HBO Now

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moulinette

88 posts

Master Geek

#171148 8-Apr-2015 08:20

HBO Now launched today, just in time for Game of Thrones.

https://www.hbonow.com/

Can sign up using a US iTunes account, as I believe they have an exclusive deal with Apple for the first 3 months before it expands to more platforms. I think you have to sign up on an iOS device or Apple TV, but then you can watch it online in the web browser on a PC or Mac.

I tested it this morning using a VPN as UnoTelly haven't unlocked the channel just yet (hopefully should be soon as Unblock-US seem to have unlocked it already) and it works well. My friend says it works well with Chromecast too, but I didn't get a chance to check before I went to work.

It's $15 US a month, but there is a free month trial. I hope once it launches to more platforms they add more payment options other than iTunes.

Is anyone else going to try it out?

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#1278785 8-Apr-2015 09:07

Did you need a VPN to do the signup, or just to watch? I downloaded the app from the US App Store but get a helpful "Something went wrong, please try again" message after entering my name and picking a password.

Edit: I've received a handful of "Welcome to HBO Now" emails claiming that my registration is complete, but it doesn't let me sign in :(

moulinette

88 posts

Master Geek

#1278803 8-Apr-2015 09:21

No, I didn't need a VPN to sign up. I just downloaded the app on my iPad and signed up with that, but had to turn on a VPN to watch any of the videos.

I'm not sure what is causing your error sorry :/ I saw on another forum that their website is pretty overloaded right now and quite a few people can't sign up or sign in.

Also you can't use special characters when you sign up, but it doesn't specifically tell you that. It just lets you think you have signed up and sends you an email saying you have, then you can't log in until you change your password to something else.

Behodar

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#1278804 8-Apr-2015 09:26

Hmm, I did use some "specials" in my password...

Edit: Yep, that's sorted it. Thanks! :)

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#1278810 8-Apr-2015 09:37

Is there a reason HBO took a guaranteed win - their own streaming service - then shot themselves in the face by not selling it directly?

I am assuming some business agreement rubbish.

Behodar

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#1278824 8-Apr-2015 10:02

wasabi2k: Is there a reason HBO took a guaranteed win - their own streaming service - then shot themselves in the face by not selling it directly?

I am assuming some business agreement rubbish.

Apparently around 60% of HBO Go subscribers watch it on an Apple device, so it made sense to get Apple to handle the billing for the initial launch. It'll apparently be available directly in due course.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#1278846 8-Apr-2015 10:42

I'll be signing up today via my Mac... I have StrongVPN as my VPN provider, fingers crossed that all goes well.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#1278861 8-Apr-2015 10:59

Looks good so far. I'll need to get my ATV2 back from my mate... or, buy another one for the TV upstairs.
Surely, it's just another nail in Sky's coffin?

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bbunnys

321 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1279082 8-Apr-2015 15:23

So, can you only pay for this through a US itunes account. I have a US account but cant setup a NZ Visa on it.

What are people using for payments on US itunes account.

Behodar

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#1279097 8-Apr-2015 15:33

I have some gift voucher credit in there, and I'll get an American friend to buy me another one when the time comes.

jarledb

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#1279100 8-Apr-2015 15:36

bbunnys: So, can you only pay for this through a US itunes account. I have a US account but cant setup a NZ Visa on it.

What are people using for payments on US itunes account.

The way I do it is to buy gift cards and add to the account. I have been using http://www.cards4ever.com/ which I have been happy with.

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qyiet

454 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#1279101 8-Apr-2015 15:37

$240 per year is more than I want to spend on just HBO (15USD*12*current conversion rate)

Game of Thrones, Deadwood and Last Week tonight are not worth that much money to me.

Warning: reality may differ from above post

Sounddude

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#1279109 8-Apr-2015 15:52

I wlll be signing up when/if they release a Roku plugin.

JarrodM

969 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1279194 8-Apr-2015 18:22

Just signed up. Will test it out for the free month and see how it goes. Seems to be working fine on unotelly for me from the little I've tested so far. It has quite a few movies by the looks of it too.