Hulu + Live TV

When considering a subscription to Hulu + Live TV, a consumer will want to know a variety of details to ensure it’s the right fit for their entertainment needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything a consumer would want to know before purchasing Hulu + Live TV:

1. Pricing and Plans

• Base Plan (With Ads):
• Ad-Free Plan:
  • The ad-free option removes ads from most content, but some live content and certain shows will still have ads.
• Add-ons: Hulu offers add-ons such as:
  • Enhanced Cloud DVR: for an additional fee -month for 200 hours of DVR storage.
  • Unlimited Screens: for an additional fee – streaming on unlimited devices in your home.
  • HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz: You can subscribe to these premium channels for an additional fee.

2. Content Availability

• Live TV: Hulu + Live TV includes live broadcasts from 85+ channels, which can include:
  • Major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and more.
  • Cable channels: ESPN, HGTV, CNN, TNT, TBS, FX, and others.
  • Regional sports channels: Depending on your location, you may get access to local sports channels.
• On-demand content: Hulu’s library includes thousands of on-demand TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original series.
• Live Sports: Includes live sports channels like ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network.
• News and Entertainment: Access to news channels like CNN, CNBC, and Entertainment channels like Bravo, E!, etc.

3. Streaming Devices and Compatibility

• Hulu + Live TV is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including:
  • Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.)
  • Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast)
  • Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
  • Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
  • Web browsers (PC and Mac)
  • Some set-top boxes
• Hulu also supports streaming on multiple devices at once, though the exact number depends on your plan (the Unlimited Screens add-on allows for more simultaneous streams).

4. User Interface and Experience

• Hulu’s Interface: Generally user-friendly, with a combination of on-demand content, live TV, and DVR recordings.
• Live TV Guide: Hulu + Live TV offers an on-screen guide similar to traditional cable, where you can see what’s currently on and what’s coming up.
• Cloud DVR: With a standard plan, you get 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage, and with an upgrade, you get 200 hours. This allows users to record live shows, movies, and sports events.
• On-demand content: Viewers can access full seasons of many shows, movies, and exclusive content in Hulu’s library.

5. Live TV Features

• Channel Package: The base plan includes access to 85+ live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment.
• Local Channels: Availability of local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS depends on your location. This is important for viewers who want to watch live broadcasts of local events, news, and sports.
• Sports: If you’re a sports fan, Hulu + Live TV covers a wide array of live sporting events, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, golf, tennis, and more.
• Video Quality: Hulu streams in 720p or 1080p, depending on the device and internet speed. However, the service doesn’t offer 4K streaming for most content, although a few shows and movies may be available in 4K.
• Skip Ads on Live TV: Hulu offers a “skip ads” feature on certain live broadcasts, though it’s limited.

6. Cloud DVR

• Recording: Hulu + Live TV allows users to record live shows, movies, and sports events for later viewing.
• Storage: The base plan comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR, while the upgraded plan gives you 200 hours. This makes it easy to store and access your favorite content.
• Expiration of Recordings: Recorded content is stored for 9 months, but after that, it expires. This is something to consider if you want to keep older recordings long-term.

7. Hulu Originals and Exclusive Content

• Hulu Originals: Hulu boasts an impressive collection of original content, such as:
  • The Handmaid’s Tale
  • Only Murders in the Building
  • The Bear
• Exclusive programming is a strong selling point if you’re into unique series and movies not available on other platforms.
• Network Programming: Hulu often gets current episodes of popular shows like The Bachelor or Grey’s Anatomy soon after airing, which can be attractive to those who don’t want to watch live.

8. Regional Availability and Restrictions

• Hulu + Live TV is only available in the U.S. and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Channel availability may vary by region due to licensing and broadcast agreements, so it’s a good idea to check whether local sports channels or other regional channels are available in your area.

9. Internet Speed and Requirements

• To enjoy Hulu + Live TV smoothly, you need a stable internet connection:
  • Recommended speed: At least 8 Mbps for live TV streaming, and 16 Mbps or higher for streaming in 4K or on multiple devices simultaneously.
• Without enough bandwidth, you may experience buffering or degraded video quality.

10. Account Management and Profiles

• Hulu + Live TV allows you to create multiple user profiles, which can be helpful for households with multiple people who want personalized recommendations.
• You can also create child profiles that filter out adult content, making it family-friendly.

11. Cancellation and Flexibility

• Hulu + Live TV does not lock users into a long-term contract. You can cancel or modify your plan anytime, and it’s often prorated if you cancel mid-billing cycle.
• Hulu also offers a 7-day free trial for new customers to test the service before committing to a subscription.

12. Customer Support

• Hulu offers customer support through live chat, phone support, and an extensive help center.
• There are also troubleshooting guides for common issues like streaming problems or device compatibility.

13. Comparison with Other Streaming Services

• Versus YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers a similar package with more channels, but at a higher price. Hulu’s advantage is the integration of its on-demand library and exclusive Hulu Originals.
• Versus Sling TV: Sling TV is more customizable and lower-priced, but it doesn’t have as many channels or the same level of on-demand content as Hulu.
• Versus Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime: Hulu + Live TV offers a live TV experience, while Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime focus on on-demand content. Hulu can be a more comprehensive option for people looking to cut the cord from cable.

Final Thoughts

Hulu + Live TV is a solid choice for cord-cutters who want both on-demand content and live TV streaming in one service. It’s particularly attractive if you’re into Hulu Originals, live sports, and keeping up with your favorite TV shows. However, it’s more expensive than other streaming services, and the experience can be slightly hindered by ads (unless you go for the ad-free plan). Always consider your specific channel preferences, whether you need a cloud DVR, and whether you’re okay with the streaming quality limitations before subscribing.