Hulu has confirmed that it will launch a live TV subscription plan in 2017. YouTube is similarly rumored to launch a live TV service next year. Prices could start at $35-40 per month.
Live TV comes to the internet
Sony launched PlayStation Vue service in November 2014. With Vue Sony takes existing TV channels and moves them to a streaming-based infrastructure. It was following by the launch of Dish’s Sling TV.
YouTube and Hulu are both working on similar services. YouTube, who has revolutionized how people around the world share and watch video content, is now ready to challenge the incumbents. The company is planning to call the service “Unplugged”.
- “YouTube would charge one subscription for the main bundle, and extra, smaller monthly fees for these theme-based groups” a source told Bloomberg.
Hulu on the other hand sees live TV as an extension of its existing on-demand catalog of content. Hulu’s CEO, Mike Hopkins, confirmed the plans, saying:
- “This means our viewers will be able to enjoy live sports, news and events all in real-time without a traditional cable or satellite subscription. We’re going to fuse the best of linear television and on-demand in a deeply personalized experience optimized for the contemporary, always-connected television fan.”
Hulu confirms that it plans to launch the service in 2017. YouTube is also rumored to launch its live TV bundle in 2017. Prices have not confirmed but are rumored to start at around $35-40 per month.
- Source: Bloomberg, TechCrunch
