Either Universal is stupid or HBO is planning to change its business model. Or likely both. Watching TV on television channels is dying; people don't want to subscribe to cable anymore, and their is no reason they should.<p>I just went to HBO's website to try to sign up for their streaming service -- you can't. You can only get streaming service with a cable or satellite subscription. I don't own a TV. A few years ago I tried convince Comcast to let me pay for cable television without having a TV, because I wanted access to all the streaming content online -- they wouldn't let me. Comcast insisted that they needed to install a cable box, I told them I don't have a TV, can't I just pay for the service, no a technician needs to come out and install a cable box. It's pathetic.<p>To see how behind the times HBO is just go to hbo.com. For me it was a blank black screen for 10 seconds. Then a Flash loading animation for 5 seconds. And finally the site loaded. The entire site is done in Flash, without Flash there isn't a shred of content. It's pathetic.
Oh great... just what we consumers need - content locked into a bunch of exclusive deals on various platforms. I can understand that there might be a good business reason for this deal, but it sucks for consumers who are willing to pay for content, but do not want half a dozen content distribution platforms in their home.
I'm waiting with my popcorn in hand for some people to get pissed off and start a "revolutionary" movement to bring down mainstream media companies' attempts to hold on to their outdated business models with guerilla tactics. It will be called the RLO which stands for the Redditors Liberation Army. Sad part? I'm not even kidding...
How much is Netflix worth nowadays? If HBO can spend $2 billion on a single deal, wouldn't Netflix be a smart buy for them? It'd be one less company that they need to compete with in content bids. I guess I could see their relationship with cable souring a bit, but at least they'd have Netflix to fall back on?
If HBO can turn away from cable, and either go independent or partner with someone like Amazon, Apple, Netflix, or.. pfft, everyone, this could be interesting. That is probably hugely wishful thinking, though.<p>Edit: Then again, they're already offering standalone service in parts of Europe.