Cablevision is calling "world's first" by signing a deal with Hulu to bring the streaming service's TV and movie programming to Cablevision's Optimum customers. Cablevision did not provide pricing or availability in its announcement, but instead stated that the info would be made public soon.
Kristin Dolan, chief operating officer of Cablevision, acknowledged that there is a new generation of consumers who get their video through the Internet. The popularity of Hulu is a good example, as it provides movies and the current seasons of popular TV shows. Unlike Netflix, new episodes typically show up on Hulu one day after they're aired on TV.
"At Hulu we believe users should have the ability to consume their favorite content, when, where and how they want," said Tim Connolly, senior vice president, distribution, Hulu. "Even with the rapid growth in streaming, there is a huge audience that consumes television through their cable provider, and we want to be there for them too."
Although Hulu does provide some free content, customers wanting access to current seasons must shell out $7.99 per month. Compared to a monthly cable subscription, Hulu "Plus" is rather inexpensive. Networks that provide content on Hulu include ABC, NBC, Fox, The CW, Cartoon Network, TNT and more. Hulu even serves up its own original programming such as Deadbeat and Behind The Mask.
Hulu launched back in 2008 and is owned by NBCUniversal, the Walt Disney Company and 21st Century Fox. Subscribers have access to the content using devices like third-party set-top-boxes, game consoles, smartphones, tablets and PCs. Despite the subscription model, customers still must endure commercials, although not quite as many as seen on network TV.
Hulu's new partner, Cablevision, is the nation's sixth largest broadband provider in the United States. According to the company, over 13.1 million people subscribe to its broadband service in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. All four states see a max broadband speed of 100 Mbps or more.
Back in March, Cablevision was one of the first cable providers to agree in offering HBO's standalone streaming service, HBO Now. This service, launched earlier this month, caters to the Optimum Online customers and provides instant access to HBO programming. Customers can get their hands on every Game of Thrones episode in addition to other original content and movies.
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