18, 2011
hbo will be the first company to cry when their content is pirated, yet they are going out of their way to make legally obtaining it less feasible.
zaryan22Jan 18, 2011
Why wouldn't HBO be open to a partnership to allow current HBO subscribers to access content through Netflix? I can understand why they'd want to charge more for their "premium shows," but why would they limit current users to the HBO Go service that is available almost nowhere?
zaryan22Jan 18, 2011
Why wouldn't HBO be open to a partnership to allow current HBO subscribers to access content through Netflix? I can understand why they'd want to charge more for their "premium shows," but why would they limit current users to the HBO Go service that is available almost nowhere?
markusfarkusJan 18, 2011
If HBO and others want to charge more then Netflix should make it an option and see if people bite. Don't force a price increase on everybody so a small percentage can watch Entourage.
biglouJan 18, 2011
Nah... I'll just continue paying $0 per month to watch HBO content. Thanks, internet!
brsox2445Jan 18, 2011
Let HBO die off, after the Sopranos what have they really done?
frozenfabulistJan 18, 2011
HBO needs to be aware that the choice is:
1. Be on Netflix and/or other paid sites, or
2. Get your shows downloaded for free on torrent sites.
People want digital content, and they'll get it somewhere.
dcjoedogv2Jan 18, 2011
And I thought the Blu-Ray tax netflix added to my bill was crazy, this is just right out there with nuts.
hurrayforschoolJan 18, 2011
HBO has some of the greatest series I've ever seen on television; to scoff at their content would be foolish, overlooking series like The Sopranos, The Wire, Six Feet Under, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, the John Adams series, and Band of Brothers. Boardwalk Empire is proving to be terrific, and although I'm avoiding anything vampire-related like the plague, I've heard that True Blood is excellent as well.
Even so, I have to agree with the sentiments here. If HBO wants to stick around they need to get with the times. I stream almost all of the shows I mentioned through unauthorized sites, and I think that by snubbing a Netflix deal they're only driving potential viewers to do the same. You'd think that the massive number of prospective Netflix consumers would outweigh their premium subscriber base.
letherialJan 18, 2011
Wow they must be realy pissed that i get any movie they make or show on the internet for free.
Good stance, keep it up.
unbannedaccountJan 18, 2011
Entourage blows. Also, you can get most every season from cheap rentals or even OTA in some cities.
binaryechoJan 18, 2011
Sucks to be you, HBO.
adamfontanaJan 18, 2011
Boooooo. Suck it HBO, keep your damn content off Netflix streaming.
Mr_KerouacJan 18, 2011
f**k Giant Media Dicks. f**k'm all. Pardón the potté mouth. zinggg! I told them!
Closed AccountJan 18, 2011
It is a bad business model when you rely on the cooperation of other, well established companies to exist. And I am talking about Netflix here. (Same with Google TV.)
Why the f**k WOULD HBO allow their content to be streamed for less than they charge? It makes absolutely no sense.
quadeJan 18, 2011
HBO. Charge cheap rates, or get torrented. It's not like it's still the 1980s and you have Fraggle Rock or something.
mbostonsJan 18, 2011
Because Avatar 8 months after release is worth $20 a month.
opticwindJan 18, 2011
Why not just let Netflix also offer an HBO package for $20? If someone wants the original content, that customer can choose that package. Netflix gets the revenue, HBO gets the price gauge, and if HBO is as trivial as many people here think, it will fail.
dedtargetJan 18, 2011
HBO really doesn't have anything worth watching right now. Is Boardwalk Empire on HBO? That's about the only thing I really wanna watch until Spartacus comes back on, and that's a Starz streaming show. But seriously, 20 dollars for streaming? That's about the part HBO subscription takes on a basic cable subscription.
dildobagginsJan 18, 2011
HBO can gargle my balls!
phillymozartJan 18, 2011
This is how the market works. Neither company has the high ground and this will be resolved by HBO subscribers and Netflix customers voting with their feet and money,
Personally, I loved watching Spartacus: Blood and Sand on Netflix as well catching up on the Tudors and Weeds. HBO needs a reality check.
thefirewireJan 21, 2011
f**king greedy assh**es, This is why i pay for netflix and torrent all HBO shows, f**k them. They don't even give a reasonable alternative to netflix. WTF?!!!
It's either Subscribe to cable and pay the premium or nothing.... *middle finger*