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Hulu provides internet users with a source for professional video content. The site is not like YouTube because it does not include user-made videos. Instead, Hulu users can discover television shows, movies and other professionally produced video clips.

Users can search for a specific video or browse the categories, which include television, movies, most popular, recently added, spotlight and recommendations. Lists of popular movies and shows are also provided so the user can discover which videos are currently the most watched. Each video clip includes the name of the episode or film, season details (for television shows), ratings, run time, closed caption information and who created the video. Some Hulu feature are also available on Xbox Live.

Hulu was founded in March of 2007. Based out of Los Angeles, California, the company was held by News Corporation, NBC Universal and Disney. The current Hulu team includes CEO Jason Kilar, CFO/Senior Vice President Tom Fuelling, Senior Vice President and General Counsel Chadwick Ho, Senior Vice President of Advertising Jean-Paul Colaco, Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition and Distribution Andy Forssell and Senior Vice President of International Johannes Larcher.

Hulu has received funding on numerous occasions. The website debuted its official Hulu Plus subscription program on June 29th, 2010.

Hulu works somewhat like YouTube, however it focuses on professionally produced videos. Users can find episodes of their favorite television shows, movies and other content through Hulu. The site is free (unless the user chooses to upgrade) and users can watch the shows they want as soon as they arrive.

The Hulu website presents users with a scrolling banner at the center of the homepage that entices newcomers with images and links to new television shows and movies found on the site. The top, left hand side of the homepage presents the user with category options. Below the header, the user can find recent episodes, popular clips, featured content and a list of their favorite videos. Each video is presented in a large viewer with a few details about it in the upper, left hand corner. Below the viewer, the user can toggle between reviews, discussions, tags, widgets and the main details for the clip. Each clip includes a commercial.

Visitors are not required to create an account to search Hulu and watch movies. Those who frequent the site may want to register by clicking the blue “Sign Up” link in the upper, right hand corner of the website. The sign up form asks the user for an email address, password, first and last name, date of birth, city, state, zip code, gender and desired Hulu URL. The user must also check the terms of use and privacy policy agreement box at the bottom of the form to finish registration.

Creating a basic Hulu account does not cost anything. The user can access their account as often as they like for free. The site has added a Hulu Plus option that comes with a seven day free trial.

The Plus plan costs just under $10 per month and allows the user to watch current television and acclaimed movies. The user can also watch in HD with limited advertising. Hulu Plus is available through game console networks, SmartPhones and connected televisions to give the user more places to watch when they subscribe.

Hulu is a great resource for anyone who enjoys watching television and movies online. The Plus plan is relatively inexpensive, so a serious viewer might be inclined to subscribe. The website is easy to navigate and presents the user with many popular titles.

• Search for your favorite movies and television shows
• Read and submit ratings and reviews
• Watch for free or subscribe to Hulu Plus
• Tag shows or search for shows by tag
• Check out popular movies and shows

Hulu video

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