Hulu rumored to launch subscription service next month, could be linked to iPad version


There may be some movement on rumors of subscription-based Hulu. Industry chatter suggest a premium service may launch late next month.

It's not news that Hulu has been rumored to be working on a iPad/iPhone version of its video player. While there are technical and political hurdles, the move seems to makes sense for the TV streaming service to finally break free of the computer. Speculation has been a subscription service may be tied to such a move, perhaps allowing the iPad to pilot the premium service. (Could Hulu be in the iPad's future?)

News Thursday of a paid service suggests we may see a premium Hulu offering as soon as May 24th. We can hope that perhaps an iPad app will be attached to the launch. It's expected Hulu will continue providing free access to recently run broadcast network shows, with new options for paying viewers. The premium access will offer up a larger library than the current five most recent episodes, and greater access to older shows. The price for these features has been floated at $9.95 a month. That subscription may be a bit hard to swallow for fans who have become accustomed to an entirely advertising-supported service. That's where the iPad may help kick-start the program by offering streamed TV shows untethered to a computer.

If the app does happen, it will join similar streaming app Netflix on the iPad. Netflix requires a monthly subscription service to the online movie rental shop, although its subscription is more a value-added offering with its DVD-by-mail service. Hulu would one-up Netflix with fresh content, as Netflix only contains older TV programming that is out on DVD. (Netflix App for iPad - Video Review)

Hulu pushes forward with $9.95 subscription service