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‘Game of Thrones’: Prepare for Season 5 in just 2 minutes
2:04
Winter is coming (eventually), but even sooner is the arrival of the fifth season of “Game of Thrones.” It’s arguably the best show on television, and just like you, we here at CNET are obsessed. The tech scene has changed since the end of last season; now there are even more ways to tune in. Here are all of the different ways to watch and stream HBO:
Cable or satellite
There’s a good chance you pay a company like Comcast, Time Warner Cable or DirecTV for access to cable or satellite TV. On top of the monthly fee, you will also have to subscribe to HBO. This will usually cost you an extra $10 or $15 a month depending on your provider, although there are even some cheaper options available.
Time Warner Cable has a Starter TV + HBO/HBO Go package that includes 20 channels and HBO for only $30 a month. Comcast’s Internet Plus plan offers Internet with speeds up to 25Mbps, local TV channels and access to HBO (although not HBO Go) for $45 a month. AT&T has a similar offer for the same price, while Verizon’s FiOS Internet, basic TV and HBO/HBO Go package will run you $50 a month. Be sure to check with your local provider for any new deals including HBO.
In New York City, Time Warner Cable is offering a free preview weekend of HBO between April 10 and April 13.
HBO Now
HBO Now is the newest member of the HBO family. The company’s new streaming service can be had for $15 a month. The service, however, doesn’t offer live streaming. It’s similar to HBO Go, where you get access to the company’s back catalog of shows. Game of Thrones and other new shows will appear on the service an hour after they premiere.
HBO Now is currently only available on a limited basis. Apple users can get the service on iOS and Apple TV devices, while Cablevision Internet customers can get in on their computers. Don’t want to fork over $15 a month? You can test the service for free for 30 days, or even use a friend’s log-in information. HBO Now permits simultaneous streams for up to three users.
Sling TV
It is estimated that more than 10 million people have cut the cord from cable TV. With services like PlayStation Vue and Sling TV , it’s easy to see why. Only the latter, however, offers access to HBO.
Sling TV has more than 20 channels, including ESPN, TBS, TNT and AMC, for only $20 a month. For an additional $15 a month, customers can watch HBO live and get access to the channel’s on-demand content. Sling TV can be watched on Amazon Fire TV, Roku devices and the Xbox One.
HBO Go
Can’t catch “Game of Thrones” live? This option is for you. HBO Go is the company’s on-demand streaming service for cable subscribers. The service is offered on nearly every platform, including Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS and Roku. As is the case with HBO Now, shows will appear on the service usually an hour after they premiere. Streaming limits are the same as well. Up to three users can stream from the service simultaneously.
It seems like an eternity since “Game of Thrones” previously aired, but we’re here to help. If you can’t remember exactly what happened in the series thus far, check out this article to get you up to speed.
