Why can’t I watch HBONow on my LG smart TV?

[Dissatisfied]

I’ve tried everything. This blows. 

[000]

If anyone is attempting to navigate to HBONow via the internet browser that comes with LG TVs, access to the HBONow site might show the pages, but streaming video is not supported by the browser.   Streaming video requires the Adobe Flash Player plug-in which is not available for the LG browser because LG doesn't have legal permission to include Flash in the browser.   This might be the case for ALL smart TVs, no matter what the brand/model is.   The only way around this is for HBONow to include an app for your smart TV menu which would bypass any need for the LG browser because the app always includes its own video player.   Also, other browsers such as Chrome which can use the Flash plug-in cannot be downloaded to the smart TV.    

 

Edited March 31, 2019 by swami
attaching pic

[Dissatisfied]

1 hour ago, Cody k said:

You clearly haven't tried everything, because I can watch it on mine. 

There is no HBONow app in the App Store and when I try to watch it in the browser it tells me I need adobe flash player which isn’t supported by the TV. Forgive me for not expressing myself well. I’m a technological dunce.

My understanding from doing a little internet research is that this is an ongoing issue and no one can get HBONow on their LG TV. Except you, apparently. I’d love to know your workaround but if it’s overly technical, I’m afraid your instructions will likely be wasted on me. 

[Cody k]

Subscribe through Amazon Prime Video. Same price as any other method, $15/month. If you subscribe through your cable provider, use the HBO Go app. If you prefer, you can subscribe through HBO Now. Both apps support casting to the TV. 

[000]

Then that just about wraps this up! 

[Dissatisfied]

1 hour ago, Cody k said:

Bullsh*t you can't. I just checked it on my wife's iPhone. Your issues are strictly PBKAC.

>I worked for DirecTV for a couple of years specifically on testing streaming video.   

I find this VERY hard to believe, since you have only the vaguest understanding of how streaming video works. Maaaaybe you were a consumer in a consumer trial, but I find it impossible to believe that anyone would pay you for any technical consultation.

Lol. You are quite the condescending little shit. Are you trying to help? Or just getting off on your little superiority complex? Either way, I don’t want any more of your “help.” Thanks anyway. 

[George Hofmeister]

14 hours ago, Dissatisfied said:

I’ve tried everything. This blows. 

You have tried everything!  What is wrong with the app, tell the forum what is wrong and we may be able to help.  Please remember to include your TV model number, firmware version and app version is at all possible.

[000]

Is the HBONow app accessed from your list of displayed icons?

[Rubindude]

I have the exact same problem. There is no HBO Now app for the TV. Very frustrating.  I purchased an OLED65C8P TV. It has Showtime, Netflix, Amazon, and a bunch of other apps available to be downloaded, but no HBONow app.  Called the help line and didn't get a very clear answer and was told that it might come out in the next version of the OS, but two updates have occurred since that telecon.  I wish we could get an official response from LG as to when it will be available, or why they can't seem to provide it given all the other apps seem to be available.  My model TV is supposed to be considered a higher end model, so why can't that application be provided?

[000]

8 minutes ago, Cody k said:

>Streaming video requires the Adobe Flash Player plug-in which is not available for the LG browser because LG doesn't have legal permission to include Flash in the browser. 

This is not true. Flash is not included in browsers because it is an insecure, outdated technology that no modern browser encourages the use of and which most browsers block by default. It was replaced years ago by HTML5, and has even been retired by its developer. 

Fair enough.   TCM uses HTML5 player and it is not possible to do TV streaming video through the LG browser, most likely because broadcast television TCM streaming video is a different format than let's say an MP4 video.   MP4 videos utilizing HTML5 player actually play from a website via the LG browser.    HBONow, TCM, etc. streaming video needs to be viewed by way of an application which circumvents the browser issues.  

[Rubindude]

Cody - It was explained to me that different TVs have different OSs.  I'm well aware that other people can watch HBONow on some other LG TVs, and that is one reason I bought mine (just late last year). However, as it turns out, it just doesn't seem available for my LG OLED65C8P TV.  If you have a suggestion that you know works first hand, I welcome your guidance.

[000]

First, HBONow would have to create a smart TV app for the LG TV and allow it to be added to the smart menu in the same way that all the other apps appeared in your menu.  

[Cody k]

3 minutes ago, swami said:

First, HBONow would have to create a smart TV app for the LG TV and allow it to be added to the smart menu in the same way that all the other apps appeared in your menu.  

I'm not sure if it's on HBO or LG to actually develop the app, but either way one needs to provide the other with an API for them to work from. That, of course, comes after they reach a licensing agreement and the two companies haven't even gotten to that point yet.

The one down-side to LGs is the crappy app selection, but there are workarounds for nearly every one. 

[000]

Hmmmm.   I am talking about this from the perspective of using smart TV connected via WiFi to watch content.   If you go through the Amazon route, that environment is not using the browser as everything within it is running from Amazon which is an app on the TV named Prime Video.    Casting to the smart TV is possible, but that isn't what I interpreted the issue to be.  

[Dissatisfied]

7 minutes ago, Cody k said:

Subscribe through Amazon Prime Video. Same price as any other method, $15/month. If you subscribe through your cable provider, use the HBO Go app. If you prefer, you can subscribe through HBO Now. Both apps support casting to the TV. 

Doesn’t this necessitate me subscribing to, and paying for, Amazon Prime? I don’t want to pay for any more subscriptions than I already am: Hulu, Netflix and HBONow. 

[Cody k]

Just now, swami said:

Hmmmm.   I am talking about this from the perspective of using smart TV connected via WiFi to watch content.   If you go through the Amazon route, that environment is not using the browser as everything within it is running from Amazon which is an app on the TV named Prime Video.    Casting to the smart TV is possible, but that isn't what I interpreted the issue to be.  

I don't know what you mean. It sounds like you're insisting on accessing it through a browser, but why the hell would you want that? HBO's website is garbage as an interface. Using any of my three suggested methods works perfectly and will get you crystal-clear video and audio.

[Cody k]

1 minute ago, Dissatisfied said:

Doesn’t this necessitate me subscribing to, and paying for, Amazon Prime? I don’t want to pay for any more subscriptions than I already am: Hulu, Netflix and HBONow. 

If you are already a subscriber to HBO Now, get the app and cast to the TV from it. Easy Peasy. 

[000]

I worked for DirecTV for a couple of years specifically on testing streaming video.   We tested streaming video on a wide range of platforms from mobile phones to tablets to Roku to Amazon Fire to Chromecast to Samsung Tizen TV to website testing on Mac iOS and Windows.  The only streaming video that worked is on the Mac and PC Windows machines in the Chrome/FIrefox browsers ...and otherwise from apps created for mobile and OTT devices (OTT = over-the-top).    No streaming was available for smart TVs other than the Samsung Tizen HD TV  which also launched from an app.    

[Cody k]

2 hours ago, swami said:

Fair enough.   TCM uses HTML5 player and it is not possible to do TV streaming video through the LG browser, most likely because broadcast television TCM streaming video is a different format than let's say an MP4 video.   MP4 videos utilizing HTML5 player actually play from a website via the LG browser.    HBONow, TCM, etc. streaming video needs to be viewed by way of an application which circumvents the browser issues.  

TV and console browsers are always mediocre for streaming media. On the stargatecommand.co website, some of the videos play on the LG, others don't. The absolute best option is casting from a mobile device, which the LG does brilliantly if an app supports casting. 

[Dissatisfied]

1 hour ago, Cody k said:

If you are already a subscriber to HBO Now, get the app and cast to the TV from it. Easy Peasy. 

I can’t cast from my iPhone or iPad. 

[Cody k]

39 minutes ago, Dissatisfied said:

I can’t cast from my iPhone or iPad. 

Bullsh*t you can't. I just checked it on my wife's iPhone. Your issues are strictly PBKAC.

>I worked for DirecTV for a couple of years specifically on testing streaming video.   

I find this VERY hard to believe, since you have only the vaguest understanding of how streaming video works. Maaaaybe you were a consumer in a consumer trial, but I find it impossible to believe that anyone would pay you for any technical consultation.

[Cody k]

I tried to help you. I gave you MULTIPLE methods for doing what you want to do. You have been unable to do a basic thing. This is not me being condescending, it's you being unable to manage a basic task. 

[Cody k]

5 minutes ago, Cody k said:

I tried to help you. I gave you MULTIPLE methods for doing what you want to do. You have been unable to do a basic thing. This is not me being condescending, it's you being unable to manage a basic task. 

And for the record, I have a C7, so almost the exact same set with the exact same OS. Of I can do this via multiple methods, you could if you'd stop with the bullshit and just follow any of the methods I outlined. 

[000]

1 hour ago, Cody k said:

Bullsh*t you can't. I just checked it on my wife's iPhone. Your issues are strictly PBKAC.

>I worked for DirecTV for a couple of years specifically on testing streaming video.   

I find this VERY hard to believe, since you have only the vaguest understanding of how streaming video works. Maaaaybe you were a consumer in a consumer trial, but I find it impossible to believe that anyone would pay you for any technical consultation.

Dissatisfied...  that PBKAC means "problem between the keyboard and chair".    The attacking begins from our little disturbed friend Cody K here.   Not helpful to anyone.   

 

[000]

3 minutes ago, Cody k said:

The issue here is 100% user error. It isn't insulting at all to point that out. My methods are the ones that work for millions of people. Your inability to do what millions of others can do is nobody's problem but yours. 

Cody K, you can shove that C7 into your vagina tonight, where it really belongs.   

[Dissatisfied]

25 minutes ago, Cody k said:

I tried to help you. I gave you MULTIPLE methods for doing what you want to do. You have been unable to do a basic thing. This is not me being condescending, it's you being unable to manage a basic task. 

You told me to get amazon Prime or cast it from my phone. Those are some high tech sophisticated methods right there. I told you I’m not paying for amazon prime and I can’t cast it from my phone. Very likely I’m doing something wrong while trying to cast; I already told you I’m not technologically savvy. So the fact that your (lucky lucky) wife can do it is of no use to me whatsoever and just reinforces your general dickishness as you try to make me feel stupid.

P. S. I don’t know what a C7 is so that little tidbit is wasted on me.

 

[Dissatisfied]

28 minutes ago, swami said:

Dissatisfied...  that PBKAC means "problem between the keyboard and chair".    The attacking begins from our little disturbed friend Cody K here.   Not helpful to anyone.   

 

Yeah, I know. I looked it up, lol.

No worries. I have a guy who does TV & stereo installs coming to fix the crappy install job that came with my Amazon delivery and I’ll ask him about it. If worse comes to worst, I’ll have him hook my old AppleTV box back up to this new television which will solve my problem. Was just hoping to have fewer remotes to wrangle. 

Thanks. 🙂

[George Hofmeister]

On 3/29/2019 at 12:32 AM, Dissatisfied said:

I’ve tried everything. This blows. 

Hi,

Is the app actually installed on you set?

If not can you see the app in the app store?

Where are you located, as the HBO GO app is regionally locked, for instance it is not available (to the best of my knowledge) in the UK as SKY TV has the rights to show many HBO show here?

[Dissatisfied]

2 hours ago, George Hofmeister said:

Hi,

Is the app actually installed on you set?

If not can you see the app in the app store?

Where are you located, as the HBO GO app is regionally locked, for instance it is not available (to the best of my knowledge) in the UK as SKY TV has the rights to show many HBO show here?

Hi George. No, the app is not on the set, nor  available in the store. I’m in the US, so it’s not a regional issue; I have HBONow on my iPhone and iPad. I’ve downloaded the TV casting app on my phone and TV, still can’t cast HBONow. Screenshot is to show you which LG tv I’m working with. 

[George Hofmeister]

1 hour ago, Dissatisfied said:

Hi George. No, the app is not on the set, nor  available in the store. I’m in the US, so it’s not a regional issue; I have HBONow on my iPhone and iPad. I’ve downloaded the TV casting app on my phone and TV, still can’t cast HBONow. Screenshot is to show you which LG tv I’m working with. 

Hi,

Thanks for the information, sadly I cannot be of any help as I am in the UK and we do not get any flavour of HBO unless it is on SKY TV.  Hopefully someone in your region may have some idea of a fix for either issue you are having. 

[thumprchgo]

Hi George. No, the app is not on the set, nor  available in the store. I’m in the US, so it’s not a regional issue; I have HBONow on my iPhone and iPad. I’ve downloaded the TV casting app on my phone and TV, still can’t cast HBONow. Screenshot is to show you which LG tv I’m working with. 

After months of wandering the LG Store on my TV, and a good bit of money on useless apps, I chose instead to use an AppleTV (ATV) connected to my AVR, and pass the video to my TV. Alternately (for HBO and Netflix streams, you could add a Google Chromecast, $40US or so) — Chromecast does not use Apple’s AirPlay, and the pic of your phone’s Airplay pulldown would never show Chromecast as an option...)
You could open the HBONow app on your phone and and choose the casting option, within the app itself. The Airplay icon, and the Google cast icons are similar looking, I’ve attached them here.
. .
If both an ATV and a Chromecast are connected to your Wi-Fi, you will see both icons on a movie scene once you tap the phone’s screen.
The best part of the AppleTV or Chromecast casting is that it is NOT casting a video from phone to TV. It gives “permission” for the ATV or Google device to connect to the stream directly from HBO, thereby freeing your phone’s WiFi for more important things, like texting “sup?”and “HMU” to friends, etc...

Downside for Amazon Prime folks are the grumbles between Google and Amazon that resulted in Google not allowing Prime Video app users to stream via Chromecast. Luckily the ATV has the Prime app available for free.

I hear the AppleTV’s “TV” app is coming soon to Fire Sticks, too.
My LG does not pass Atmos well, but it does handle Dolby Vision very well. My ATV has both Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos and my AVR does, too. Best of both worlds.

I no longer use Alexa— I quickly tired of hearing Alexa volunteer, saying —during times of intimacy— “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand your question!?”
While it was a cause of great hilarity the first time, nanoseconds later she was hurled at a wall.



—Thumprchgo
a.k.a., Mark, Prairiedawg, OldCrankInTheBack

Setup: Mostly plebeian, but carefully curated.
Denon AVR-X4400H, 9.2; Audyssey MultiEQ-XT32
Polk Audio RTiA series for L/C/R,
FXi series for Side Surrounds,
OMW5 for on-ceiling Atmos, at 5.2.4
Polk DSW-550 subs, two.
AppleTV 4K, Fire Stick 4K, QNAP NAS,
nanoAVR-DL (useless, don’t get me started)
MiniDSP 4x2HD for sub EQ and time-alignment
LG 55” 4K Dolby Vision
Innumerable beads of sweat
Thousands of frustrated, misspent hours
And one radiant smile just up ahead, off in the gloaming...

(Sent from my tablet)