The abbreviation " VPN " has slowly become established among average Internet users, which is certainly good, but the problem is that people have started to see VPN as the ultimate solution to all problems.
Netflix is a platform for streaming video content on-demand. It has gained enormous popularity in the world, and it has recently become available in our country as well. HBO GO is also a service that offers VOD (video on demand) and is more focused on our region. Both services offer the same, but what to choose? Monthly prices are not very low for our standard, so I believe that people carefully choose what to subscribe to.
Since I have an account for both services, I tested them to the maximum to compare them and share my experiences with you. However, I did not take into account the quantity, variety, and quality of content, but only technical characteristics.
You may not agree with the list of advantages and disadvantages, but this is normal because everyone has a different level of knowledge, skills… For some, a disadvantage will not actually be a disadvantage but an advantage, and vice versa.
Benefits of HBO GO service
1. Subtitles
Personally, subtitles are not obligatory for me, but most of them are. HBO GO offers Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, Macedonian, and English subtitles for every movie or series! Each translation is perfectly aligned with the video, and they are made so that everyone understands. For example, if there is a joke that makes sense to say only in English, the translation will either write an explanation in parentheses or will insert an equivalent joke from our area.
2. Casting
Because there is a built-in translation in all the languages I listed, you can easily cast a video with a translation on Chromecast - a huge plus!
You can play video over the phone and switch to TV in a second, adjust the language and translation size, and that's it. Everything works perfectly, you have a translation, watch on the big screen and enjoy.
Netflix offers only a few movies/series with Serbian / Croatian subtitles - list. Okay, it's possible to insert a translation manually (see how), but then you can't cast it on TV. The only way is to map the screen, but it is not the most ideal solution for those with a weaker computer. In addition, you may not find a suitable translation.
3. Simpler site/application
HBO GO has, in my opinion, a simpler site and application, I just find it easier. Also, the site is much "easier" for the computer, loads quickly and navigation is smooth. Netflix has added so many effects and scripts that my computer slows down while scrolling (i3 CPU, GTX750Ti, 8GB RAM), and even more when I hover over an element.
4. It is user-friendly
In my opinion, if a service has already come to a country, then they should make sure that users from that country have the same privileges as others. HBO GO has everything translated into Serbian (in addition to the video content), customer support is in Serbian and they respond within one day.
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| HBOG GO support in Serbian |
Netflix "came" to Serbia and the only thing I noticed that they did in that regard is that we don't have to open the site via VPN anymore. I believe that a lot had to be done "in the background" (and maybe not ?!), but at least they should try to translate the site when they haven't already seen the video content.
Benefits of Netflix service
1. Skip the introductory spike
Although this option is not available while casting video (but it is if casting via the app), it is very useful in itself. You can skip the opening credits of any series with one click. It may not seem like anything special, but believe me, it is. After a dozen episodes, you don't have the nerve to watch the same introductory spike anymore and spend time on it.
2. Stylization of translation
Netflix provides slightly more translation styling options than HBO GO. You can adjust the font, color, shadow color, background, and size. HBO GO offers size adjustment only.
3. Better algorithm for recommendations
I’m not sure but I mean Netflix has a better algorithm that recognizes what you like. So far, he has always recommended content that I liked, while HBO GO has often recommended something that is not. Maybe it just happened that way.
4. Interactive content
Something completely new in the world of films is the interaction with the film itself. For now, the only movie of this kind is "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch" and I can tell you that I am very pleasantly surprised. In short: while watching a movie, you can choose its stream by clicking on the options offered on the screen.
For example, the main character in the film is hesitant about which music to play, two options appear, you click on one and he plays that song. It's just a simple example, you can choose whether to answer the phone, and what it will say, and you can even type in the code, phone number, etc. This is a new technology and only available on Netflix, and that's why it gets a plus.
5. Integration with Google Home
If you use Google Home every day then you should consider Netflix. In the Google Home app settings, you can add your Netflix account to integrate it with Google Home and manage it the way you're used to. HBO GO of course does not have this integration, but on this occasion, I invite them to at least integrate with the IFTTT service.
Finally: what to choose?
It depends on you as always, but since I don't like it when someone tells me that as a last resort, I will try to help you more concretely.
HBO GO: if you want to translate and/or cast on TV.
Netflix: if the translation is not important to you and/or if you have Google Home.
I have both services so I use both depending on what I want, and what, I won't to watch. That was my best option, but I think I’ll just stay on HBO GO anyway.
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