Support NeoGAF

[SuperPac]

So I used it a bunch this week as I was traveling, and while I like the service overall, it's got some problems.

- Missing episodes. For instance they have all 6 seasons of LOST but missing a couple episodes here and there (Ep.1 of Season 3 for instance). 30 Rock Season 1's missing a handful of episodes. I'm sure there are more examples.

- On the PS3, the controller doesn't act the way I expect it to - it's not the same or even that similar to playing a DVD/BRD. Start button wasn't pausing, triangle doesn't bring up controls.. start and select don't appear to do anything, actually.

- Volume level on commercials, especially on iPad/PS3 is way too loud. I'm lookin' specifically at the Bud Light party island ad, which, oddly enough also played before an episode of that Ultraman show they have up there...which is for kids, right? Oops.

- The PS3 interface doesn't seem to allow for your TV's overscanning. Some of the interface is off the borders of my TV.

I'm sure they'll get better, but it's not great at the moment. :\

 

[PhoncipleBone]

Ok, my invite finally came. Debating about trying the paid version on iPad. I have asked a lot on here and am unable to find the answers anywhere else, but does the ipad app support video out with the iPad cables? That is what will make me jump in. If I can use it on the iPad and watch it on the tv. (no htpc or ps3. The joys of having an old HDTV)

 

[Dreams-Visions]

It doesn't.

The Hulu Plus launch has to be the biggest disaster ever.

- Non-plus content doesn't work on PS3, iPad, and so on.
- Plus content doesn't work on Hulu Desktop
- Etc. etc. etc.

Just mind-bogglingly awful. I know it's still in Beta, but the service is called Hulu Plus, not Hulu Minus.

wow, disappointing to hear. I was waiting for the first real reviews to come in, so it's unfortunate to see that it's not where it should be. considering the delay in launching the service, I expected a much more refined experience would have been part of the delay.

So I used it a bunch this week as I was traveling, and while I like the service overall, it's got some problems.

- Missing episodes. For instance they have all 6 seasons of LOST but missing a couple episodes here and there (Ep.1 of Season 3 for instance). 30 Rock Season 1's missing a handful of episodes. I'm sure there are more examples.

- On the PS3, the controller doesn't act the way I expect it to - it's not the same or even that similar to playing a DVD/BRD. Start button wasn't pausing, triangle doesn't bring up controls.. start and select don't appear to do anything, actually.

- Volume level on commercials, especially on iPad/PS3 is way too loud. I'm lookin' specifically at the Bud Light party island ad, which, oddly enough also played before an episode of that Ultraman show they have up there...which is for kids, right? Oops.

- The PS3 interface doesn't seem to allow for your TV's overscanning. Some of the interface is off the borders of my TV.

I'm sure they'll get better, but it's not great at the moment. :\

these are the small things that make all the difference. simple attention to detail.

 

[Jayayess1190]

CBS could add content to Hulu Plus, which they would add shows to normal Hulu.

 

[Trent Strong]

It doesn't.

The Hulu Plus launch has to be the biggest disaster ever.

- Non-plus content doesn't work on PS3, iPad, and so on.
- Plus content doesn't work on Hulu Desktop
- Etc. etc. etc.

Just mind-bogglingly awful. I know it's still in Beta, but the service is called Hulu Plus, not Hulu Minus.

Still better than cable, and at least one fifth the cost.

 

[CrayzeeCarl]

Still better than cable, and at least one fifth the cost.

Uh...with like one tenth the content? No thanks.

 

[StoOgE]

I got this today so I could use the iphone app.

It is good, but the content I am getting for the price vs Netflix is absurd.

Once the 360 app is up and running I'll probably find more use for it.

 

[Raistlin]

So I used it a bunch this week as I was traveling, and while I like the service overall, it's got some problems.

- Missing episodes. For instance they have all 6 seasons of LOST but missing a couple episodes here and there (Ep.1 of Season 3 for instance). 30 Rock Season 1's missing a handful of episodes. I'm sure there are more examples.

- On the PS3, the controller doesn't act the way I expect it to - it's not the same or even that similar to playing a DVD/BRD. Start button wasn't pausing, triangle doesn't bring up controls.. start and select don't appear to do anything, actually.

- Volume level on commercials, especially on iPad/PS3 is way too loud. I'm lookin' specifically at the Bud Light party island ad, which, oddly enough also played before an episode of that Ultraman show they have up there...which is for kids, right? Oops.

- The PS3 interface doesn't seem to allow for your TV's overscanning. Some of the interface is off the borders of my TV.

I'm sure they'll get better, but it's not great at the moment. :\

GREAT list - I completely agree. I'll add two more:

- Support for native resolution. Currently everything is output at the XMB resolution. While that would be passable

Spoiler

though not for me

if the scaling was good, it ain't. I'm not sure whether it's there own algorithm or the PS3's (I suspect the former) ... whatever it is, their SD looks like a steaming pile. Netflix does it right.

- Audio outputs as 5-channels. However it is actually only stereo with 3 'dead' channels. The PS3 media player used to do this, but it was fixed long ago. The problem, you typically can't use any matrix processing (DPL / DTS:Neo, etc) with it. In other words, it's stereo no matter what. Again Netflix does it right.




The selectable bitrate is kind of nice. It would be even nicer with some more options. What's weird though, can't it do a test to determine your connection and default to the highest available BW you support? On the preview at least, HD defaults to the 1 Mb/s level ... I've got FiOS :\

 

[Raistlin]

Still better than cable, and at least one fifth the cost.

The last part's right ... the first part is so wrong though. Hopefully some day :\

 

[DaBargainHunta]

Still better than cable, and at least one fifth the cost.

Lulz?

Joke post, right?

Edit: Until the Hulu Plus app for PS3, iPad, etc. isn't fucking gimped, Hulu Plus is more like Hulu Minus and it doesn't even come close to cable. I repeat: The Hulu Plus launch has to be the biggest disaster ever!!!

 

[StoOgE]

One thing I'm having an issue with is the audio dropping out/getting out of sync. Seems like at least once an episode I have to close out of the video and then reopen it. Half the time it picks up where I left off, the other half it starts over at the beginning.

This is all on the iphone.

Once the new season of TV starts up this will be useful. Especially if they can get CBS on board before then.

However, Netflix Streaming > Hulu Plus at this point.

 

[TheExecutive]

People, you have been doing that for YEARS. Cable/satellite.

People want things to improve... no big surprise here.

 

[TheExecutive]

Lulz?

Joke post, right?

Edit: Until the Hulu Plus app for PS3, iPad, etc. isn't fucking gimped, Hulu Plus is more like Hulu Minus and it doesn't even come close to cable. I repeat: The Hulu Plus launch has to be the biggest disaster ever!!!

Easy there shooter. Anyone who pays 60-120 bucks a month on cable and complains about 10 bucks a month for streaming on different devices is nuts. Secondly, Hulu Plus and Netflix is a MUCH NEEDED beginning to A la Carte cable/streaming. Cable TV in its current state needs to go away. I refuse to pay 60 bucks a month for shows and commercials I dont want to watch. I most likely will not get Hulu Plus until they get a number of things figured out and get the service much more diverse than it is now. For now I stick to netflix for my TV fix.

 

[SuperPac]

Lulz?

Joke post, right?

Edit: Until the Hulu Plus app for PS3, iPad, etc. isn't fucking gimped, Hulu Plus is more like Hulu Minus and it doesn't even come close to cable. I repeat: The Hulu Plus launch has to be the biggest disaster ever!!!

I think that's a bit unfair. They've clearly labeled it a Preview and are kind of feeling their way through this as they go. They're not hiding what content is/isn't available to Plus subscribers (even though their catalog has drawbacks like missing episodes).

It took Netflix a little while to get things right too. It's going to take awhile for the content deals to get hammered out. I'm sure for Hulu it was a matter of getting it out there and then building on it.

 

[poppabk]

Easy there shooter. Anyone who pays 60-120 bucks a month on cable and complains about 10 bucks a month for streaming on different devices is nuts. Secondly, Hulu Plus and Netflix is a MUCH NEEDED beginning to A la Carte cable/streaming. Cable TV in its current state needs to go away. I refuse to pay 60 bucks a month for shows and commercials I dont want to watch. I most likely will not get Hulu Plus until they get a number of things figured out and get the service much more diverse than it is now. For now I stick to netflix for my TV fix.

I think his point is that the lack of integration of regular Hulu into Hulu plus means that the plus service is worse than than the free version as it has less overall content.

 

[DaBargainHunta]

Easy there shooter. Anyone who pays 60-120 bucks a month on cable and complains about 10 bucks a month for streaming on different devices is nuts. Secondly, Hulu Plus and Netflix is a MUCH NEEDED beginning to A la Carte cable/streaming. Cable TV in its current state needs to go away. I refuse to pay 60 bucks a month for shows and commercials I dont want to watch. I most likely will not get Hulu Plus until they get a number of things figured out and get the service much more diverse than it is now. For now I stick to netflix for my TV fix.

Did you even read my post? I never once complained about the price of Hulu Plus. I'm actually in agreement with you: WHEN Hulu Plus gets its act together, it will be an amazing value.

However...

I think that's a bit unfair. They've clearly labeled it a Preview and are kind of feeling their way through this as they go. They're not hiding what content is/isn't available to Plus subscribers (even though their catalog has drawbacks like missing episodes).

It took Netflix a little while to get things right too. It's going to take awhile for the content deals to get hammered out. I'm sure for Hulu it was a matter of getting it out there and then building on it.

Not unfair at all. Hulu is trying to have it both ways. It's a Beta/Preview/Whatever, but I'm still paying for it - and paying presumably the same price it'll be once it's no longer a preview - so I have every right to complain about a severely gimped service.

Even the shows they have "full packages" for are missing episodes or even entire seasons (Law & Order SVU, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, etc.). The service is still in Preview/Beta mode, yada yada yada, but they can't even get it right when it comes to the basics they've promised. Come on!

I'm not complaining about the price (see above), but I am complaining that we're paying for a service that's an absolute mess thus far. When the problems get ironed out, Hulu Plus will be a great service. Right now, unfortunately, it's a horrible service.

I think his point is that the lack of integration of regular Hulu into Hulu plus means that the plus service is worse than than the free version as it has less overall content.

Exactly. Thank you!

 

[SuperPac]

Not unfair at all. Hulu is trying to have it both ways. It's a Beta/Preview/Whatever, but I'm still paying for it - and paying presumably the same price it'll be once it's no longer a preview - so I have every right to complain about a severely gimped service.

Definitely. I think that's why they've got feedback links in the apps. Yes you are paying for it but Hulu probably has to shell something out to the content providers even during this beta period and they want you to be used to paying for it. It's already difficult enough to go from free->pay from web to app, but if they made the app free during the preview period they'd already be in a hole. If you're not paying for the preview you get a limited selection of videos so you can still try it right?

Even the shows they have "full packages" for are missing episodes or even entire seasons (Law & Order SVU, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, etc.). The service is still in Preview/Beta mode, yada yada yada, but they can't even get it right when it comes to the basics they've promised. Come on!

I'm guessing that has more to do with the very foggy, shaky, uncertain ground of online streaming rights for TV shows. There's definitely a reason why they're missing episodes and I'm guessing it has to do with the deals what were/weren't made either with music licensors or actors. They need to get it sorted out but I've no doubt they will.

I'm not complaining about the price (see above), but I am complaining that we're paying for a service that's an absolute mess thus far. When the problems get ironed out, Hulu Plus will be a great service. Right now, unfortunately, it's a horrible service.

Then seriously, use their feedback links and tell them so. I've been trying to log every annoyance/complaint I have in their feedback system.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Similar to every thread about music streaming services, we've got a lot of people that just don't understand the relationship Hulu has to maintain with their content providers. Unfortunately they're shackled and have to make stupid decisions to have content to provide at all.

I'm not going to pay for this shit, but I understand why it's shit. Come on guys.

 

[BattleMonkey]

Majority of the content I want from Hulu is all free. Once ALL of hulu is available through plus, then I will gladly sign up.

 

[TheExecutive]

Did you even read my post? I never once complained about the price of Hulu Plus. I'm actually in agreement with you: WHEN Hulu Plus gets its act together, it will be an amazing value.

Actually, I did read your post but the only part that was really a comment on your post was Easy there shooter since you seem to be hyperventilating over this beta.

 

[charlequin]

Similar to every thread about music streaming services, we've got a lot of people that just don't understand the relationship Hulu has to maintain with their content providers.

I don't think it's so much that anyone "doesn't understand" those relationships so much as that the factors playing into said relationships are basically idiotic and no end user can (or should) be assed to care about it. Nobody should be spending their time "understanding" that the streaming service is subpar because media companies are greedy, incompetent, or both.

Hulu is competing with cable, DVD purchases, Netflix, iTunes, and a host of other ways to get access to content, and they're effectively "competing" with torrents as well -- if they can't start from a position of actively taking in user fees and use that to achieve really obvious low-level goals like when offering a popular serial TV show, actually including every episode of it so people can watch it, their entire premise is fucked right at the start.

 

[DaBargainHunta]

I don't think it's so much that anyone "doesn't understand" those relationships so much as that the factors playing into said relationships are basically idiotic and no end user can (or should) be assed to care about it. Nobody should be spending their time "understanding" that the streaming service is subpar because media companies are greedy, incompetent, or both.

Hulu is competing with cable, DVD purchases, Netflix, iTunes, and a host of other ways to get access to content, and they're effectively "competing" with torrents as well -- if they can't start from a position of actively taking in user fees and use that to achieve really obvious low-level goals like when offering a popular serial TV show, actually including every episode of it so people can watch it, their entire premise is fucked right at the start.

Exactly! There are a lot of apologists in this thread who are pointing to the "Preview/Beta" label as if that automatically absolves Hulu of creating a premium service that at least fulfills the bare minimum. Unfortunately, like I said, they can't even get the basics right. Being able to access free content everywhere and having access to full runs of shows as they promised and have advertised (instead of the missing episodes and seasons we're currently getting) should have been priorities on day one. I don't think that's asking too much. Bells and whistles can come later, fine - but those are the very barest of essentials for a service of this type, and Hulu Plus can't even deliver that little.

 

[DJ_Tet]

It's beginning to look like they are really going to screw up this online tv thing.

I'm thinking your best bet might be to keep cable/satellite and just get a slingbox.

 

[Zachack]

I'm not going to pay for this shit, but I understand why it's shit. Come on guys.

I'm at a loss as to why I should feel anything other than somewhat ambivalent animosity towards a company that knowingly provides a poor service/value.

Exactly! There are a lot of apologists in this thread who are pointing to the "Preview/Beta" label as if that automatically absolves Hulu of creating a premium service that at least fulfills the bare minimum.

If Plus is actually in a real beta state (and not a marketing beta) then it is fair to defend the service from the standpoint that it may improve. However, the defense is little more than make-believe unless Hulu actually promotes how they intend to improve outside of a nebulous "more content", or if they had fixed other issues that users were having (but not other issues like regular Hulu not being accessible).

 

[DaBargainHunta]

If Plus is actually in a real beta state (and not a marketing beta) then it is fair to defend the service from the standpoint that it may improve.

The problem is, they're not even delivering what they've advertised for this beta - namely every episode/season for those shows promoted as having such.

 

[Struct09]

In my first month I've watched:

-All of Glee in HD
-The whole last season of Biggest Loser
-Family Guy episodes while I workout

I see people complaining, however I definitely got my $10 worth. They do have a number of technical issues to work out, but I'll be keeping my subscription for the time being. Completely understandable if people don't want to pay to essentially beta test the service, but I'm still digging it.

And good thing I kept that unlimited data plan for my iPhone - I went from averaging 700MB a month to using 6GB this month

 

[Soybean]

And good thing I kept that unlimited data plan for my iPhone - I went from averaging 700MB a month to using 6GB this month

So true.

I'm enjoying watching Arrested Development, and there are some other old series I'd like to catch up on.

The iPhone app is really annoying, though. The queue needs to be hierarchical so I'm not wading through the hundreds of episodes I have saved up. Break it down by show! The inventory of TV shows is also annoying as one giant, slow-to-load list. The player is also buggy, with some episodes not playing back properly (ads jumping in at the wrong time and such). Even though these are all obvious areas of improvement that I'm sure they know about, I'd still like to submit these notes to them and don't see a place to do so other than the generic app store "Report a Problem" button.

Otherwise there is hope, and if the selection gets less shitty I could go long term with it. MacGyver and Duck Tales would help.

 

[SimleuqiR]

In my first month I've watched:

-All of Glee in HD
-The whole last season of Biggest Loser
-Family Guy episodes while I workout

I see people complaining, however I definitely got my $10 worth. They do have a number of technical issues to work out, but I'll be keeping my subscription for the time being. Completely understandable if people don't want to pay to essentially beta test the service, but I'm still digging it.

And good thing I kept that unlimited data plan for my iPhone - I went from averaging 700MB a month to using 6GB this month

I just got my e-mail invite!! Soooo stoked!

I'll see how much I like it via the PS3. I might cut down my cable TV service altogether down the road if I'm happy with the service.

 

[SuperPac]

They just added access to all 8 seasons of Family Guy (including something something dark side, which isn't on Netflix yet). And there was some kind of update to the PS3 preview app, but... I can't tell what's different.

They definitely have to do a better job of using the PS3 controller (or BT remote support at all). So far it uses 4 buttons best i can tell. R1, R2, Square and X. Yeah you can use the directionals as well to scroll through lists but my biggest beef is start button doesn't pause. For some reason hitting R1 pauses. Really mind-boggling how they didn't seem to look at the controls of the regular PS3 video player for this.

 

[Chaplain]

Interesting article from engadget.com about Hulu Plus:

Hulu Plus has 14 percent more content than Hulu, 2,840 percent more Family Guy

 

[Raistlin]

A bigger comparison, including Netflix

Plus definitely has the edge over regular Hulu, but Netflix seems to be the winner other than recent content.

 

[crisdecuba]

A bigger comparison, including Netflix

Plus definitely has the edge over regular Hulu, but Netflix seems to be the winner other than recent content.

Family Guy entry is wrong for Netflix. I can stream several seasons of Family Guy on Netflix.

 

[Zombie James]

Family Guy entry is wrong for Netflix. I can stream several seasons of Family Guy on Netflix.

That chart was made before the Family Guy additions, iirc.

edit: Netflix has all five seasons of Sliders? SLIDERS?! Holy shit, the Canadian launch can't come soon enough.

 

[MedHead]

Plus content doesn't work on Hulu Desktop

I know your post is a month old, but I wanted to add an update that at least for me, Hulu Plus content does show up on Hulu Desktop.

 

[Trent Strong]

A bigger comparison, including Netflix

Plus definitely has the edge over regular Hulu, but Netflix seems to be the winner other than recent content.

Recent content is the whole point of Hulu. Hulu is a replacement for cable, it's not really comparable to Netflix.

 

[Raistlin]

Recent content is the whole point of Hulu. Hulu is a replacement for cable, it's not really comparable to Netflix.

I agree, they're more complementary than most are ready to acknowledge.

However many people would prefer to adopt one and only one for the time being. Since there is a lot of content crossover, it only makes sense to make such a comparison. Suffice it to say, currently Netflix has the more mature library.

 

[tirminyl]

I know your post is a month old, but I wanted to add an update that at least for me, Hulu Plus content does show up on Hulu Desktop.

What about Hulu content showing on Plus? One of the things keeping me away was the complaints about some free Hulu content not being available in Plus. Maybe I will sign up for the month and try it out. I was planning to cancel cable after True Blood ended.

 

[DaBargainHunta]

What about Hulu content showing on Plus? One of the things keeping me away was the complaints about some free Hulu content not being available in Plus. Maybe I will sign up for the month and try it out. I was planning to cancel cable after True Blood ended.

Don't bother. Free content won't show up on the PS3, iPad, iPhone, etc.

Until Hulu fixes that, it's not really a Plus service at all.

Edit: I really want to embrace the service, but it's not ready for prime time yet. Glad they fixed the Hulu Desktop issue though (according to MedHead anyway - I cancelled after the first month, so I can't check myself).

 

[Sobriquet]

Bud Light Party Island. Is this ad relevant to you? No.
Bud Light Party Island. Is this ad relevant to you? No.
Bud Light Party Island. Is this ad relevant to you? No.
Bud Light Party Island. Is this ad relevant to you? No.
Bud Light Party Island. Is this ad relevant to you? No.

Urge to kill... rising

 

[HamPster PamPster]

I read the first and last pages of this thread and didn't see an answer - when is this out officially?

I finished up my Eureka DVDs over the weekend and I wanted to sub to hulu plus so I could watch season 4 (along with other stuff obviously but fuuuu I want Season 4 NOW!!!) and I went to the website to see its still in the invite only phase?

I don't have cable so I'm looking forward to this, hulu on my PS3 will be pretty sweet. Between that and netflix I'm all set. And props to netflix for stepping up their game - Time to rewatch American Dad while I wait for hulu plus

Also, Eureka = fantastic show

 

[GDJustin]

Hulu Plus is next to worthless, but it and Netflix are getting us ever-closer to the complete elimination of Cable TV packages, so I still welcome it.

Eagerly looking forward to the day I can pay $5-10 a month for access to a SINGLE cable TV station that I want, and get rid of my big cable package.


I would get free network TV, and sub to the soccer channel and HBO. And it would be glorious.

 

[SuperPac]

Used Hulu Plus PS3 to watch Parks & Recreation last night and the video was stuttering something fierce, even when I lowered the video settings all the way down. Also keep having the problem where the commercials are way louder than the programming - that's super annoying.

Really needs a lot of work... it's pretty terrible on PS3.

 

[AndyD]

Eagerly looking forward to the day I can pay $5-10 a month for access to a SINGLE cable TV station that I want, and get rid of my big cable package.

Never going to happen as long as channels are owned in groups. Its part of the reason cable can't provide a la carte pricing and packaging.

When someone like NBC negotiates rates they mandate that Comcast also carry their cable channels as a whole, good stuff like USA, TNT as well as weaker channels like gospel channel and so forth. They do not want their channels split up, because they can charge more for a package than for one channel.

The channels I used are an example, but you get the idea.

This is also an article on topic:
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2010/01/25/100125ta_talk_surowiecki

 

[HamPster PamPster]

Lol I should have done more research. They sent me an email saying I could sign up so I did and entered my card number etc...

First thing I do is go to watch Eureka season 4 episode 1 on my touch only to find out that Eureka isn't on the plus service so no episode 1 (and no Eureka at all on my touch) OOPS

Well thats okay, I've been watching Legend of the Legendary Heroes on my PC, I'll just watch the next episode in bed instead... OOPS Funimation isn't on the plus service either

Well that sucks for me but there is still plenty to watch. I watched some American Dad while in bed last night

 

[MikeE21286]

Really needs a lot of work... it's pretty terrible on PS3.

Glad I ended up not subscring to PSN + just so I could have my Hulu Plus access on my PS3 then in the case :lol

 

[sooperkool]

Hulu Plus is next to worthless, but it and Netflix are getting us ever-closer to the complete elimination of Cable TV packages, so I still welcome it.

Eagerly looking forward to the day I can pay $5-10 a month for access to a SINGLE cable TV station that I want, and get rid of my big cable package.


I would get free network TV, and sub to the soccer channel and HBO. And it would be glorious.

I'm not looking to get HP just yet but if ESPN is done right on my 360 then those 3 combined would almost make me ditch cable.

 

[DaBargainHunta]

Hulu Plus is now available for everyone on PSN, not just PSN+ members.

Has Hulu Plus gotten its act together or is it still a giant piece of shit that doesn't allow access to most of the free content on a PS3, iPad, etc.?

 

[tirminyl]

Hulu Plus is now available for everyone on PSN, not just PSN+ members.

Has Hulu Plus gotten its act together or is it still a giant piece of shit that doesn't allow access to most of the free content on a PS3, iPad, etc.?

I guess in that sense it continues to be a giant piece of shit. It doesn't appear that they have worked out any new licensing deals for those shows that are not accessible through H+.

 

[FLEABttn]

The PS3 version is crap and doesn't buffer videos worth a damn. You can manually buffer by pausing the video for 30 seconds or a minute but it won't buffer video after commercial breaks, so you have to do that after each return from commercials.

 

[oatmeal]

I really want to drop my cable service, it's too expensive and I just DVR most shows anyway.

What's the best solution for someone like me that wants to watch new shows either the day of or the next day after airing?