Hulu launches paid-for “TV everywhere” service

Hulu has launched a new paid-for subscription service, which will see its content made available on PCs, mobiles and televisions.

Hulu Plus will be available on an invitation-only basis for $9.99 a month.  Viewers who sign up for the service will gain access series of programmes that are no longer on air, as well as episodes from current shows such as 30 Rock and Modern Family.

The new service will see Hulu’s content become available on Apple’s iPad and iPhone for the first time, as well as on home television screens through internet-connected TVs, games consoles and Blu-ray players, according to reports.

The paid-for service will compete with other “TV Everywhere” services, which are currently being planned by cable and satellite broadcasters.  Comcast Corp, which is looking to buy NBC Universal, has already rolled out a similar service, which allows people to view TV content on the web and other devices through a video site.

Hulu Plus is expected to run the same number of ads as the free version of Hulu, and will make new content available in the same time frame – the morning after it airs on TV.

However, the service will offer Hulu’s partners the chance to increase ad revenue as it moves beyond an online-only offering.  Hulu is also looking to partner with media companies to support the launch, confirming that partners will receive a cut of the subscription revenue.

Hulu plans to invite more users as the service develops and is expected to open it up to the general public by autumn.