Although Netflix has expressed interest in getting it on with super-popular HBO properties like True Blood and Entourage , the cable channel has said it has no interest in bumping content with the filthy-dirty video subscription service.
If you, like me, were hoping to cut the horrible cable TV tether this year, HBO isn’t going to let you off the exceptionally good programming teat any time soon. Expect to be paying the same $200 a month for access to your favorite sexy dramedies, because you still won’t be able to stream it to your laptop, TV or hotel room legally without a cable subscription. HBO is in a prime position to not dabble in other services, and co-president Eric Kessler cited “entertainment enthusiasts” who can’t let go of their premium content as a reason for staying cable-only:
“There is value in exclusivity,” Kessler said in an interview. Consumers “are willing to pay a premium for high quality, exclusive content,” he said.
Netflix isn’t even playing hard to get, but they’re kind of like, “well, we’re into it if you are, HBO.”
“We would love to do a deal as well with HBO,” said Steve Swasey, a spokesman for Netflix. “Compete with us or collaborate with us, but we would much rather work with them.”
HBO subscribers can still stream content through HBO Go , the company’s online portal for programming. It may offer some of the convenience of Netflix’s streaming service, but it still carries the high price tag of a premium cable provider. Have you been planning to ditch some of your cable services for a web-based service? Do you shell out year round for shows that only run 12 episodes every year or two?
[ Business Week via Mashable ]
