HBO Tests Internet Broadcasting

This isn’t mobile media-related just yet, but it’s still worth reporting: Time Warner Inc.’s HBO will launch a trial of an online video service on Tuesday called HBO on Broadband, according to today’s Online Media Daily.

The service will be available to Time Warner Cable high-speed Internet customers in Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a free add-on to HBO and HBO on Demand, the report said.

This trial is one to watch because it’s a traditional cable channel dipping its toe in live broadcasting over the Internet, which is something that could have profound implications for the cable industry over time. It’s also something that could eventually work its way over to mobile devices, or at least affect the way content is distributed on them. AT&T Wireless already has an exclusive with HBO to provide mobile clips of shows such as The Sopranos.

The company has no timeline for when HBO on Broadband will be available to all U.S. subscribers, according to the report.

Time Warner To Test HBO On Broadband [MediaPost]

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