Filed under: Internet, Internet Tools, Apple TV
Boxee forced to remove Hulu
So what's going on? Why would Hulu request the removal from a system that not only doesn't omit ads, but gives nothing but positive good will to the Hulu brand? As always, it seems to come down to money, or in this case, "content providers." Apparently big media still doesn't get it. Streaming TV shows over the web -- even in HD -- is apparently just fine, just don't make it easy to access or use on a TV-sized monitor.
Boxee isn't alone in feeling Hulu's wrath. Earlier today, Hulu content was yanked off of TV.com (CBS's TV portal that started offering programming in January). I sort of understand Hulu's position in regards to TV.com -- why give competitors a key to all of your content if you aren't going to get anything in return -- but boxee?
This is just incredibly short-sighted and a total lose for consumers, customers and TV viewers. Just as television networks are making waves in providing free alternatives to torrents (or buying stuff off of iTunes), they do stuff like this that only reinforces old habits.
The even more pathetic situation is that if I hook up my MacBook to my HDTV, using HDMI or DVI, I can still watch Hulu that way. I can even pause and fast forward from the comfort of my couch, if I use a Bluetooth keyboard. This just makes having a central box for all my media THAT much more difficult.
Will this end with boxee? What about the Hulu-capable TVs that debuted at CES? Are those devices somehow exempt?
We'll be following this story as it develops. As the boxee team says, they are committed to getting Hulu back on boxee. We hope something can be worked out soon.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
David Hildreth said 7:34PM on 2-18-2009
They just don't get it.
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Eric said 9:20PM on 2-18-2009
I think they *DO* get it. The problem is probably not the actual content providers, but the backlash they are getting from *affiliates* who believe the TV and all the local ads are their turf.
Once you put it on the TV Boxee is treading too close to comfort for TV stations who's lifeblood is injecting even more ads into your viewing experience.
Stephen.4 said 10:58PM on 2-18-2009
Hulu does have ads in between videos i believe. Any money says that's the reasoning.
eMax said 2:13PM on 2-19-2009
OR, perhaps this is all going to be related to the new iTunes "REPLAY" or whatever its rumored to be called/exist as.
IF The streaming iTunes thing is real, then MAYBE the networks had to force this because Boxxe is technically unofficial, at least on an ATV.
I know this is one hell of a leap here, but it could be related some how....right?
Josh Minzner said 7:40PM on 2-18-2009
I just downloaded Boxee today to watch Hulu. Damn...
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dagamer34 said 7:41PM on 2-18-2009
Back to the torrents!
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Icelander said 9:01AM on 2-19-2009
That seems to be the only way to get the content we want the way we want it. I was more than happy to watch Hulu, with the ads, on my AppleTV.
I feel like I'm standing in a store, holding money at a cashier, asking to take a product home with me, and they're saying "Nope, we won't sell it to you this way. If you want to leave with it today you have to shoplift."
Mike S. said 7:44PM on 2-18-2009
I just hooked up a mac mini to my HDTV so I don't have to worry about this mess anymore. It is the best home theater component that I have. I don't think I could ever go back to having a TV without a computer hooked up to it. It has completely taken over the duties of my Apple TV. I would highly recommend it.
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Frank said 12:05AM on 2-19-2009
yep, we've done the same. it's very nice.
Joey said 7:42AM on 2-19-2009
Oddly enough I just went the other direction on Monday - I built myself a Windows 7 Media Center. I had an Apple TV in my living room as my sole source of television for the past year but it's clear that Apple doesn't want the Apple TV as a TV alternative either. Purchasing TV shows a la carte adds up quickly and my solution of using a Mac + Eye TV + Turbo.264 to DVR HD OTA TV shows and then sync them with the Apple TV has been problematic (out of sync audio, long conversion times, etc.). Plus even when things worked properly I still had to crowd around my computer for live events.
It turns out that Windows 7 Media center is actually a better solution (so far). The UI is surprisingly nice and clean, though a bit overstuffed. I have full DVR capabilities, access to a wider variety of media and via plugins I get iTunes content, Hulu and Netflix all in once place. I'm really impressed.
tcc3 said 9:25AM on 2-19-2009
I've been looking for a hulu Media Center plugin. I thought the Boxee plugin was the answer, but not after this. Where did you find a Hulu plugin?
Joey said 10:00AM on 2-19-2009
"I've been looking for a hulu Media Center plugin. I thought the Boxee plugin was the answer, but not after this. Where did you find a Hulu plugin?"
http://secondrun.tv/
Second Run.TV allows you to view content (more or less) directly within Media Center. It's still in early beta but it's been a great solution so far.
Izzy said 11:53AM on 2-19-2009
I did the same thing. My Mini works great as a Boxee, Hulu, Netflix, whatever player.
jtsnyc47 said 7:45PM on 2-18-2009
Just like the music industry, the networks have let their linear thinking guide them to a totally irrational decision. What does this accomplish? My Apple TV is hacked to run Safari and anyone can connect a Mac Mini and still watch content on a big screen.
I've actually been impressed with Hulu's frank and common-sense response to the premature pulling of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", so there's a possibility that rank stupidity won't win the day. Boxee has done more for Hulu with Apple users than Hulu ever could have done themselves.
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david said 9:28PM on 2-18-2009
These guys are so stupid. Here was a way to ensure the ads were included. As dagamer34 says back to the torrents. They are not going to stop it online content is going to become more ubiquitus (sp?) This is going to happen whether they like it or not, they might as well make it easier for the people that are going to do it so that they have some control over it.
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welchb said 7:49PM on 2-18-2009
> Are those devices somehow exempt?
I suspect that's because those guys have licensed hulu and likely paid some sort of royalty.
Then again, I freely admit I have no actual information on this. Just a guess.
Either way, it doesn't really make much sense. "Let's make sure to not let some people use our service and watch our ads." hurrrr.
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Dorv said 7:49PM on 2-18-2009
I'm so pissed about this that I just find each new post about this news, and just state the following:
This sucks. NBC/Fox or whomever is just:
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
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travis said 7:50PM on 2-18-2009
anyone who is savvy enough to put boxxe on apple tv and watch hulu is also savvy enough to know how to download shows via torrents...
i guess the content providers would rather make no money than some money.
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Dave said 8:18PM on 2-18-2009
+1
Josh said 7:52PM on 2-18-2009
Well, back to Understudy:
http://code.google.com/p/understudy/
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