HBO Asia Shortens Window on U.S. Originals

SINGAPORE: As part of its ongoing efforts to combat piracy, HBO Asia will start premiering all HBO and Cinemax original content in the region less than 24 hours after the U.S. broadcast.

The move kicks off this July with the new Cinemax series The Knick starring Clive Owen and directed by Steven Soderbergh, with HBO Asia subs having access to the show the evening after its U.S. launch. HBO Asia began shortening windows last October, when it announced that HBO originals would premiere in the region within one week of the American broadcast.

“Whilst this move is no silver bullet to combat piracy, it’s an ongoing effort on our part to protect intellectual property, industry, jobs and revenue,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia. “By offering viewers legitimate content in a timely and more convenient manner, we hope to be able to continue to encourage viewers to support the fight against online piracy.”

HBO Asia is available in 23 markets across Asia. HBO GO, the broadband-delivered service, is carried in Hong Kong and the Philippines.