It seems we’re getting news about new streaming services every day. If it’s not Sling TV, it’s PlayStation Vue. If it’s not DirecTV Now, it’s YouTube. And now, it’s Hulu. The service which will be run by the current on-demand subscription service is starting its own streaming service. We’ve been following its development since May of last year. We know that Disney’s (ABC, ESPN, etc.) and Fox’s (Fox, FS1, etc.) networks have already signed up. Time Warner’s (CNN, TBS, TNT, truTV, etc.) networks are on board.

But unlike DirecTV Now, CBS will be there with Hulu when it launches. Details about the service have been sketchy at best, but here’s we know about Hulu’s service right now:

According to CNET the cost will be “less than $40 per month.” It will allow for two continuous streams at the same time. It will launch in the first half of this year.

Networks expected to be added by the launch are AMC, Bravo, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, NBC, Travel Channel, various regional sports networks and more. It’s not known yet how subscribers in certain markets will be able to watch AGBC, CBS and Fox.

There will be an option to watch on-demand programming commercial-free, but the live streaming service will have ads (of course).

Unlike DirecTV Now, Hulu will have a DVR option, but we don’t know the storage plans. But shows on DVR won’t expire unlike PlayStation Vue where they leave after 28 days.

The Hulu service will be available on set top devices such as Apple TV, Chromecast and Xbox One. Nothing on Roku or Amazon Fire Stick to date.

When the service launches, every Hulu on-demand subscriber will have the opportunity to experience the live streaming service. And there will be up to 6 individual profiles for families.

So Hulu is going to offer some features that Sling, PlayStation and DirecTV Now cannot. How it will be received when it launches will be the next question.

[CNET]

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.

He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.

Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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