BT strikes download-to-own deal for HBO shows

HBO’s Game of Thrones

BT TV is to become the first UK pay TV provider to offer a buy-to-keep box collection of Game of Thrones and other premium shows shows through a new partnership with HBO Home Entertainment.

BT said the deal would enable it to offer download-to-own versions of seasons one to four of Game of Thrones, with season five to follow. Other content available for download-to-own includes Entourage and True Detective. All titles are available immediately, with more content to be added to the service in the course of the year.

Episodes can be viewed on BT TV’s set top boxes and are automatically available for customers to watch on their smartphones, tablets or PCs at no extra cost, according to BT.

Alex Green, director of BT TV, said: “This is yet another fantastic first for our customers. We are committed to offering the widest choice of on demand and live content, with pricing and flexibility to suit all our customers. The new deal with HBO comes at the perfect time for people who want to catch up with world-class TV shows over the long Bank Holiday weekend. But of course you get to keep them so you can watch over and over again.”

Sofia Chang, executive vice president and general manager, HBO Home Entertainment, said: “We are excited to extend our digital footprint in the UK by making our content available to BT TV customers. More and more fans are looking to own their favourite programmes digitally and this is another step for HBO Home Entertainment to expand its reach in this important market.”