The free preview concept was originated in the early 1970s by Home Box Office (HBO). By 1973, within a year of its November 1972 launch, HBO was carried on 14 cable systems around the country, located in New York and Pennsylvania.
The free preview concept was initiated in the early 1970s by Home Box Office (HBO). By 1973, one year after its November 1972 launch, HBO was available on cable systems across 14 locations nationwide, including New York and Pennsylvania.