socialmedian: Hulu: Ugly Duckling No More

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Hulu: Ugly Duckling No More

Source: ReadWriteWeb

Oct 30, 2008

Summary

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Hulu - the joint online video venture between NBC Universal and News Corp. - began streaming content. It's initial reception, after months of anticipation and a good helping of ridicule, was less than warm. Old media companies trying to take on YouTube? Were they serious?

Clearly, they were. Fast forward to today - a year after the company released its private beta - and you'll hear a completely different story about Hulu. How did we get here? Let's take a look back at Hulu's first year.

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Inauspicious Beginnings

News of the yet-unnamed Hulu began attracting attention in March of 2007 as the stealth project that proposed to bring two competing traditional media companies together to compete against the threat of new media. And things got even more interesting as they partnered with AOL, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo! as initial distribution partners.

In June 2007, without a product or a name, Hulu was once again in the news as they announced the appointment of Jason Kilar - a seasoned Amazon.com veteran - as the CEO

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Comments (14)

Jasongoldberg,

Oct 30, 2008

Hulu is one of those products that has out performed expectations -- a rare big web win for "old media" too.

Rpetty,

Oct 30, 2008

great content and nothing to install! Just wish it was easier to get it on my bigscreen.

Jasongoldberg,

Oct 30, 2008

@rpetty the aha for me was watching hulu on american airlines wifi from jfk to sfo a month ago.

Jester,

Oct 30, 2008

Hulu is going to allow me to drop my local cable provider and just watch the network TV shows online. Welcome to the future!

Blanc11,

Oct 30, 2008

I like Hulu, but my college's network is so incredibly slow, it makes it impossible to watch.Some content from other networks would also be nice.

Hklarsen,

Oct 31, 2008

to bad its only available in u.s.a, hopefully that will change because its a success.

Tylerrobbins,

Oct 31, 2008

@hklarsen Another draw back is that no matter how awesome a video site becomes, it is still on our computer not on our TV. I have hooked up my computer to my TV to watch Hulu. It looks fine, however most people are unable to do this due to house lay out or technical knowledge.

Theinfamousgdub,

Oct 31, 2008

I simply LOVE Hulu.

Skrads,

Nov 01, 2008

Hulu works well because of its target audience's modern life style. It's perfect for the person on the move with a notebook as the place for work, communication and now entertainment on demand. Old media delivered to 21st century life style. The notebook is the new TV!

Ezaviar,

Nov 01, 2008

I agree, Hulu has come a long way. They have a long way before they are perfect but they are definitely on the right track!

Mnahtyga,

Nov 01, 2008

Watch 10 to 15 shows a week on Hulu. What a Great Service -- Marty

Larryhudson,

Nov 02, 2008

I want Hulu in Australia :-(

Mugzy,

Nov 03, 2008

Since Hulu, I watch most of my NBC and Fox shows online, besides online specials. With videos in HD and amazing streaming speeds, I think Hulu is here to stay. Infact these days I wonder why YouTube doesn't have HD quality videos for most cases!