WarnerMedia has today launched HBO Max, its new stand-alone streaming service that will compete with Netflix, Hulu and others. 4K HDR is not supported at launch but it is "part of the roadmap".

HBO Max is live
HBO Max has arrived in the US. For $15 per month you get access to 10,000 hours of content, including Warner Bros and New Line movies, HBO series, and more. Movies include The Matrix, Gremlins, The Lord of the Rings, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and DC titles.

WarnerMedia is the latest player to enter the 'streaming wars' after Apple and Disney entered the arena in late 2019 and NBCUniversal soft-launched its new streaming service Peacock in mid-April, with a full launch in the US planned for mid-July 2020.

Also read: HBO Max delivers 1080p at 2x bitrate compared to HBO Now

HBO Max is - or will soon be - available on Apple TV, Android TV, select Samsung TVs, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Chromecast, and AirPlay. For more details see the table below.

The service is launching in the US first, with international availability to follow at some point in the future.



4K HDR is "part of the roadmap"
At launch, HBO Max delivers HD resolution and 5.1 surround sound. We have yet to gain access (update: we're in!) but the existing HBO Now and HBO Go services have often been under fire for offering low-bitrate HD streaming. It is not clear if HBO Max will offer increased bitrate.

With so many great movies and TV shows, many of which already mastered in 4K HDR, it is disappointing to see HBO Max launch without support for 4K resolution and HDR of any flavor. The company's official statement on the matter is that 4K HDR is part of the product roadmap. It has not commented on its plans for Dolby Atmos.

- "4K HDR is a part of the HBO Max product roadmap but we don't have any additional information to share at this time," said WarnerMedia.

You can check out HBO Max on hbomax.com where you can sign in with your existing HBO account or create a new. It costs $15 per month after a free 7-day trial.

HBO Max - supported TV platforms
Android TV
Android TV (with Android OS 5 or later)
This includes most Sony Android TVs (2016 models and later) as well as the AT&T Streaming TV box.

Apple TV
Apple TV (4th gen or later) with the latest tvOS software. If you have an Apple TV (2nd or 3rd gen), see Other ways to stream on your TV.

Samsung TV (2016 models and later)
Download the HBOMax app on your Samsung TV and sign in. Or, if you need to sign up, see How do I sign up?

Not all Samsung TV models are supported. For a list of compatible TV models, go to HBO Max on Samsung TV and choose Compatible devices. If your TV model is not listed, see Other ways to stream on your TV.

PlayStation 4

Xbox One

Other ways to stream on your TV
Chromecast: Cast HBO Max from your phone or tablet to your TV.
Airplay: Share HBO Max with your Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation).
HDMI cable: Connect your computer, phone, or tablet to your TV.


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