Wondering what happened to HBO Max, the streaming service that was only around for two years? HBO Max became Max, supposedly a better all-encompassing brand name for all the Discovery Warner content.
The new service launched on May 23 and essentially replaced HBO Max, although many subscribers had trouble with what was supposed to be a seamless experience. If everything worked OK, the HBO Max app for media players and mobile devices, and the website for internet browsers would simply update to the new Max experience.
Max brings more content to the streaming service and defines HBO and HBO content as just part of the larger library of movies and TV series that includes Discovery+ channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, and ID), Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, and curated classics from TCM, DC, along with Max Originals.
Max also upgraded many movies and TV shows to 4K resolution, something that HBO lagged behind with when compared to Netflix, Disney, and Apple TV+.
Max offers several different tiers of service but if you want 4K you have to get the premium tier which costs $19.99 per month.
Max Subscription Tiers (as of May 23, 2023)
- Max Ad-Lite ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): Two concurrent streams, 1080p HD resolution, no offline downloads, 5.1 surround sound quality
- Max Ad Free ($15.99/month or $149.99/year): Two concurrent streams, 1080p HD, up to 30 offline downloads, 5.1 surround sound quality
- Max Ultimate Ad Free ($19.99/month or $199.99/year): Four concurrent streams, up to 4K Ultra HD resolution, 100 offline downloads, Dolby Atmos sound quality
