Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and other outlets are reporting that, next year, HBO will finally offer an over-the-top version of its service, meaning that people who do not subscribe to a cable/satellite package will be able to subscribe directly to HBO. The company's current HBO Go service is only accessible to people who pay for HBO as part of their cable/satellite package. Details on the new over-the-top service are limited at this point, but sources report that it will not cost less than what cable/satellite customers pay to get HBO.

From Huffington Post
HBO is cutting the cord.

The company announced on Wednesday that it will launch a standalone streaming video service in the U.S. that will allow you to watch HBO programming without paying for an expensive cable subscription.

"It is time to remove all barriers to those who want HBO," Richard Plepler, HBO's CEO, said at an investor conference in New York on Wednesday, adding that it will be "transformative" for the company.

A lot of details remain unclear at this point -- how much will the service cost? Will it simply be HBO GO sold as a standalone product, or a slimmed down version with only some of the programming? Plepler acknowledged as much in his presentation, but said that for "competitive reasons," he won't be able to answer questions today.

An HBO spokesman would not comment beyond Plepler's presentation. HBO subscribers tend to pay their cable companies around $15 per month just for HBO. The Wall Street Journal, citing a "person familiar with the plans," reported that the streaming service wouldn't cost less than what TV subscribers pay.

To read the rest of the Huffington Post story, click here.

Additional Resources
• Why I Don't Pay For Cable at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• How to Break Free From Cable/Satellite Fees at HomeTheaterReview.com.