An announcement by Sony on Wednesday revealed that a limited number of PlayStation Plus subscribers in the US will immediately gain access to a preview version of Hulu Plus.
Hulu Plus allows users to view full seasons of network television shows streaming over an internet connection. Much like Hulu.com, it will be supported by advertisements. While Hulu.com is free, a monthly subscription fee will be required to access the wider selection of programming available on Hulu Plus.
PlayStation Plus Subscribers who would like to take part in the preview can download a free application to their PS3 and request an invitation. The cost to receive the Hulu Plus service is $9.99 per month.
A wider rollout of Hulu Plus is expected over the next few months. Hulu has officially stated that a PlayStation Plus Subscription will not be required to use the service once the preview period is over.
Sony Computer Entertainment Chairman, Jack Treton, stifled rumors that Hulu Plus would arrive on the Xbox 360 anytime soon. “We are delighted to offer the Hulu Plus preview starting today on PlayStation 3 and that PlayStation 3 will be the only console to offer Hulu Plus in 2010,” Treton said. “The combination of Hulu’s premium video library and PlayStation®Network’s expanding game and video catalogue further cements PlayStation 3 as the industry’s best entertainment device for all of your content experiences from games, TV shows and movies to live sports, original content and 3D.”
Hulu Plus will also be available on internet-connected Sony stand-alone Blu-ray players and Bravia televisions for the $9.99 per month subscription fee.
