HBO Max/Discovery+ Merger

[Don in CT]

I just do not understand this new Warner company, the plan now is to get rid of the HBO name ( which has been in existence since 1972)for the streaming version at least-

Warner Bros. Discovery closes in on 'Max' as the name of its combined HBO Max-Discovery+ streaming service

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to merge its HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services in the spring and will rename the service.

www.cnbc.com

Eh, since it will encompass at lot more than just HBO I'm ok with it. Calling it just Max is stupid though.

 

[Bruce]

Eh, since it will encompass at lot more than just HBO I'm ok with it. Calling it just Max is stupid though.

I thought maybe Warner ( or HBO)/Discovery + at the least, that way you know what you are getting, but MAX reminds me of Cinemax , so some are going to think it is just a Soft Core streaming service.

 

[SamCdbs]

“Max” seems to me to be way too generic to get copyrighted or trademarked.

Anyway, I get it. Look at the ESPN sub-reddit. Every day there is some dope complaining that he paid a whole five dollars for ESPN+ and cannot understand why it really isn’t ESPN. Same thing goes for HBO and HBO Max.

 

[Don in CT]

“Max” seems to me to be way too generic to get copyrighted or trademarked.

Anyway, I get it. Look at the ESPN sub-reddit. Every day there is some dope complaining that he paid a whole five dollars for ESPN+ and cannot understand why it really isn’t ESPN. Same thing goes for HBO and HBO Max.

HBO's problem is they went thought 5 apps in 2 years all with HBO in the title.

 

[Mochuf]

MAX reminds me of Cinemax , so some are going to think it is just a Soft Core streaming service.

Well,
that's one way to get people to pay more for your service.

 

[klang]

The opening of the latest season of Pennyworth is using MAX as the opening splash. I agree it reminds me more of Cinemax at this point.

 

[mackie99]

They are calling some of their original programming MAX Original...

 

[NashGuy]

I just do not understand this new Warner company, the plan now is to get rid of the HBO name ( which has been in existence since 1972)for the streaming version at least-

Warner Bros. Discovery closes in on 'Max' as the name of its combined HBO Max-Discovery+ streaming service

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to merge its HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services in the spring and will rename the service.

www.cnbc.com

See my prediction on the first page of this thread, back on 3/14/22, where I suggested/predicted the service would be called "The Max". (In other posts, I also said it might just be "Max," although I prefer "The Max.")

I doubt you will (unless that was going to happen anyway, regardless of the HBO Max/Discovery+ merger).

Part of the rationale of combining the two services is to create an even bigger, better super-streamer that appeals to a broader range of consumers and is a better value. So I doubt that the pricing changes at all. They have to keep their pricing competitive. Netflix just raised the price of their most popular tier to $15.49 and their starter tier to $9.99. So I think HBO Max, even after the Discovery content gets absorbed, stays at $14.99 (ad-free) and $9.99 (ad-lite).

One thing that seems sure to change, based on what Discovery is saying, is the app itself. I think we'll see a redesigned app, using the best bits of both companies' current tech platforms, once the two services merge, probably early next year.

The other thing I think we'll see happen then, along with the expanded content library and redesigned app, is a new brand name. There was internal debate before HBO Max launched as to whether the service should feature the HBO brand in its name or whether that was too limiting given the broader scope that the service would aim for. Already, HBO content only accounts for something like 1/4 or maybe 1/3 of the total hours of video in the overall HBO Max library. And HBO Max is increasingly gaining traction with its own set of Max Originals that aren't available on the HBO linear channels or anywhere else. Once they dump in thousands of hours of Discovery content -- which, let's face it, is about as far from the HBO brand as can be found on TV -- I just think the HBO Max brand ceases to make sense.

Rebranding the service will help signal to the public that the service is expanded and improved. But they don't want to confuse folks who are already familiar with what HBO Max is. And given that its line of exclusive originals have been dubbed Max Originals from the get-go, I think Max remains in the branding. So maybe the service simply becomes known as... The Max.

View attachment 156099

 

[ncted]

Totally expected it to be called MAX+, but maybe that sounds too much like a condom?

 

[klang]

HBO Max returns to Prime: HBO Max returns to Prime Video Channels in the US | Engadget

I had no idea they were in a disagreement.

 

[NashGuy]

HBO Max returns to Prime: HBO Max returns to Prime Video Channels in the US | Engadget

I had no idea they were in a disagreement.

Yeah, when HBO Max launched in 2020, the only way to access its full library was through their own app. They still allowed the HBO content to be housed within live pay TV providers' own UIs and apps (e.g. Xfinity, YouTube TV, Hulu) but for the non-HBO content, you had to go into the HBO Max app itself. And HBO entirely disappeared from third-party non-live TV platforms like Amazon Channels in the Prime Video app, Apple TV Channels, and the Roku Channel. But now they're reversing course and selling HBO Max via Amazon Channels inside the Prime Video app.

This is one of those things that seems to separate the alpha dogs in streaming from everyone else. You can get an idea of which streamers will be the ultimate long-term victors by looking at which services do NOT distribute themselves via competitors' apps, only through their own. You want Netflix? Gotta use the Netflix app. Same for Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Hulu.

But nearly everyone else -- Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, AMC+, Discovery+, Epix, and now HBO Max -- also distribute themselves through third-party apps because they're desperate for all the subs they can get. They're willing to split the money, as well as control of the UI and user data, with competitors. These are the 2nd- and 3rd-tier services which probably will not go the distance but will rather be acquired/merge, or just cease operations.

I find it interesting, though, that Peacock is an exception to that rule. It's definitely a 2nd-tier service but they do not distribute it via third-party apps, only through their own.

 

[ncted]

I find it interesting, though, that Peacock is an exception to that rule. It's definitely a 2nd-tier service but they do not distribute it via third-party apps, only through their own.

Definitely a 2nd tier app as well.

 

[navychop]

Totally expected it to be called MAX+, but maybe that sounds too much like a condom?

Nope.

Sanitary napkin.

 

[Yespage]

So, what about AT&T Fiber? Those who had 1 Gbps or better got HBO Max for no extra charge.

According to this, people sub'ing since June 2022 do not get HBO Max included. What it doesn't say is how long people are grandfathered into the HBO Max (or whatever it'll be called). A really interesting bit of text is this:

This promotion ended for AT&T Fiber on June 5, 2022. You must use your access to HBO Max to keep your eligibility for this promotion. If you don’t, your HBO Max promotion may be expired.

So, does this mean, as long as you don't have to reenter credentials? It appears a deal was struck in August between the parties. I recently got a Fire Stick and was able to log into HBO Max via AT&T.

 

[ncted]

So, what about AT&T Fiber? Those who had 1 Gbps or better got HBO Max for no extra charge.

According to this, people sub'ing since June 2022 do not get HBO Max included. What it doesn't say is how long people are grandfathered into the HBO Max (or whatever it'll be called). A really interesting bit of text is this:
So, does this mean, as long as you don't have to reenter credentials? It appears a deal was struck in August between the parties. I recently got a Fire Stick and was able to log into HBO Max via AT&T.

I think it means that as long as you regularly (vague term I know) watch content on HBOmax, you get to keep your free sub. If you don't watch it for a significant amount of time, you might lose it, so AT&T doesn't have to keep paying WBD for people who aren't using it.

 

[jollygrunt]

Maybe the "+" will be used to distinguish the ad-free premium version from the "limited ads" version that they will no doubt offer.

 

[mackie99]

Price increase as of today...it's now $15.99 / month.

As of January 12, HBO Max will cost $15.99 (plus applicable taxes) each month — a one dollar increase from the previous price of $14.99. Current subscribers to the platform will see the increase from their next billing cycle on or after Saturday, February 11, 2023 onwards.

HBO Max Price Increase Announced Despite Removing WB’s Own Content

HBO has announced that its popular streaming service, HBO Max, will be seeing a price increase as of today.

www.comingsoon.net

 

[Bruce]

Price increase as of today...it's now $15.99 / month.

As of January 12, HBO Max will cost $15.99 (plus applicable taxes) each month — a one dollar increase from the previous price of $14.99. Current subscribers to the platform will see the increase from their next billing cycle on or after Saturday, February 11, 2023 onwards.

HBO Max Price Increase Announced Despite Removing WB’s Own Content

HBO has announced that its popular streaming service, HBO Max, will be seeing a price increase as of today.

www.comingsoon.net

I am on the yearly plan, up in July, waiting to see how they destroy HBO with the Discovery content, then I will decide to re-up.

 

[mackie99]

I am on the yearly plan, up in July, waiting to see how they destroy HBO with the Discovery content, then I will decide to re-up.

I'm on the yearly also. Ends in June.

 

[Mochuf]

I am on the yearly plan, up in July, waiting to see how they destroy HBO with the Discovery content, then I will decide to re-up.

I went from the ad-free yearly plan to the ad-supported yearly plan due to to this fear. I figured Playon removes the ads anyway. And if it all goes to hell, I'd save a little money before cancelling. If they would have kept the DC content on the DC app, I would never have subscribed to HBO Max. All of the DC Originals were in 4K on that app. Outside of Game of Thrones and a couple of other things, To be honest, I was never really impressed with HBO (or any of the other premium pay channels like Showtime).