Some have to pay over 250 percent more to keep 4K streaming.
The logo for the new streaming service Max.
CameraWBD
In March, it was announced that the new streaming service Max, which will combine content from the current HBO Max service and Discovery, will be launched in Norway in May. We were presented with new subscription categories, and promises that those who already subscribe to HBO Max with a “half price for life” discount could relax completely:
They should of course get to keep the good price after the transfer to Max!
Today, the new subscription prices for Max were announced. The prices or details for the half-price subscription were not mentioned in a single word.
Downgrading the subscription
Now it turns out that the discount will be retained, but that current HBO Max subscribers will be transferred to the new service’s “Standard” subscription, which is more expensive and inferior. This comes out in a conversation a Tek reader has had with customer service at Max.
The standard subscription does not support 4K streaming, HDR or Dolby Atmos sound, as the current HBO Max subscription does. It is also NOK 40 more expensive per month for regular users, which means that even half-price lifetime customers get a cost increase of NOK 20.
If you currently pay half price for HBO Max and want to keep 4K streaming, you must change your subscription, which violates the terms of the agreement for the discount, and you will then have to pay full price. Max’s premium subscription with 4K streaming costs NOK 159 a month, which is also NOK 70 more expensive than today’s best HBO Max subscription.
HBO Max confirms price increase and poorer streaming quality for many of today’s customers.
Camera Tips.
253 percent price increase
Today, normal HBO Max customers pay NOK 89 for 4K streaming, while everyone with a half-price lifetime discount pays 50 percent of this, i.e. NOK 45.
This means that many customers who have subscribed to HBO Max since the service arrived in Norway must pay over 250 percent higher monthly price to keep the same streaming quality as they have today on the new service. From NOK 45 to NOK 159.
Then you may be wondering if you can just continue using the current HBO Max service, but Discovery has previously told Tek that current customers are transferred to Max automatically.
A possible flash of light?
Updated 20:13:
After publication, we get in touch with the head of communications at Warner Bros Discovery, Marianne Aambø, who explains a little more about the details of the transition. The emphasis in the text is ours:
– Customers who signed up for HBO Max under the 50% for life offer will still pay the same discounted price for Max at the launch of Max. On the next renewal date on or after 23 July, the 50% discount is transferred to the current monthly price for the Standard subscription, as long as you keep the subscription active and follow the offer terms. All existing subscribers who subscribe to HBO Max via an app store or directly on HBOMax.com will retain their current package’s features and functionality for an extended period of time.
This wording may indicate that you actually get to keep 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound. We ask:
– Do you have a comment on the fact that the half-price customers lose 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos, and cannot get this back without paying 253 percent more for the subscription?
– These customers will retain the functionality they have today over a longer period, writes Aambø back.
She does not want to give a more in-depth answer than this, and just repeats the same thing:
– All existing subscribers who subscribe to HBO Max via an app store or directly on HBOMax.com will retain their current package’s features and functionality for an extended period.
These are the new Max subscriptions
Basic with advertising: DKK 89/month.
- Provides access to Max at a lower price and will contain advertising.
- Users can stream content on two devices simultaneously.
- Content in full HD resolution.
Standard: DKK 129/month.
- Users can stream content on two devices simultaneously.
- Content in full HD resolution.
- Up to 30 downloads of available content for offline viewing.
Premium: 159 kr/mnd.
- Users can stream content on up to four devices simultaneously.
- Content in Full HD or 4K resolution, with Dolby Atmos sound.
- Up to 100 downloads of content available for offline viewing.