HBO doesn’t want you record their programming, whether it’s on a VCR or a digital video recorder like Tivo.
They’ve recently filed a motion with the FCC to enable the broadcast flag on all programming, which would basically disable you from recording the show via Tivo or another DVR device. Even if you’re a subscriber to HBO programming, you’ll still be barred from recording the show.
Now, this doesn’t make sense to me for a number of reasons. HBO has a better brand-loyalty rating than any other television network out there. What I mean is that the general populace subscribed to HBO isn’t subscribed just because they want to catch the random movie that HBO releases AFTER it’s already been released on DVD for six months. No, they’re subscribed to HBO because of original programming. The Sopranos, Deadwood, Rome — all shows produced and made available exclusively by HBO. You can’t get those shows (legally) anywher else, so you have to pay a subscription fee to HBO.
Fine. I do it, too. HBO puts out too much in the way of awesome television for me not to subscribe.
But, as a subscriber, I also want to be able to record shows on my Tivo. If I’m gonna miss a show because I have to work late, I want to know that I can come home that evening and see what I missed. I want to know that HBO isn’t barring me from doing that simply because they don’t want people recording their programs. I’m paying money for a subscription, and you’re telling me that my life has to revolve around a schedule set up by your programming directors?
I don’t think so.
They’re doing this because they want to drive up DVD sales. I understand the meaning, but the method is way off. HBO subscribers, as I said before, are extremely loyal. I own all five seasons of The Sopranos despite having seen most of them the first time they aired on HBO. I also own Deadwood and will buy Rome as well. Why? Because it’s good freaking programming, and I want to be able to go back and watch it. A DVR version of a show is not a substitute for a nice DVD boxed set.
In essence, HBO is afraid of losing potential DVD sales to the DVR market, but they’re two completely separate animals. It’s all about ease of use, but they’re trying to take that option away from the consumer, and it’s going to bite them in the rear.
I agree, it’s going to bite them in the rear. So may be we should just let them do it. Let them learn it the hard way that limiting users will eventually ruin their own business. Instead of protecting it.
Actually HBO has been pretty poor at the programming thing lately. The last two Soprano seasons were highly mediocre and really boring. If they go through with this, then I won’t worry about suscribing again. I’ll simply ignore them. Don’t mess with my ability to TIVO shows. Come on HBO get over yourselves.
bford
HBO has some great hits and then they have some horrid shite (i.e) entourage, the wire. The only reason why I still have HBO is for Rome and now they won’t even let me see that. I honestly don’t know why I pay for HBO anymore. Their movie selection has become sub standard and they want to focus on the shows that dumb down America. Sopranos “was a great show,” but it has become a little tired. Even though it was a great show it still never had the intensity or great writing of Carnivale. Damn HBO and I am buying a DVR before I cancel my subscription.