Realizing that many people now watch movies through their PC or laptop, HBO will give its current subscribers exclusive rights to download and watch hundreds of movies and original programming through the Internet, at no additional cost. The trial run will commence this week in Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will be cascaded nationwide shortly.
But there is a twist in its strategy. Unlike many major TV networks that stream videos free for all online users, this Time Warner Cable subsidiary will provide its qualified subscribers a separate software program that automatically downloads videos directly to the hard drive of your computer. Added features include parental controls, customized accounts for every family member and ability to view a live TV version of HBO.
But there are also some limitations in this new service. For one, you must subscribe to HBO. Also, even if you are already a subscriber you cannot still save these videos permanently because they will expire after 4 weeks. Sideloading to other portable devices is also not allowed. While not perfect its seems to be a very good starting point.
Read [The New York Times]
Nice to see that HBO is ready to share their content online. It will be intersted to see will Cinemax follow same steps.