• Hulu.com is video and film hosting site by News Corp. and NBC that launched March 12, 2008. Hulu uses an ad-supported business model, unlike the purchase-based model used by rival iTunes. Hulu streams shows from channels including NBC, Fox, Bravo, and Sci-Fi, generally in segmented files, and with commercials inserted in the same spots as in the broadcast versions.

  On May 28, 2009, Hulu announced a new feature on the website that will allow users to beta test new applications. Among the applications included in the Hulu Labs section is Hulu Desktop, a service that will allow user to access content on the site without a browser.PCWorld: Hulu Releases Software Client for Mac, PC (May 28, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. CEO: Jason Kilar
  2. Year established: 2007
  3. Industry: Internet Media
  4. Owners: Disney, News Corp, NBC, Providence Equity Partners
  5. Phone: (310) 571-4700
  6. Fax: (310) 571-4883
  7. HQ: Los Angeles, California
  8. Private beta launch: October 29, 2007
  9. Open to the public: March 12, 2008
  10. Reported $100 million investment from Providence Equity Partners
  11. Slogan: "Watch your favorites. Anytime. For free."
  12. Google, a competitor, has referred to the long-unnamed Hulu as "Clown Co."
  13. Hulu video streams for March 2009: 380 millionWashington Post: Disney Buys Into Hulu. YouTube Should Be Worried (April 30, 2009)
  14. YouTube video streams for March 2009: 5.9 billionWashington Post: Disney Buys Into Hulu. YouTube Should Be Worried (April 30, 2009)
  15. Disney bought a 27% stake in HuluWashington Post: Disney Buys Into Hulu. YouTube Should Be Worried (April 30, 2009)

• Overview

  Hulu features popular television shows as well as movies for online viewing. In addition, Hulu also has stepped up to the plate with live broadcasts of special events, such as the presidential inauguration. During other holiday seasons such as Halloween and Christmas Hulu featured movies that fell into the category of genre for that specific holiday. While there is plenty of content available on the site, most content appears to rotate over time, unless it is a popular clip from a movie or show.

• TV.com Breakup

  In February 2009 Hulu announced they would no longer supply video for TV.com as well as Boxee. Citing pressure from content producers, all support for those two users of Hulu content was scheduled to end on February 20, 2009.Hulu Blog: Doing hard things (February 18, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  NBC | News Corp. | YouTube | Time Best Inventions | YouTube Live | YouTube Widescreen HD | Hulu Super Bowl Ad | The Walt Disney Company | How To Download Free Movies

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