HiTechEdge

Tag: AT&T

  • DirecTV Rebrands Streaming Services As DirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Rebrands Streaming Services As DirecTV Stream

    Following DirecTV being spun off as an independent company, it is rebranding the streaming services it inherited from AT&T.

    AT&T, in cooperation with TPG Capital, spun off DirecTV in early August following years of losses and shrinking subscriber base. The new DirecTV is determined to regain its standing in the TV market.

    “This is a watershed moment for DIRECTV as we return to a singular focus on providing a stellar video experience,” said Bill Morrow, CEO, DIRECTV. “Building on our recent momentum, we are well-positioned to bring unparalleled choice and value to all of our customers under one iconic brand, whether they beam it or stream it.”

    As part of the deal, DirecTV inherited AT&T TV and the obsolete AT&T TV Now. The company is rebranding all its streaming efforts — minus HBO Max, which AT&T retained — under the DirecTV Stream name.

    For those who stream it, the newly branded DIRECTV STREAM will become the single brand for video streaming services previously launched by AT&T, excluding HBO Max. The transition will happen later this month, and service will continue to be available with no term commitment or hidden fees. To enjoy the best of live TV and on-demand, customers can either bring their own streaming device, or use DIRECTV’s exclusive streaming device.² Those with DIRECTV’s streaming device can build a complete, integrated and customized entertainment experience with the ability to watch and pause live TV on up to 20 devices in their home. It also allows consumers to get all their favorite entertainment in one place with easy access to apps like HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video and more.

    It will be interesting to see if DirecTV can regain ground it lost under AT&T.

  • HBO Max Rolls Out in 39 Additional Territories

    HBO Max Rolls Out in 39 Additional Territories

    HBO Max is expanding beyond the US, rolling out in 39 territories in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    HBO Max is AT&T’s streaming service, and has operated exclusively in the US. As more and more customers cut the cord, the streaming service has been a bright spot for AT&T, especially as DirecTV shed subscribers by the millions prior to AT&T spinning it off.

    As the company doubles down on HBO Max, global expansion is a priority, making today’s announcement an important step in that direction.

    “Over our first year since launch, fans in the U.S. have chosen HBO Max as one of their favorite streaming platforms. With today’s launch, we are introducing our global platform and providing a brand new user experience to millions of fans across Latin America and the Caribbean. There couldn’t be a better place to begin our global journey, as WarnerMedia has been a favorite and trusted source for compelling and entertaining content for the whole family,” said Johannes Larcher, Head of HBO Max International.

    HBO Max has committed to producing 100 local originals in Latin America, in addition to providing access to fan-favorite sports and programming.

    “The big day has finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. HBO Max launches in our region with an unprecedented offer rewarding our first wave of subscribers and sure to delight our fans by making our collection of movies and TV series more accessible and more affordable than ever before. This past year with its unprecedented health and economic crises has been challenging for our fans from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, and so we are thrilled to bring some joy and inspiration to the entire community through this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime launch offer,” stated Luis Durán, General Manager of HBO Max for Latin America.

  • AT&T and Discovery Create Joint TV Streaming Company

    AT&T and Discovery Create Joint TV Streaming Company

    AT&T and Discovery are joining forces and creating a new company that will combine their media assets to better compete.

    The streaming market has become a fiercely competitive one, with YouTube TV, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling, Netflix, Amazon, Disney and Apple spending big bucks to gain subscribers and release original content. For smaller players, like Discovery+ and AT&T’s HBO Max, it can be difficult to compete.

    According to The Associated Press, the two companies believe their best option is to combine their media offerings, creating a single company that will open the door to better bundling options. Given the two companies control CNN, Food Network, HGTV, HBO, TBS and TNT, it’s a safe bet subscribers would pay to have a bundle including those channels.

    The new company may even be able to offer complimentary plans that fill in holes in other streaming packages offered by other companies. For example, fuboTV doesn’t carry CNN, TBS or TNT, making an affordable add-on package an attractive option for fuboTV users.

    If the deal is approved, AT&T shareholders would own 71% of the company, as opposed to Discovery’s 29%. It’s believed the combined company would save some $3 billion annually, freeing up more money for original content.

    Provided Discovery shareholders sign off on the deal, it is expected to close the middle of next year.