Hulu, Hot or Not?

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10013326-17.html?hhTest=1&tag=nefd.riv' target='_blank'>http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-1...=1&tag=nefd.riv</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Video is the next big thing on the Web, and more and more organizations are embracing it as the way to provide an equal experience for Web surfers who don't necessarily have the time to watch television during the day. But for all the video services, and there are many, Hulu easily stands above the rest and provides us with the best programming and experience. Call me a cynic, but watching the junk on YouTube or the ridiculous garbage on Funny or Die just doesn't do it for me. Instead, I prefer to enjoy professional programming in a way that has never been allowed before. But the beauty of Hulu goes far beyond programming. Hulu is real proof that the entertainment industry is slowly coming around to the idea of embracing the Web and not being afraid of it, and proves a point I've been making all along: most people are honest and are more than willing to do the right thing to enjoy their favorite shows. Hulu is the first example of how to overcome the debilitating crossroads that we're now standing in and has shown with each passing day that where there's great programming and a free service, people will flock."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1219260058.usr10.jpg" border="1" /></p><p>I had not really tried out Hulu until <a href="http://www.drhorrible.com/index.html">Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog </a>came along.&nbsp; I've got to say, the quality is very nice.&nbsp; I just took a look at the programming that they have available and have to admit, I was impressed.&nbsp; They've even got the entire Firefly series (Best TV Show EVER) available for watching on-line.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[Jason Dunn]

Sheesh. Talk about alienating people - I knew that Hulu didn't work in Canada, but now that Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog has moved to Hulu, I can't watch it any more! :mad:

[Darius Wey]

Sheesh. Talk about alienating people - I knew that Hulu didn't work in Canada, but now that Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog has moved to Hulu, I can't watch it any more! :mad:

Oddly enough, I managed to watch the Hulu version of Dr. Horrible via Google Video a couple of weeks ago. But I just tried again with zero success. Well, I guess it's a waiting game from here on. :(

[Neil Enns]

What irks me is there's no way for me to get that content into an offline format. I couldn't take Dr Horrible along with me for a 5 hour plane ride. C'mon guys, lemme take it with me!

[Jason Dunn]

What irks me is there's no way for me to get that content into an offline format. I couldn't take Dr Horrible along with me for a 5 hour plane ride. C'mon guys, lemme take it with me!

Can't you download the files via iTunes? I don't use iTunes, it's icky, but I do see an iTunes download link there...

[Neil Enns]

People use iTunes?

[Jason Dunn]

People use iTunes?

Only the brain-washed masses. And me when I need to update my wife's Shuffle. :rolleyes:

[Janak Parekh]

Can't you download the files via iTunes? I don't use iTunes, it's icky, but I do see an iTunes download link there... Yes, you can, although it's for-pay, DRM content, so you'd only be able to use it on Apple products. iTunes link (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?id=284353399&s=143441). I'm debating downloading it so I can watch it on the train.

Back to the original thread: Hulu is indeed well-done for what it is, but without the ability to move the media, I find it a step back. I suspect the media companies will only be happy once we have devices that can stream content over 3G and have to pay every time, either via ads, outright, subscription, or some combination of the three.

--janak, one of the brainwashed masses

[Jason Dunn]

Yes, you can, although it's for-pay, DRM content, so you'd only be able to use it on Apple products

Oh wow - so it went from being a free show to being a paid-for thing? That kind of sucks - there was no indication on the site that it was going to go that route...everyone has to get paid, but I'm surprised they didn't pitch it in a different way "the first three eposides will be free, then we're switching to a paid-for model" or something. Kind of feels like a bait and switch to me. :(

[Janak Parekh]

Oh wow - so it went from being a free show to being a paid-for thing? That kind of sucks - there was no indication on the site that it was going to go that route...everyone has to get paid, but I'm surprised they didn't pitch it in a different way "the first three eposides will be free, then we're switching to a paid-for model" or something. Kind of feels like a bait and switch to me. :( I'm not sure what you were expecting, but it was a one-time 43-minute program split into three "acts". Whedon stated (link (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=4&id=54390)) during its creation that he'd find a venue that would pay back the creation costs, which turned out to be iTunes (and where it is very popular). The free release on Hulu was a time-limited promotion (link on drhorrible.com (http://drhorrible.com/plan.html)), and I'm guessing it's now switched over to Hulu's revenue-driven regular content model. Joss Whedon is planning on a DVD release as well.

--janak

[Jason Dunn]

I'm not sure what you were expecting, but it was a one-time 43-minute program split into three "acts". Whedon stated (link (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=4&id=54390)) during its creation that he'd find a venue that would pay back the creation costs...

What can I say? I didn't delve into the back story, or read the blog, I just watched what was on the front page and enjoyed it. :)

[Chris Gohlke]

Really it was an experiment. Give it away for free to try it and then start charging. Hulu still provides a free way to see it for those that can get to it, but I will be looking forward to the DVD. Now, it will be interesting what they charge for it. I would say the DVD needs to be under $10.

[Jason Dunn]

...but I will be looking forward to the DVD. Now, it will be interesting what they charge for it. I would say the DVD needs to be under $10.

It's totally buy a DVD of this for $10!