Popular online video service Hulu is launching an
ad-supported subscription service that will offer top broadcast shows
in high definition to be viewed from a plethora of devices, including
Internet-connected TVs, set-top boxes and game consoles, as well as
portable devices such as Apple’s iPad and iPhone.
The service, which will cost
month, will offer the full run of current prime-time shows such as
“Family Guy,” “Glee,” “Modern Family,” “30 Rock” and “The Office.” It
will also offer complete past seasons of classic shows that include
“Arrested Development,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “The X-Files.” The
library contains content from more than 100 providers, from broadcast
networks and major studios to independent producers.
To differentiate the pay service from the free
online offering, Hulu Plus will display shows on an array of devices,
including Samsung Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players, Apple’s
iPad, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and the third-generation iPod Touch,
and, soon,
In the coming months, Hulu Plus will be available through devices Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players from
The popular online service, which ranks second to
to find new sources of revenue. The companies recognize that more
people want to watch TV shows and movies online — but executives are
loath to do so in a way that undercuts the lucrative cable contracts
that underwrite the cost of producing expensive content.
The new service has been expected for months and
prompted an outcry from some users who don’t want to surrender their
free online access to popular shows. Hulu has acknowledged that change
is coming.
“We’ve always been open to new business models which
would complement our existing service,” one Hulu official wrote on the
company’s blog in May. “The free, ad-supported business model is great,
but there are many other content owners who have chosen and are
successful with other models, subscription or otherwise. We want users
to have access to the widest selection of premium video possible, and
we’ll continue to explore how to bring you more content in the best way
possible.”
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