"Hulu Plus" Review for iPad

The iPad is slowly but surely expanding its TV and movie-viewing capabilities. Last month, it received a “Netflix” app, enabling users to download movies from their Instant Queue to watch however they pleased. This past week, Hulu LLC introduced its own program with “Hulu Plus,” a more specific edition of its free online program-watching service.

“Hulu Plus ” isn’t just a modified version of Hulu.com, it’s a digital viewing service that includes current shows from Fox, NBC and ABC, along with archived programs.

These include such popular shows as “Family Guy,” “30 Rock,” “The Office,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and everyone’s favorite sing-along show about kids, “Glee.” In addition, archived seasons of additional shows and movies are also available, including “24,” “Heroes” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” among others.

The app itself is free to download, and you’ll receive a sampler gallery, showing you some of the quick clips and programs available on the service. To receive access to the entire network, you’ll need to sign up for an invite and subscription, which will run you $9.99 per month. That’s a small price to pay for such a vast amount of programming, but there are some quirks you’ll run into.

First off, the maximum viewing angle you can take your programs to is 720p. Granted, the iPad can’t really go beyond that , but some of the higher intensity shows, like “24” for instance, are harder to see unless you turn your iPad on its side. That’s really the best way to watch anyway, so no big deal there.

The real problem, and this is quite evident in the app’s review section, is the inclusion of commercials. Before each program starts, you’ll get a brief message or commercial showcasing one of Hulu’s multiple advertisers. The big problem here is that you’re paying $9.99 for a premium service, so why would you need to put up with additional advertising? Doesn’t buying a membership constitute getting rid of these? Many people seem to think so. Us? Well, aside from running into an occasional ad that runs twice, we don’t find it to be too big a deal. Besides, the app’s still within its first few days, so chances are Hulu will make changes where necessary.

“Hulu Plus” is exceptionally easy to use. Simply choose your program from one of the well-organized menu and set up your iPad in a spot with a strong Wi-fi signal. You can slide your finger along the running-time bar on the screen to skip right to the good parts, or rewind to something you might have missed the first time around. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it is very user-friendly.

Those who trash “Hulu Plus” before realizing its true potential are missing out on what it’ll provide over the next few months. Yes, you’re still getting ads despite paying the premium price. Yes, certain programs are missing from the likes of CBS. But for a starter program, it’s pretty good, and there’s enough here to keep you entertained for weeks, perhaps even months at a time. And Hulu hasn’t even added the thick of its programming yet.

Price: Free to download, $9.99 monthly

File Size: 4.7 MB

Developer: Hulu LLC

Platform: iPad (also available for iPhone)

iPadNewsDaily Rating (out of 4): ★★★

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