Hulu is reportedly gearing up for its pay subscription service, as well as making its content available to iPad and Microsoft Xbox users.
Microsoft’s Xbox features streaming content from Netflix.
News Corp., Walt Disney Co. and General Electric’s NBC Universal jointly own Hulu, but Comcast could become an owner if its merger with NBC Universal goes through.
Hulu has traditionally relied on its ad-supported model for revenue, but rumors of a subscription service have been swirling since late last year.
Reuters, citing unidentified sources, said Hulu would still allow access to some new episodes like Fox’s “Glee” free of charge, but it will institute a monthly subscription charge for older episodes and additional content.
The over-the-top (OTT) competition is heating up for streaming Internet video, but in addition to finding revenue streams, the OTT players face stiff competition from broadcasters’ Web portals and cable’s TV Everywhere offerings.
