AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

HBO’s Web Service to Offer Video Downloads - The Wall Street Journal

Time Warner Inc.’s HBO is testing a new online-video service that would let its subscribers watch the pay-cable network’s shows on their computers — or download them to watch on the road.

HBO is starting a trial of the service, called HBO Broadband, in Wisconsin markets, the network says, and could roll it out more widely later this year. The service would only be offered through cable providers to HBO subscribers, with either an additional or bundled fee, like HBO’s video-on-demand service.

Although HBO has made limited efforts to market its programs online — such as putting episodes of “Flight of the Conchords” on its Web site — HBO Broadband would be its first offering of a broad swath of its shows over the Internet. The service would bring HBO in line with many other TV networks, including all of the major broadcasters, which already offer programming through the Web and other digital channels.