HBO Arrives on Samsung Smart TVs

Nearly a year ago, Samsung and HBO announced a partnership that would let consumers stream HBO content to Samsung TVs. You would have to be an HBO subscriber to access the service, which meant that you had to be signed up with a pay-TV service.

Since then, you could get this HBO Go content on your computer, iPad, iPhone, Android smart phone, or even a Roku box. But not a Samsung TV. Until now.

Samsung has just announced that the service is available on certain models of their Smart TVs, with one additional restriction; not all pay-TV services are eligible. While Verizon FiOS, Charter, Cox, DISH Network, and DirecTV are supported on the Samsung screens, Comcast and Time Warner Cable are among the most conspicuously absent (though they do support the smart phone and iPad apps).

I continue to find it fascinating that the content providers such as HBO are being so timid about opening up streaming access to their content. The HBO Go service is free, but available only to HBO subscribers, perhaps so that HBO doesn’t anger the pay-TV services that provide the bulk of its revenues. On the other hand, this may simply be the company’s way of limiting demand for the streaming service, giving them time to test it out before rolling out in a big way.

It might well be that HBO is planning a streaming-only offering down the line with it’s own monthly fee. The same pay-TV service that currently gets subscriber dollars for the HBO channels would almost certainly be the same company that provides the broadband connection used to access the streaming service, so while this could mean less money for the pay-TV service, it’s not as though HBO would be cutting them off completely with the new service. There is no doubt that the cable, satellite, and telco services are going to have to be nimble and responsive over the next few years if they are going to survive the rapidly-changing video entertainment landscape.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

HDTV Expert - Samsung 2012 Spring Showcase Pete Putman

Tempus fugit! The Time Warner Center in New York City will soon shed that moniker, as TW sells off its former ‘prime’ real estate holdings in the city to save money.

It should be no surprise then that the Samsung Experience pavilion on the 3^rd floor is also history. This electronic ‘toy store’ once showcased the latest in Samsung TVs, phones, Blu-ray players, tablets, and even appliances, and it also served as the venue for Samsung’s annual spring line shows.

No more. The 2012 spring show took place March 6 at the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18^th Street, the site of the rapidly-growing CEA Summer Line Shows. And it was a relatively sedate affair, choosing to focus on ‘connectivity’ – connected Smart TVs, connected digital cameras and tablets, and connected humans. That is, humans using more intuitive methods to ‘connect’ to their TVs and control them.

Samsung VP Joe Stinziano touts the new Smart Evolution upgrade module.

The big news for 2012 is the ES-line of LED (LCD) TVs, which take full advantage of voice and gesture recognition for control. The TV comes with a built-in camera and takes a picture of each user, which is then used to store your preferences. The camera can even pick you out of a crowd.

Voice controls include basic volume up/down and channel up/down operation, or direct channel numbers. You can also change inputs and launch a Web browser, at which point the gesture control takes over. This was demonstrated at CES to a long line of attendees and will probably be a popular item for ‘geeks.’ (I’m not sure yet if I want my TV to watch me while I’m watching it!)

Voice and gesture control will be standard on the ES7500 46-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch LED TVs, ES8000 46, 55, 60, and 65-inch LED TVs, and 51, 60, and 65-inch ES8000 plasma TVs. Prices start at about $2,200 for the line, and all models are shipping now.

One big question that keeps coming up as NeTVs evolve into full-blown Web browsers with powerful CPUs is this: Is there any way to make them future-proof? After all, Apple and Microsoft update their operating systems on a frequent basis, so why should anyone worry about their TV becoming obsolete?

And here's what the Smart Evolution module looks like in action.

This problem is solved nicely (from Samsung’s perspective) with Smart Evolution, which is basically a chassis that mounts on the back of the TV and contains all the latest firmware and hardware updates. Readers who’ve been following the HDTV market for the last decade may recall that Mitsubishi came out with a similar product over 10 years ago – an expansion module they called “The Promise” that fit into their line of rear-projection TVs. (And how well did THAT idea work out?)

In addition to built-in cameras and noise-canceling microphones for using Skype and voice/gesture control, Samsung also unveiled a new, super-simple remote control that is remarkably free of buttons. It’s actually a touch pad, with volume and channel buttons mounted on either side. It does double duty as a microphone for voice commands, and also ships with the ES7500, ES8000 LED, and ES8000 plasma TVs.

You are probably not surprised that Samsung also unveiled a full-sized Bluetooth keyboard to work with the same ES line of TVs. That’s because the keyboards on most remotes are too small for Western fingers (certainly for me!) and you may be on a Web page where you need to enter strings of text.

Now, be nice and share with your brothers and sisters!

Hold on there, pardner! Have we gone back in time to the days of Web TV? Historically, TV viewers have clearly shown their disdain for using a keyboard to watch television, and there’s no reason to expect that will change any time soon. Fortunately, the new Smart Touch Remote can also activate an on-screen keyboard which can then be ‘swiped’ to enter text or numbers for Web pages.

Other enhancements to the TV line include Micro Dimming to achieve more precise local area dimming on LED TVs and improve contrast uniformity, and the availability of Real Black Filter across all of the plasma TVs in the 2012 line.  The purpose is to minimize reflections and light scattering that lowers contrast and elevates black levels – Panasonic uses a similar technique on its plasma TVs.

AllShare is a new concept from Samsung. According to the press release, All Share lets viewers share content to a variety of connected devices, such as tablets, laptops, and smart phones. The content is stored on 5 GB of ‘cloud’ server space. In addition, any Web site that’s being browsed on a mobile device can be re-directed and launched from a compatible Samsung Smart TV.

At least one reporter asked if AllShare competes with Ultraviolet, the movie industry’s ‘cloud’ system for cross-platform viewing of content. Actually, all Ultraviolet does is to store keys on its ‘cloud’ servers, and those keys are then used to unlock and watch copies of movies previously purchased on a wide range of platforms. In contrast, AllShare stores the content, not keys.

Smart Hub is still here. In fact, everything about Samsung TVs is 'smart' these days.

To keep up with all of this content and GUI juggling, the ES7000, ES7500, and ES8000 TVs now have dual-core processors for high processing speeds. OK, computer! (Sorry, Radiohead fans…)

In the Blu-Ray department, there are five new models ranging from the entry-level BD-ES300 ($99.99) to the loaded-for-bear BD-E6500 ($229.99). Depending on the model, you’ll have built-in WiFi, an internal Web browser, access to All Share, Smart Hub, and Disc to Digital, a new service that lets you ‘rip’ a DVD or Blu-ray file to a digital file accessible to connected (mobile) devices. (Hmmm, sounds a lot like Ultraviolet to me!)

It’s interesting to stop and consider that just five years ago, a ‘bare bones’ Blu-ray player would set you back nearly $1200, with some models approaching two grand. Now, you can have every option you want or need – including Internet connectivity – for less than $200 after online retailers slash their advertised pricing.

Samsung's 2012 plasma TVs may have the thinnest bezels ever.

And what about 3D? There was almost no discussion of it this year, quite a change from the hullaballo of 2010. 3D is largely a standard feature now in higher-priced TVs (like that ES7000-7500-8000 lineup again) because consumers just haven’t bitten on the concept.

One thing Samsung has done for 2012 is to cut the price of replacement active 3D glasses to (ready for this?) $20 a pair; a price that should really tick off early 3D adopters who had to fork over $100 or more to replace their active glasses each time Junior inadvertently sat on and broke them. The lower price point isn’t likely to stimulate 3D TV sales – nothing really has, not even passive or autostereo – but it’s still a nice gesture to the small group who grooves on the third dimension.

And now for the 800-pound gorilla in the room: No, Samsung did NOT show an OLED TV in New York. BUT – there apparently will be an OLED TV in the line, most likely using the 55-inch cut. And of course, it will be loaded to the top with all of the Samsung add-ons (Smart Hub, AllShare, voice/gesture control, etc.) We’ll probably see it late in the year.

My (educated) guess is that the pricing will be about $8K – $10K, or where LG has hinted its 55-inch product will be tagged when it gets to market sometime late summer or early fall. Given Samsung’s desire to sell off its money-losing LCD fab business and place more emphasis on OLED technology through its Samsung Mobile Displays division, it might be the perfect time to launch OLEDs. (Or maybe not, if yields aren’t high enough…)

Trivia time: Remember when a 42-inch plasma cost $10,000? That was over ten years ago, and you can now buy Samsung’s 43-inch entry-level 720p PN43E450 for less than $550.

Amazing…

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Samsung Delivers the Future of Smart TV Now

Samsung Delivers the Future of Smart TV Now

Smart Interaction, Smart Content, Smart Performance Push the Boundaries of what a TV can do;
New Smart Touch Remote Unveiled;
New Line of LED backlit TVs Brings Amazing Picture Quality to Any Consumer

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Future of TV is here. Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced that its highly anticipated 2012 TVs will begin shipping this month in the U.S., beginning with the LED 6-series and higher, as well as the Plasma 6-series and higher.

The new models represent Samsung's fifth generation of Smart TV. While features vary by model, highlights of the products include:

• Improved picture quality with Micro Dimming Ultimate and Real Black Pro
• Dual-core CPU for quick app launching and task-switching
• Integrated camera and noise-canceling microphone
• Smart Evolution – to help your TV stay up-to-date with new features
• Voice and gesture control, as well as face recognition
• AllShare Play with seamless connectivity to other devices and to cloud storage
• New Smart Touch Remote and Smart Wireless Keyboard
• New roster of exclusive signature services
• New browser based on the powerful Webkit engine

"Our goal with this year's models was to truly redefine what a TV can be while providing unprecedented choice to the consumer," said Joe Stinziano, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. "We have delivered the incredible picture quality and beautiful design that consumers have come to expect from Samsung, as well as seamless connectivity, several new ways to control the TV and exclusive services."

Samsung Smart TVs: Ultimate Connectivity, Content and Control

Samsung's 2012 TVs offer innovative features designed to make it even easier for consumers to enjoy their entertainment experiences.

Voice Control and Gesture Control are available in the LED ES7500, LED ES8000 and Plasma E8000. For example - just say "web browser" to get online, use voice recognition to start a search, and wave a hand to control the mouse cursor and select links. Face Recognition lets each member of the family log in to their Samsung account and automatically sign into Facebook, Twitter and more.

Also new in 2012, the Smart Touch Remote – included with the LED ES7500, LED ES8000 and Plasma E8000 – makes navigating content and channels effortless. The built-in touchpad makes web-surfing a pleasure, while channel and volume buttons are on the edge for easy access. The Smart Touch Remote Control also has a built-in microphone for Smart Interaction commands when the viewer is too far from the TV's built-in microphone.

For those looking for even greater flexibility and control of their Smart TV experience, Samsung's new Smart Wireless Keyboard (sold separately) features a standard-sized keyboard along with touch pad. The keyboard utilizes Bluetooth to connect to the TV and also has an IR emitter to support TV functions. The Smart Wireless Keyboard can also be used with the Galaxy Tab or other mobile devices.

Dramatically Improved Picture Quality

Samsung's 2012 line of Full HD LED and Plasma TVs continue to raise the bar in 2D and 3D picture quality. Samsung's world-class motion clarity lets viewers read the name on the jersey of a player running at top speed, detect tiny details in a rapid-fire video game and capture every bit of the action in the most dynamic car chase.

Samsung's Micro Dimming contrast enhancement will be extended to significantly more LED models this year, beginning with the LED ES6600. Micro Dimming Pro adds color and detail enhancements to the LED ES7500 for superior color and sharp detail. Micro Dimming Ultimate, available on the LED ES8000, analyzes the picture in hundreds of pieces to optimize the LED backlight and video signal for each piece in real time. This leads to a noticeable increase in brightness, richer colors and higher contrast ratio.

All Samsung Plasma TVs will have Samsung's proprietary Real Black Filter, previously only available in premium models, to deliver improved black levels and color contrast. In the higher-end E6500, E7000 and E8000 models, Samsung will incorporate the new Real Black Pro to deliver even better black levels. The technology has an unprecedented ability to absorb external light reflections through an increased wedge depth, which leads to "blacker" blacks, more-realistic pictures and higher color contrast.

With the wealth of user-generated content on video streaming apps like YouTube and Vimeo, Samsung Smart TVs also offer De-Blocking and De-Mosquito picture filters that significantly improve the viewing experience for low resolution video.

Stunning Designs, a New LED Line and the best in entertainment experience

Samsung's 2012 line of Full HD TVs continue to raise the bar in design and picture quality.

The ES8000 LED TV features the ultra-slim ONE Design bezel first introduced by Samsung in 2011; it is complemented by a new U-shape stand that makes the TV look almost weightless. The ES8000 will also be available in even more screen sizes, up to 60 inches.

Samsung's PNE80000 Plasma TV sports a new ultra-slim Plasma+1 bezel design in brushed metal black with a crystal-like border. The gap between the bezel and the screen content is significantly reduced so consumers can get more screen real estate without increasing the size of the TV.

New in 2012, the EH line of LED TVs is ideal for consumers who value the picture performance and energy efficiency of LED technology, in Samsung's most affordable LED TV offering yet. This line delivers richer colors and sharper images than a traditional LCD, even in fast moving scenes, yet consumes half the power. Samsung EH LED TVs also sport Samsung's signature narrow bezel design so consumers can have a larger screen without increasing the overall size of the TV.

From the new line, Samsung's EH5300 LED TV is a great TV for consumers looking to embrace a Smart TV experience. Thanks to the TV's built-in WiFi, consumers can use Samsung Smart Hub to easily access a wide range of apps on Samsung Apps or browse the web; it also supports Skype and Samsung AllShare. The EH5300 offers a narrow bezel design and 1080p resolution for sharper pictures and brighter colors, a key improvement compared to traditional LCD TVs.

In 2012, Samsung will extend 3D capability to even more LED and Plasma TV models. As the volume of 3D broadcast and video content increases, consumers will be able to get closer to the action with breathtaking, immersive 3D entertainment on their Samsung LED and Plasma TVs. All Samsung 3D TVs will ship with at least 2 pairs of active 3D glasses – higher-end TVs will ship with four pairs – so it is even easier for family and friends to enjoy the ultimate in 3D viewing together.

AllShare Play – The Future of Sharing, Today

AllShare Play, premiering in 2012, lets consumers easily share their content exactly how they want through a variety of new features. In addition, consumers can browse any website from their mobile device and, with a single tap on their mobile screen, redirect and launch that site on their Samsung Smart TV.

With Remote Play, content can be seamlessly shared between supported mobile devices, PCs and a Samsung Smart TV – whether they are in the same room or on opposite sides of the world.

Consumers will also have access to 5GB of free cloud-based storage for images and videos, accessible through compatible Samsung Smart TVs, PCs and mobile devices.

Television Evolved

The need to quit each app to start a new one ends now. Thanks to the Samsung dual-core processor in the LED ES7000 series and up and the Plasma E8000 series, consumers can toggle between active apps with ease.

In addition, Samsung's Smart Hub user interface has been redesigned for faster performance and improved convenience with a cleaner, more intuitive interface in Full HD. Users can open multiple pages at a time using the tabbed web browser built using the powerful Webkit engine, and easily track recently accessed content via the new History Bar.

Samsung is also giving consumers an easy way to keep their TV up-to-date on technology improvements with Smart Evolution. Beginning in 2013, consumers will be able to purchase evolution kits to add new hardware and software enhancements to their 2012 TV.

New Signature Services – Exclusively on Samsung TVs

Three new signature services will be available on all Samsung 2012 Smart TVs and Smart Blu-ray Players.

Family Story allows consumers to chronicle and share their lives with up to 20 family members in a private network. They can organize photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen, and share memos, activity calendars and reminders anywhere they are via the phone, tablet, PC or TV.

Fitness gives consumers a convenient way to stay healthy. They can connect their Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile Fitness app, or connect to a WiFi-enabled scale to manage their weight goals. They can also use the TV's built-in camera to create a virtual mirror to monitor their exercise routines.

Finally, Kids offers a wealth of infotainment and games in a kid-friendly interface that parents can control and monitor.

For information on pricing and availability of 2012 products, please visit Samsung.com/news.

About Samsung Electronics America

Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, digital consumer electronics and home appliance products, including HDTVs, home theater systems, MP3 players, digital imaging products, refrigerators and washing machines. A recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology, Samsung is the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, March 7, 2012 8:23 PM

Shane Sturgeon is the Co-Publisher and Chief Technologist of HDTV Magazine, an industry publication with HDTV roots going back to 1984, when Dale Cripps founded The HDTV Newsletter. Today, HDTV Magazine is a leading online resource for HDTV news and information and captures the eyes and imaginations of over 3 million visitors annually. Mr. Sturgeon has a background in information technology and has served in various consulting capacities for Fortune 500 companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Verizon Communications, Proctor & Gamble and Nationwide Insurance. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Wright State University.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Beam Me Up, Samsung!

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Beam, a new Android smartphone with a difference. In addition to all the features you’d expect to find in a computerized phone for your pocket, it has one additional attraction. The phone includes a 15 lumen projector, built right in.

No, this isn’t a high-definition display, but the way things are progressing it may not take long to reach that. It’s only standard definition (not even widescreen), but the phone is still just half an inch thick. And the 15 lumen output would have been impressive for a pocket projector just a few years ago, yet here it is integrated into a smartphone handset. This is not bright enough to fill a wall with the lights on, but in controlled lighting, it’s enough to let a handful of people watch photos or videos instead of crowding around the phone’s tiny display panel.

Projectors in phones have not yet become a compelling feature for consumers; Jack Segal of Pacific Media Associates points out that in spite of Samsung’s pioneering efforts, the company’s projector phones have acheived “only moderate sales.” As the demand for mobile video grows, however, I expect that this feature could take hold before long. And Samsung has a head start on the pack in terms of technology.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

SENSIO and Samsung Electronics Reach a Patent License Agreement over SENSIO S2D Switch

SENSIO AND SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS REACH A PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT OVER SENSIO® S2D SWITCH

MONTREAL — February 29th, 2012 — SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO) (TSX-V: SIO), a pioneer in 3D-image processing and leader in 3D business solutions, and Samsung Electronics co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics, today announced that they have reached a patent license agreement over the SENSIO® S2D Switch. As a result of this agreement, SENSIO is licensing Samsung Electronics the right to implement SENSIO® S2D Switch in its 3DTVs. The financial terms of the license agreement will remain confidential.

"After licensing other manufacturers last year, signing this agreement with Samsung Electronics constitutes another major milestone and validates our S2D Switch patent licensing strategy on which we have worked for a long time now", said Nicholas Routhier, President and CEO at SENSIO. "For us, signing a patent license agreement with the world leader of 3DTVs definitely enhances the value of our S2D Switch patent, and our overall patent portfolio, and demonstrates that leaders in the industry value our intellectual property. We expect this agreement to positively influence our on-going negotiations with other TV manufacturers who have deployed or are considering integrating our S2D switch technology."

"We value our relationship with SENSIO Technologies and respect its intellectual property", said a representative at Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. "This agreement will allow Samsung to continue using the patented technology developed by SENSIO for the benefit of consumers who buy our 3D enabled televisions around the world."
The proprietary SENSIO® S2D Switch, which is protected by US and international patents, enables users to switch viewing mode of a 3D feed from 3D to 2D or between different 3D view modes. It supports the most popular frame-compatible formats covered by HDMI 1.4a, and is used by service providers supporting 3D today: side-by-side (SbS), top-and-bottom (TaB), checkerboard and SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D.

For further information:

SENSIO and its technologies at www.sensio.tv
Samsung and its products at www.samsung.com

# # #

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO):

Founded in 1999, SENSIO Technologies Inc. (www.sensio.tv) is a pioneer in the 3D industry. Its vision, expertise and state-of-the-art solutions, based on diversified stereoscopic image-processing technologies, have been trusted by some of the biggest names in the broadcasting and consumer electronics sectors, as well as for live 3D events in cinemas, to power numerous industry firsts, initiate new business models and generate immediate revenue with a distinctive 3D offering.

SENSIO enables its clients to deliver the best possible 3D experience for the end-user through a broad portfolio of licensed products, based on quality, content, usability and compatibility. These include its flagship, award-winning technology, SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D, the premium-quality frame-compatible format.

SENSIO's technologies are the object of patents and intellectual property protection proceedings worldwide. SENSIO is listed on the Toronto TSX Venture Exchange (SIO).

SENSIO® is a registered trademark of SENSIO Technologies Inc.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the company's expectations with regard to future events as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual events could differ significantly from those anticipated in this document.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Posted by Shane Sturgeon, February 29, 2012 8:51 PM

Shane Sturgeon is the Co-Publisher and Chief Technologist of HDTV Magazine, an industry publication with HDTV roots going back to 1984, when Dale Cripps founded The HDTV Newsletter. Today, HDTV Magazine is a leading online resource for HDTV news and information and captures the eyes and imaginations of over 3 million visitors annually. Mr. Sturgeon has a background in information technology and has served in various consulting capacities for Fortune 500 companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Verizon Communications, Proctor & Gamble and Nationwide Insurance. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Wright State University.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

HBO Arrives on Samsung Smart TVs

Nearly a year ago, Samsung and HBO announced a partnership that would let consumers stream HBO content to Samsung TVs. You would have to be an HBO subscriber to access the service, which meant that you had to be signed up with a pay-TV service.

Since then, you could get this HBO Go content on your computer, iPad, iPhone, Android smart phone, or even a Roku box. But not a Samsung TV. Until now.

Samsung has just announced that the service is available on certain models of their Smart TVs, with one additional restriction; not all pay-TV services are eligible. While Verizon FiOS, Charter, Cox, DISH Network, and DirecTV are supported on the Samsung screens, Comcast and Time Warner Cable are among the most conspicuously absent (though they do support the smart phone and iPad apps).

I continue to find it fascinating that the content providers such as HBO are being so timid about opening up streaming access to their content. The HBO Go service is free, but available only to HBO subscribers, perhaps so that HBO doesn’t anger the pay-TV services that provide the bulk of its revenues. On the other hand, this may simply be the company’s way of limiting demand for the streaming service, giving them time to test it out before rolling out in a big way.

It might well be that HBO is planning a streaming-only offering down the line with it’s own monthly fee. The same pay-TV service that currently gets subscriber dollars for the HBO channels would almost certainly be the same company that provides the broadband connection used to access the streaming service, so while this could mean less money for the pay-TV service, it’s not as though HBO would be cutting them off completely with the new service. There is no doubt that the cable, satellite, and telco services are going to have to be nimble and responsive over the next few years if they are going to survive the rapidly-changing video entertainment landscape.

HDTV Almanac - HBO Arrives on Samsung Smart TVs

Nearly a year ago, Samsung and HBO announced a partnership that would let consumers stream HBO content to Samsung TVs. You would have to be an HBO subscriber to access the service, which meant that you had to be signed up with a pay-TV service.

Since then, you could get this HBO Go content on your computer, iPad, iPhone, Android smart phone, or even a Roku box. But not a Samsung TV. Until now.

Samsung has just announced that the service is available on certain models of their Smart TVs, with one additional restriction; not all pay-TV services are eligible. While Verizon FiOS, Charter, Cox, DISH Network, and DirecTV are supported on the Samsung screens, Comcast and Time Warner Cable are among the most conspicuously absent (though they do support the smart phone and iPad apps).

I continue to find it fascinating that the content providers such as HBO are being so timid about opening up streaming access to their content. The HBO Go service is free, but available only to HBO subscribers, perhaps so that HBO doesn’t anger the pay-TV services that provide the bulk of its revenues. On the other hand, this may simply be the company’s way of limiting demand for the streaming service, giving them time to test it out before rolling out in a big way.

It might well be that HBO is planning a streaming-only offering down the line with it’s own monthly fee. The same pay-TV service that currently gets subscriber dollars for the HBO channels would almost certainly be the same company that provides the broadband connection used to access the streaming service, so while this could mean less money for the pay-TV service, it’s not as though HBO would be cutting them off completely with the new service. There is no doubt that the cable, satellite, and telco services are going to have to be nimble and responsive over the next few years if they are going to survive the rapidly-changing video entertainment landscape.

Posted by Alfred Poor, February 22, 2012 5:00 AM