Hulu vs. Hulu plus.. and which one to use on Apple TV?

[IlliniDude]

Now that Hulu Plus is available on Apple TV, can someone explain the difference between Hulu (free) and Hulu Plus? Specifically, what is the difference in content? I'm mostly interested in being able to watch current TV seasons.

Also, is it still not possible to watch the free Hulu service on Apple TV? Seems like the new channel is just for Hulu Plus. If I understand corrently, the only way to watch free Hulu is through AirPlay on a mac using AirPlay. Any reason we shouldn't expect it to become easier eventually (i.e. no need for a second device)?

Thanks!

 

[outphase]

Hulu usually has only the last 5 episodes of current run seasons. Hulu Plus gives access to the full season and back seasons as well. One of Plus's features is access via TV apps like on the Apple TV.

 

[Bobby.e]

Now that Hulu Plus is available on Apple TV, can someone explain the difference between Hulu (free) and Hulu Plus? Specifically, what is the difference in content? I'm mostly interested in being able to watch current TV seasons.

Also, is it still not possible to watch the free Hulu service on Apple TV? Seems like the new channel is just for Hulu Plus. If I understand corrently, the only way to watch free Hulu is through AirPlay on a mac using AirPlay. Any reason we shouldn't expect it to become easier eventually (i.e. no need for a second device)?

Thanks!

Hulu free only allows you to watch stuff on the computer. It also only gives you a few episodes from shows. If you want to be able to watch Hulu on mobile devices and tv's you need a Plus account.

 

[IlliniDude]

OK, now I get the difference. Thanks to both of you!

 

[MBPnoob]

I like to think of Hulu free as what you would get if you were on a channel's website, such as nbc.com, cw.com, fox.com, etc... only one or two of the most current episodes.

Plus adds the entire back catalogs for several shows. My wife is a Glee'k and the only way to see every episode (and some bonus features) is to use Hulu+. Netflix only has season 1 and 2. Fox.com only has the last episode of season 3.

 

[Ragnar-Kon]

Should note that Hulu is partnership between NBC, ABC, and Fox. What it doesn't have is CBS... and while CBS has appeared on Hulu before, you will probably never see any of the main CBS shows on Hulu.

I personally use Hulu Plus as a replacement for cable TV. I miss out on some cable channels such as Discovery, as well as some notable events like the Olympics and the World Cup.

But most of the main events and shows are on the broadcast channels for free or on Hulu Plus. Add in the fact that not having cable saves me ~$680 a year, and I'm a happy camper.

 

[tbayrgs]

Hulu free only allows you to watch stuff on the computer. It also only gives you a few episodes from shows. If you want to be able to watch Hulu on mobile devices and tv's you need a Plus account.

But it should also be added that much of the content found on Hulu.com cannot be watched at all on mobile devices or the Apple TV through Hulu+ due to restrictions put in place by the networks. So you will have more episodes available for the shows that can be watched on Hulu+ but many shows viewable on Hulu.com cannot be seen on Hulu+. You'll actually be able to see more shows using AirPlay from your Mac (2011 or newer with Mountain Lion) and you don't need a monthly subscription.

 

[dlegend]

But it should also be added that much of the content found on Hulu.com cannot be watched at all on mobile devices or the Apple TV through Hulu+ due to restrictions put in place by the networks. So you will have more episodes available for the shows that can be watched on Hulu+ but many shows viewable on Hulu.com cannot be seen on Hulu+. You'll actually be able to see more shows using AirPlay from your Mac (2011 or newer with Mountain Lion) and you don't need a monthly subscription.

So Hulu+ has different things available on the Apple TV than it does on the computer?