Cost | What to Enjoy | Features | Video |News & Updates Editor’s Assessment
What to enjoy:
Missed that episode of Family Guy? Need to catch up on 30 Rock? Hulu to the rescue! In March 2007, NBC Universal and Fox Entertainment entered into a joint venture now known as Hulu. In the years since, Disney/ABC signed on as a partner, and the site grew to be one of the top video streaming sites on the Internet. By December of 2009, Hulu’s content was being streamed more than 1 billion times–a milestone proving that people will sit in front of their computer to watch long-form content. While much of Hulu’s library is full of TV episodes, movies are also available. And, as studios are beginning to figure out the new online distribution model, more big budget classics will be added to the library.
On top of NBC/Universal, Fox, and ABC/Disney, some of Hulu’s content partners include A&E, PBS, Comedy Central, Current TV, Bravo, USA Network, Fuel TV, Big Ten Network, Syfy, E!, Versus, and NFL Network.
With the 1 billion milestone, Hulu execs are looking into a pay model, which might come to pass by the end of this year (they just have to let the dust clear from the Comcast/NBC buyout). Only speculation exists right now as to how a paid Hulu would work, but as Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey told USA Today, two pricing tiers could work: $4.99 for an ad-free Hulu, or $14.99/month for a season’s worth of shows, and access to full back catalogs.
Third-Party Features:
OnPlay offers a method of viewing Hulu on your computer via third party devices such as a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. Also a desktop App (made for both the Mac and PC) allows viewers to watch content without having to start up a browser. Hulu also offers a desktop application, which is a start in their offline content distribution.
News & Updates:
USA Today (2/3/2010): Hulu CEO Jason Kilar: The complete video interview – “Hulu CEO Jason Kilar recently sat down with us to talk about American Idol, new viewers, and why Hulu is considering charging for some videos.” {Watch it}
USA Today (2/3/2010): Free video site Hulu explores premium pricing – “For months there have been hints from Hulu’s owners of a looming pay model, perhaps as early as this year. In an interview at Hulu’s offices here, Kilar said a free version of Hulu will always exist but that the company was exploring premium pricing. He wouldn’t give a time frame.” {Read more}
ReadWriteWeb (9/20/2009): Hulu’s Facebook App: Posse Up for the Heroes Premiere – “In an effort to build on the shared viewing experience, popular HD television site Hulu is expanding beyond its walls. The company launched its Watch Now Facebook App where audiences can watch season premieres and comment in a group setting.” {Read more}
Mashable (8/24/2009): No Hulu For UK Users Until 2010 – According to The Daily Telegraph, the Hulu UK roll-out was originally slated for September of this year, but has now been pushed backed to early 2010. This is likely a direct result of the fact that Hulu has yet to ink any deals with UK content providers. {Read more}
Editor’s Assessment:
Hulu has definitely emerged as the strongest of the streaming sites, offering a lot of content, from television to movies, in a easy user-friendly space. Rumors though are swirling about hulu soon going to be requiring a paid subscription for most of its content with critics mixed about how it may affect the site and its traffic.
*Due to licensing restrictions, Hulu is only offered in the United States.
