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DJLinus 04-30-12 06:08 PM
Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
This plan can't lose!

TV in real dime
Hulu, networks to change model of free streaming
By CLAIRE ATKINSON
Last Updated: 8:37 AM, April 30, 2012
Posted: 11:34 PM, April 29, 2012

Viewers who stream network TV shows may soon discover the free ride is not so free.

Hulu, which attracted 31 million unique users in March under a free-for-all model, is taking its first steps to change to a model where viewers will have to prove they are a pay-TV customer to watch their favorite shows, sources tell The Post.

In fact, the move by Hulu toward the new model — called authentication because viewers would have to log in with their cable or satellite TV account number — was behind the move last week by Providence Equity Partners to cash out of Hulu after five years, these sources said.

And it’s not just Hulu making it tougher for cable-cutters to stream shows and other content.

Fox, owned by News Corp., which also owns The Post, is expected to begin talks soon with Comcast on a TV Everywhere deal that will require authentication. Plus, Philadelphia-based Comcast is expected to switch to an authentication model for this summer’s Olympic Games (see story at right).

The move toward authentication is fueled by cable companies and networks looking to protect and profit from their content.

The effort comes as entertainment companies continue to face drastic shifts in home viewing habits. Overall spending on home entertainment edged up 2.5 percent to $4.45 billion in the first quarter as a surge in digital streaming — which rose more than fivefold to $549 million — offset a continuing collapse in video rentals, according to Digital Entertainment Group.

Hulu, owned by News Corp., Disney, Comcast and Providence, could see its March audience, as measured by ComScore, shrink after authentication. Hulu racked up some $420 million in ad revenue last year and is expected to do well in this year’s ad negotiations.

But the move toward authentication, which could take years to complete, will make cable companies happy because it could slow cord-cutting by making cable subscribing more attractive.

At the same time, networks are asking cable companies for retransmission money, a process that could be more appetizing for Comcast and its rivals if their subscriber base stopped shrinking.

To be sure, Hulu’s slow move toward authentication comes amid a jumble of cable and network game plans for streaming — which remain a strategic nightmare thanks to the complicated nature of the TV Everywhere initiative, which is aimed at keeping top shelf digital video exclusive to pay-TV subscribers.

Comcast’s own NBCUniversal, for example, has a patchwork approach to authentication.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/busines...rC9agDUEkHae2I

TheBigDave 04-30-12 09:29 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
I'm interested to see where they're going with this. It sucks for the cord cutters. But I'm a cable subscriber, so it doesn't bother me. And if this leads to more content deals, I see that as a positive.

Heat 04-30-12 09:42 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
How would the authentication work? Would they compare the Roku account name to the cable account name?

I was just trying to figure this out for HBOGo - a friend has HBO through his cable, I was wondering if I could get it on my Roku but only use it when he is visiting, of course.

TheBigDave 04-30-12 10:13 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Heat (Post 11213075)
How would the authentication work? Would they compare the Roku account name to the cable account name?

I was just trying to figure this out for HBOGo - a friend has HBO through his cable, I was wondering if I could get it on my Roku but only use it when he is visiting, of course.
First, create an online account with your cable provider. Then you go to the HBOGo website and select your device (Roku, 360, PS3, etc) and cable provider. It asks you to sign-in using your cable provider login, and gives you a code. Go back to your device and enter the code.

You could probably have your friend go through the procedure and get a code for your Roku. I don't know what steps they take to detect/prevent abuse.

Heat 04-30-12 11:45 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Whoah, HBOGo is pretty limited in who can access it. You have to get cable with HBO from one of these entities:

AT&T U-Verse
Charter
Cox
Dish
Mediacom
Optimum
RCN
Suddenlink
Verizon
Wow
Note that DirecTV is not on the list.

Where I live the cable company is Comcast, so HBOGo is not an option for my friend (and for me, if I had cable). With regard to Hulu - if they drop the monthly fee but require authentication, I'll be on it like white on rice.

Speaking of HBO - my friend was able to get it for $10 a month by calling Comcast and asking for a better price. If you have cable and want HBO, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a lower price.

TheBigDave 05-01-12 12:13 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Heat (Post 11213243)
Where I live the cable company is Comcast, so HBOGo is not an option for my friend (and for me, if I had cable).
Comcast allows HBOGo on the 360 and on mobile devices (iPhone/iPad). But they don't like the Roku.

DJariya 05-01-12 01:58 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
I'm assuming this affects the "Free" version of Hulu.

I have Directv and subscribe to Hulu Plus. But I mainly use it as an extra DVR when my other DVRs get too full.

But yeah I can see some of the cord cutters who don't pay for Hulu Plus getting pissed about this.

DJariya 05-01-12 02:02 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by TheBigDave (Post 11213288)
Comcast allows HBOGo on the 360 and on mobile devices (iPhone/iPad). But they don't like the Roku.
Directv also allows access to HBOGo on the Xbox 360 which I have. They also hate Roku for some reason.

Tarantino 05-01-12 04:11 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
I don't have cable right now. I use Hulu (the free version) to watch The Office and Modern Family each week. If they end up requiring a cable subscription, I will simply download the episodes illegally.

I have no need for cable.

Philzilla 05-01-12 04:28 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Heat (Post 11213243)
Whoah, HBOGo is pretty limited in who can access it. You have to get cable with HBO from one of these entities:


Note that DirecTV is not on the list.

Where I live the cable company is Comcast, so HBOGo is not an option for my friend (and for me, if I had cable). With regard to Hulu - if they drop the monthly fee but require authentication, I'll be on it like white on rice.

Speaking of HBO - my friend was able to get it for $10 a month by calling Comcast and asking for a better price. If you have cable and want HBO, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a lower price.
How much does HBO normally cost, because I've had it with Dish and it has always been $10

Texan26 05-01-12 05:39 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Tarantino (Post 11214420)
I don't have cable right now. I use Hulu (the free version) to watch The Office and Modern Family each week. If they end up requiring a cable subscription, I will simply download the episodes illegally.

I have no need for cable.
You can watch them on the NBC and ABC websites. That's all the free version of Hulu does anyway is put all the content from the network's websites in one convenient place.

Groucho 05-01-12 05:59 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Hulu is a joke. If I want to stream to a box-top set I have to pay for Hulu Plus. Which would be fine...EXCEPT THEY KEEP THE ADS. Fuck that shit.

If this move means I can watch set top for free just by signing in with my cable subscription, that's cool.

Shannon Nutt 05-01-12 06:18 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Philzilla (Post 11214450)
How much does HBO normally cost, because I've had it with Dish and it has always been $10
I think it's $17 a month if you get it a la carte. Most people get it as part of a package deal for a little less.

DJariya 05-01-12 06:30 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
HBO on Directv goes for $14.99 a month

Actually I have it combined with Showtime, Starz and Cinemax and pay about $45 a month as a package. That runs to about 11 bucks each. But keep in mind there is like 5-8 channels for each group. Your paying $45 for about 25-30 channels approximately.

DJariya 05-01-12 06:35 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Groucho (Post 11214570)
Hulu is a joke. If I want to stream to a box-top set I have to pay for Hulu Plus. Which would be fine...EXCEPT THEY KEEP THE ADS. Fuck that shit.

If this move means I can watch set top for free just by signing in with my cable subscription, that's cool.
That's the one thing I don't like about Hulu Plus. They are making $8 a month in revenue from subscribers, yet can't afford to make it commercial free? I understand why it has to be done for the free version.

Just a guess, but maybe there are additional costs to be able to stream it in 720p HD on your television & keeping content up an entire season.

DJariya 05-01-12 06:38 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Tarantino (Post 11214420)
I don't have cable right now. I use Hulu (the free version) to watch The Office and Modern Family each week. If they end up requiring a cable subscription, I will simply download the episodes illegally.

I have no need for cable.
Does your OTA antenna not work? Like Texan just said, most of the shows on the networks can be watched through their network sites.

There is always Amazon Instant Video, but you have to pay for it on a per show basis. If you don't watch alot of TV, that might be a better alternative and it can be streamed through alot of BD players.

It's better than flat out pirating it.

The Bus 05-02-12 04:27 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by DJariya (Post 11214629)
That's the one thing I don't like about Hulu Plus. They are making $8 a month in revenue from subscribers, yet can't afford to make it commercial free? I understand why it has to be done for the free version.

Just a guess, but maybe there are additional costs to be able to stream it in 720p HD on your television & keeping content up an entire season.
Display advertising isn't terribly expensive.

Tracer Bullet 05-02-12 08:50 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
If this happens I'd probably use Hulu more. I never thought Hulu+ was worth it for 8 bucks a month.

Philzilla 05-02-12 11:10 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Shannon Nutt (Post 11214605)
I think it's $17 a month if you get it a la carte. Most people get it as part of a package deal for a little less.
Thanks, that makes sense, I have the every HD channel you got package, or whatever its called

davidh777 05-02-12 11:13 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Comcast is currently advertising HBO for $10 a month for six months to add it to an existing subscription

Hokeyboy 05-02-12 02:04 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Heat (Post 11213243)
Where I live the cable company is Comcast, so HBOGo is not an option for my friend (and for me, if I had cable).
What are you talking about? I have Comcast (Xfinity) and have been using HBOGo for months. Your friend is massively misinformed.

Shannon Nutt 05-02-12 02:29 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Hokeyboy (Post 11215854)
What are you talking about? I have Comcast (Xfinity) and have been using HBOGo for months. Your friend is massively misinformed.
I think he's talking about Roku access. If you have Comcast, you can't use HBO GO on the Roku.

Easy 05-02-12 02:34 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by TheBigDave (Post 11213062)
I'm interested to see where they're going with this. It sucks for the cord cutters.
Sucks for me as I can no longer get FOX OTA. I get all other networks and have no desire for "premium" content. I won't be getting cable just for FOX.

Heat 05-02-12 09:05 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Shannon Nutt (Post 11215909)
I think he's talking about Roku access. If you have Comcast, you can't use HBO GO on the Roku.
This.

Hokeyboy 05-02-12 09:47 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Ah. Roger that.

chuckd21 05-03-12 01:23 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Tarantino (Post 11214420)
I don't have cable right now. I use Hulu (the free version) to watch The Office and Modern Family each week. If they end up requiring a cable subscription, I will simply download the episodes illegally.

I have no need for cable.
It sounds like you do have a need for cable.

chuckd21 05-03-12 01:24 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Tracer Bullet (Post 11215258)
If this happens I'd probably use Hulu more. I never thought Hulu+ was worth it for 8 bucks a month.
I'm sure it'll still be $8 when they implement authentication.

b2net 07-10-12 09:16 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Get it now before you need a subscription..

Hulu Plus now has a 2-Month free trial...

https://secure.hulu.com/plus/xbox2

Heat 07-16-12 10:20 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Thanks for the link, I just signed up for two free months.

I am not convinced that it is worth $8 per month, but I'll give it a workout over the next two months. Besides, it's now or never since it looks like the authentication will be coming - I am assuming that they will grandfather in any existing customers.

tonyc3742 07-16-12 10:44 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Dang. I got one free month. Oh well.
I've found 8 bucks worth of value in Hulu Plus so far. Actually, more so than Netflix. Everything I have thought about adding to my NF queue in the past couple weeks, hasn't been on IW. And not even big, recent titles.
It will not be worth it if I have to have cable as well.

joeblow69 07-17-12 07:12 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by b2net (Post 11301573)
Get it now before you need a subscription..

Hulu Plus now has a 2-Month free trial...

https://secure.hulu.com/plus/xbox2
Just signed up ... do you know if I can cancel right away so it doesn't auto renew, but still get to use it for 2 months?

DaveCole 07-18-12 06:16 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
If you cancel during the trial it cancels immediately.

Alan Smithee 07-19-12 02:55 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Broke down and got the 2-month trial since I never tried it out on my new Sharp TV. They STILL have the stupid network logos onscreen during most shows- totally unacceptable. I'll check out all the Criterion films I can before the trial runs out (odd that those are on Hulu given the audience for the rest of the crap they have) but have my calendar marked to dump it before they start charging. Still have to sit through all that "The following is brought to you with limited commercial interruption..." crap too, but not on the Criterion stuff.

Heat 07-20-12 10:16 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
I didn't realize that they carried Criterion films - I'll have to take a look at what they have.

I've just been working my way through Season 3 of Glee.

What films have you seen on Hulu, and how were they?

Heat 09-12-12 12:12 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Well, I got through Episode 17 (out of 22) of Glee - then Hulu dropped it. Thanks Hulu.

As for the Criterion movies, they buffer every five or ten seconds for me - unwatchable. I'll be dropping Hulu in the next day or two (a couple of days before the end of my 2-month free trial). Netflix is much better in my opinion.

DJariya 09-12-12 02:40 AM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
Originally Posted by Heat (Post 11381178)
Well, I got through Episode 17 (out of 22) of Glee - then Hulu dropped it. Thanks Hulu.

As for the Criterion movies, they buffer every five or ten seconds for me - unwatchable. I'll be dropping Hulu in the next day or two (a couple of days before the end of my 2-month free trial). Netflix is much better in my opinion.
I'm looking at Hulu Plus right now (12:39am PT) and Glee season 3 is still there.

The new season of Glee starts on Thursday. Hulu Plus usually only keeps 1 season up for most current shows. As soon as the new season begins airing, the previous one will get deleted. I fully expect season 3 to get deleted no later than Friday, especially since it's also on DVD/BD too.

Dan 09-14-12 02:06 PM
Re: Hulu moving towards requiring a cable subscription
 
My 2-month trial ends in a week. I think I'm going to keep it for a few more months at least.

I logged into my account yesterday, and I was given the prompt to link my subscription to my cable provider. They said it only applied to FOX shows, though. If you link your account, you get new FOX shows the day after they air. Otherwise, you have to wait 8 days. Since I can't link my cable provider (I'm in Canada, using a 3rd party to access Hulu anyway), I'm stuck with the latter option. I can't say it bothers me, though. My wife will probably complain...


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