Finally, Hulu has decided to let us in on its plans. All the rumors turn out to have been true, with the name, price, compatible devices, and content having been guessed at prior to today’s official launching of what Hulu hopes is the future of online video.
Worst Kept Secret
More than a year after the first talk emerged of a paid version of Hulu, the company has actually got its finger out and unveiled the service.
Spurred on by News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch, Hulu has been eyeing up a way to charge for a service that is currently available for free. The solution? To keep the free version intact and as is, but offer more, more, more to those people willing to stump up the cash.
Hulu Plus Detailed
Hulu’s subscription service is called ‘Hulu Plus‘, as was expected, and it brings Hulu to a whole range of devices beyond the home computer. Including, as was predicted, the PS3 and Xbox 360 games consoles.
Apple’s iPhone and iPad are also welcome to the party, alongside Internet-connected Samsung televisions and Blu-ray players.
‘Hulu Plus’ has the tagline, “More wherever. More whenever. Than ever.” Which is accurate, if not a little convoluted. As well as more devices, ‘Hulu Plus’ offers more content, both current and classic.
The big selling point is full seasons of current top-rated shows on ABC, NBC, and Fox. These include Glee, Family Guy, The Office, 30 Rock, House, Grey’s Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives. Many of these will be offered in 720p HD.
Full seasons of classic shows also form part of the package, with all seasons of The X-Files, Ally McBeal, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and more available to watch at anytime. Which is a dream for someone with a penchant for DVD boxsets.
Costing & Availability
‘Hulu Plus’ costs $9.99 a month for those who are interested. Those who aren’t are assured the free version of Hulu will remain available as it has been from day one.
The subscription service is being rolled out slowly, with invitations already sent to the first selected few. However, anyone can request a preview invite to get a taste of what will be on offer in the months to come.
Conclusions
This is a bold step by Hulu and the U.S. TV networks backing the company. But it’s highly likely it’ll be a successful one. Bringing Hulu to multiple devices was going to be a must, and charging a subscription fee while retaining advertising could prove a money-spinner.
However, that’s all reliant on people actually paying for the service on offer. $10 a month really isn’t expensive, but being cheap doesn’t necessarily guarantee people will be happy and willing to pay.
