Hulu rep. responds to my HTML5 inquiry

[aaquib]

Just thought I'd post this here in case there was any interest

Hi,

Thanks for writing.

We're keeping a close watch on video support in HTML5. While as developers we are
always excited about cool new technology, we always analyze it from the
perspective of the needs of our customers: our end users, advertisers, and content
partners. To serve these customers well, we'd love to see further support in HTML5
for features including the following:
- Quality of service monitoring (e.g. detecting playback glitches)
- Advertisement playback and reporting
- Secure content delivery

We look forward to further development of the new standard and will continue to
monitor it closely.

Thanks,

Charles Reeves
Hulu

 

[GermanSuplex]

I was expecting a bit of a stock response: it was, but it was better than I'd thought it would be. Could mean a lot, could mean nothing, but it sounds promising.

 

[IronLogik]

I think it means we won't see native browser support for Hulu because it doesn't have the DRM protection crap you'll find in Flash.

HTML5 won't tell them of playback glitches, it won't let them know you watched a commercial, and it doesn't properly prevent you from copying the video.

That isn't to say that they won't have an actual iPad application that does this however. Just don't expect to see HTML 5 support in the main web version of the site.

It makes sense. Hulu is after all one company that was formed from (3?) big content publishers (nbc, fox, and abc i believe it was). Their sole purpose in life is to make them happy. Can't do that if commercials aren't being viewed and they can't make money on it.

I think if they did it right people wouldn't be so inclined to copy the material. but meh. that's what i get for thinking people can be honest.

 

[Akash.B]

Couldn't they develop and implement security protocols and such into HTML5? Isn't that why HTML5 exists in the first place? To be more usable and diverse than previous iterations?

 

[IronLogik]

Couldn't they develop and implement security protocols and such into HTML5? Isn't that why HTML5 exists in the first place? To be more usable and diverse than previous iterations?

the video tag allows for content to be played in the browser without any plugins. it just works.

so, not that i'm aware of.

 

[str1f3]

I think it means we won't see native browser support for Hulu because it doesn't have the DRM protection crap you'll find in Flash.

HTML5 won't tell them of playback glitches, it won't let them know you watched a commercial, and it doesn't properly prevent you from copying the video.

That isn't to say that they won't have an actual iPad application that does this however. Just don't expect to see HTML 5 support in the main web version of the site.

It makes sense. Hulu is after all one company that was formed from (3?) big content publishers (nbc, fox, and abc i believe it was). Their sole purpose in life is to make them happy. Can't do that if commercials aren't being viewed and they can't make money on it.

I think if they did it right people wouldn't be so inclined to copy the material. but meh. that's what i get for thinking people can be honest.

There could be an iPad specific version like what is rumored from CBS. Since Safari can't download anything on iDevices, it should be less of a concern.

This copy protection nonsense is just a placebo anyway. Anyone who wants to steal content can do so at any time they please. With or without DRM protection.

 

[wingnut8]

Hulu needs to just make an app.

 

[Akash.B]

I'm guessing that Hulu is deciding on how to approach the iPad. If they let content flow through the browser, many iPod touch and iPhone owners would object to be let in on the treat as well. Who knows, let's wait and find out.

 

[racer1441]

This copy protection nonsense is just a placebo anyway. Anyone who wants to steal content can do so at any time they please. With or without DRM protection.

100% correct. It's the digital content folks version of the children. "We have to do X to protect the children!" We have to protect the content from people watching hulu! Oh, ignore all those other avenues that you can use, nothing to see there.

 

[Alchematron]

If it can make them money they will do it

 

[ciaran00]

There could be an iPad specific version like what is rumored from CBS. Since Safari can't download anything on iDevices, it should be less of a concern.

This copy protection nonsense is just a placebo anyway. Anyone who wants to steal content can do so at any time they please. With or without DRM protection.

Obviously you've never heard of Downloader or YourTube. We can download stuff just fine - it's a hole for content providers, if they'd like it protected.

 

[pooryou]

I think it means we won't see native browser support for Hulu because it doesn't have the DRM protection crap you'll find in Flash.

HTML5 won't tell them of playback glitches, it won't let them know you watched a commercial, and it doesn't properly prevent you from copying the video.

That isn't to say that they won't have an actual iPad application that does this however. Just don't expect to see HTML 5 support in the main web version of the site.

Agreed. In other words, OP, if you were really wanting to know about iPad support you unfortunately asked the wrong question....