As high-speed Internet becomes more and more prevalent, an increasing number of people have started watching Hulu and stopped watching cable TV. The problem is Hulu still doesn’t have enough features to lure everyone to the dark side, but with enough funding, it just might be possible.
According to the LA Times Hulu is planning to start up a new subscription service they will call “Hulu Plus.” The hopeful scenario is that Hulu Plus won’t change anything for already existing free content, but the idea is to include additional content that will only be available to subscribers.
Currently, you can watch a decent variety of shows on Hulu, featuring shows from both public networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox to networks on paid cable channels like USA and Sci-Fi. Recently aired shows will display the previous five trailing episodes, and some of the older shows which aired years ago will stream an entire season at a time. With the increased revenue from a paid business model, Hulu hopes to increase the number of trailing episodes, as well as enhance the variety of shows offered on the website. Perhaps we will see some HBO exclusives?
How much will a Hulu premium paid account cost?
The most recent news is that the plan will cost $9.95 per month. It has yet to be determined if premium accounts will have ads removed, but it isn’t likely. Personally, I can’t say I agree with the new plan to monetize Hulu with consumer subscribers. Especially when you have Netflix who offers not only streaming of movies and TV but also the delivery of DVDs and Blueray movies. AND don’t forget that unlike Hulu, Netflix comes built-in to pretty much everything from the XBOX 360 to Blueray players.
So, if it comes down to a battle between Hulu and Netflix, I’d hold onto your NFLX shares if I were you. ;
