HBO to launch on consoles?

HBO could follow in the footsteps of Sky and launch on platforms such as Xbox 360, a new report suggests.

This would bring programmes such as True Blood, The Pacific, Game of Thrones, Treme, How to Make it in America and more to console owners.

The suggestion comes from IHS Screen Digest following the success of the HBO Go Online app and browser service, which allows subscribers to access over 1,400 titles. The iPhone, iPad and Google Android app has been downloaded 1m times since its launch on April 29th.

Subscribers also have access to HBO Go content via the HBO Go website – or in some cases through partner operator services – and likewise it is accessible to HBO customers via Google TV’s over-the-top platform,” read a report by IHS Screen Digest.

It is not inconceivable that further deployments, possibly via games consoles and connected TVs, may appear too. Such wide availability fits into HBO’s expansive online strategy, which now also includes the first steps towards social TV functionality through HBO Connect, as the premium network seeks to create a wide ecosystem presence across connected devices.”

Research from IHS Screen Digest also predicts net revenues per average subscriber per month will increase to $8.73 in 2015, up from $7.68 in 2009.

For now, the impressive usability of the HBO Go service is only working to strengthen the position of the traditional pay TV subscription fee,” added US Cable Networks analyst Erik Brannon.

Though this may well evolve long term as consumer habits change, much like we witnessed with Netflix’s transition away from DVD.”