TV networks want you to Hulu
Posted 7 December 2007, 18:05 in Technology Leave a Comment
After many, many years of not knowing how to deliver their television content over the Internet, big media companies are finally taking a stab at it. Hulu, a joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp, is a video on demand service that delivers television content on the Internet for free.
Up until recently, the only way to download free episodes was through technology such as BitTorrent. Television networks have been on a uphill battle for years, trying to remove sites like tvRSS from distributing links to their television shows online. It has been a losing battle for sure.
Although Hulu is still in beta, I was fortunate enough to receive an invite by the Hulu team to test their new service.
The Good
Shows. There are a lot of shows to choose from. Some of the more notable ones (that I would probably watch anyway) include The Family Guy, The Simpsons, The Office, The Girls Next Door, and Keeping Up with The Kardashians.
Viral Compatible. Hulu understands viral marketing by allowing sites to embed (see below) videos directly onto sites like mines. They also allow you to email links of shows or clips to friends.
Firefox Ready. Hulu does not discriminate users through proprietary technology such as Windows Media Player. Instead, like YouTube, they delivery their content through Adobe’s Flash technology, which allows anyone (whether they are on Windows, OSX, or Linux) to view their content.
HD Content. Although Hulu’s HD Gallery is limited to movie trailers at the moment, there is a slight possibility of offering television shows in high definition. C’mon, who wouldn’t mind watching the Girls Next Door in HD?
Free. Who likes to pay for anything that they can watch on TV? Hulu offers a way for people to “go legit” by watching shows legally over the Internet for free.
The Bad
Advertisements. Someone has to pay for this service, and unfortunately, there are ads. Ads are kinda-sorta tasteful, as it pops up at the beginning, middle (about 3-4), and end depending on the show you’re watching. Each ad is about 15 seconds each.
Profile. Registration will probably be required. And believe it, your account will be used used to track which shows you’re watching, what genres you tend to watch, among other things. Media companies will definitely be monitoring your watching habits.
CBS/ABC. Not all networks are signed on, yet. Though I’m not sure what CBS & ABC will do, since they are not part of this joint venture.
Limited Availability. Hulu is currently available to United States viewers only. Per their FAQ, support beyond the US borders will eventually happen.
Prison Break on Hulu
Here’s a sample show for you to enjoy:
Related Links: Hulu | Hubbub over Hulu | No clown, Hulu looks great
Commenting closed for this article.
