Hulu has just launched HuluPlus, a monthly subscription that allows you to watch tv shows right after they aired (including great shows like ModernFamily, Glee and 30Rock) as well as movies on your Samsung TV or blu-ray player (certain models),computer, Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iTouch, and eventually on your gaming consoles (XBox 360, Wii). With this launch, it joins the ranks of Freemium content providers, with a mix of free and paid services. It is expected that many customers will be existing Hulu users upgrading to take advantage of HuluPlus's greater selection and acess to more devices.
As Hulu develops its strategy, it begins to converge with Netflix as well as DVR and OnDemand services from your cable provider. Netflix still has the edge on movies, while Hulu's unique advantage is its access to current-season television programs.
What is interesting is that Hulu comes from the internet space, not the TV or DVD space. For years, there has been skepticism around the idea of anyone paying for content provided digitally. Debate is still raging around digital music and whether or not the general public will be willing to pay for music content and services in any form other than a straight song download a la iTunes (which even just a few years ago was considered highly unlikely for near-term mass adoption).
People will pay for timely, quality content, for access to multiple devices, and for tools to make consumption easier and more fun. The only question is which players are going to have the form factor and content access to win.
