HBO Makes Samples of Programs Available Without a Cable Subscription

The new HBO Sampler feature allows consumers with an internet-connected Blu-ray device to watch full episodes of four different shows by simply loading their Blu-ray disc into the device and selecting “HBO Sampler” from the menu. Studios have long used home entertainment releases to introduce consumers to new programming, but the HBO Sampler enhances this feature as the content will be updated quarterly to reflect the latest hits from HBO and Cinemax.

On currently activated titles, consumers can use the HBO Sampler to watch the season 1 premiere episodes of Girls, Looking and Banshee, all of which are airing new episodes now. Also featured is the first episode of the critically acclaimed new comedy series Togetherness, from brothers Jay and Mark Duplass, which debuted on HBO in January and was recently renewed for a second season. Because the content is delivered via an internet-connected Blu-ray device, the sampler episodes will be updated quarterly across all activated titles to reflect current programming, giving consumers the chance to pop in their Blu-ray disc one more time to see what new HBO and Cinemax shows are worth checking out.