Hulu is just a streaming service that currently streams shows on local channels and basic cable channels. In other words, Hulu streams shows that are free to watch. Hulu’s Plus package allows you to watch shows on more devices. I’ve been asking myself for months; if Hulu starts to charge, am I willing to pay for their service.
Let me say that I use Hulu on a regular basis and have been a Hulu member since it was in invite-only mode. However, as much as I like it, I cannot say I would actually pay for their Hulu Plus plan.
Everything I watch on Hulu I can watch by going to each individual network website; with the exclusion of the show Being Erica, which is a canadian show. Everything else I can watch by going to the direct websites for ABC, ABC Family, TNT, SyFy, FX and USA. The Hulu plus plan allows you to watch Hulu on your iPod, iPhone and iPad. Well, I use an android, only listen to my iPod in the car and am most definitely not buying an iPad. Further, I know I won’t watch tv on a small device such as my phone, so I’d be paying for something I would never use.
I see they plan on allowing you to watch Hulu via other devices such as the Xbox, Playstation and other devices. That makes more sense for me. Maybe that would be the hook for me, but those services won’t be available until later. But to ensure I get my money’s worth, I’d have to compare that with the Slingbox service to see which one gives me the most bang for my buck.
If Hulu were streaming shows from HBO and/or Showtime and wanted to charge a premium fee
for that, I would probably go for that. But Hulu is charging for their existing service, I’d simply be paying for the convenience of not having to go to those multiple network websites to watch tv shows online.
So, will you pay for Hulu plus?
