Hulu, the ultra-popular video streaming service has confirmed recent speculation, introducing a paid subscription plan. Dubbed “Hulu plus,” the $10 a month premium service will allow for HD streaming of current seasons of shows as well as a library of many other television shows that are no longer running.
The more anticipated feature of the service, Hulu Plus presents viewers with a variety of ways to watch the content in addition to the computer. For those who wish to watch their favorite shows on the go, Hulu will be available on Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, with a promise of more devices in the future. On the TV, the service will be available on specific models of Samsung, Sony and Vizio televisions and Blu-ray players as well as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3.
Larry Hryb (Major Nelson), Director of Programming for Xbox Live, confirmed an early 2011 release for the service on the Xbox 360, citing the creation of a “customized experience” for Xbox Live as the reason for the delay. “We are taking the time to ensure that the Hulu Plus experience for Xbox 360 is the best on TV and like our other entertainment experiences, it will not be a port, but rather a custom experience that leverages the Xbox Live community features”. Meanwhile, Sony has confirmed to VG247 that Hulu Plus will be coming PlayStation 3 soon, and that more information would be announced “shortly”.
To the surprise of many, users who sign up for the service will still be required to sit through ads before they can view any content. Hulu Plus will be launching in July, currently limited to residents of the United Sates. Those interested in the service may enter their email address on the Hulu website to receive an invitation to a Hulu Plus preview.