Roger Fingas
Hulu's incoming live TV service is rumored start at $39.99 per month, but cord-cutters wanting access to all features including a fully-functional cloud DVR will probably have to pay extra.
The base package will also offer access to Hulu's on-demand content, according to TechCrunch sources. Prices could change, but if so may only go down given competition and an earlier claim by CEO Mike Hopkins that the service will cost "under $40" per month.
The entry package should offer some cloud DVR space by default, but may impose restrictions like no fast-forwarding. Hulu is considering a paid add-on to unlock full DVR options, among them 200 hours of storage and unlimited at-home streams. There may be a cap on outside streams — possibly three. Pricing should slot under $20.
In any case, access to "premium" channels will cost extra. Showtime, already a Hulu partner, is expected to be joined by HBO sometime shortly after the initial launch.
Hulu will meanwhile continue to offer its cheaper on-demand tiers, and is also reportedly considering a live-only plan for which pricing is still in flux.
Live streaming is due to launch sometime this spring, which could be as late as June. While Hulu's cloud DVR support will likely fall short of PlayStation Vue or YouTube TV, the company may have an advantage in being the only service to combine live TV with a Netflix-style on-demand catalog.
Supporting platforms should include iOS, Android, Xbox, the fourth-generation Apple TV, and possibly others.
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19 Comments
Competition and choices are good for everyone.
That said, this isn't for me. No thanks.
Meh. That's the most expensive option unless you go nuts on PS Vue. I doubt I'll even give it a look.
$40 a month is a lot, considering it won't bring you all the content. I think I'd only pay that much if it were a complete solution. As it stands, $11/month for Netflix plus $9/month for Prime (which I may drop) give me more than I can watch.
Don't forget the tax, and possibly more "fees," "access charges" and other miscellaneous costs that will mysteriously show up on your bill.
So, for Cox Cable I can get 200 channels for $120/mo, Netflix for 11/mo, Prime for 9/mo, and Hulu for 40/mo. And for a 150 one time charge I can get a DVR and local channels OTA. Hmm, I think I will take my OTA and Netflix/Prime and call it a day. These a-la-carte options are such a huge money sink, we have to get the networks to open it up and get the cost down to a bundle of like 5 stations for $5 otherwise you might as well just buy Cable and watch the 5 channels that you really want.