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.
In the early 1970s, Home Box Office (HBO) introduced a free preview concept. By 1973, one year after its November 1972 launch, HBO was available on cable systems in various locations across the country, including New York and Pennsylvania.