Just like cheese and ham, Hulu and iPad just kind of go together, after first looking like the tv streaming service wasnt going to happen on iPad, we then heard that Hulu will be on iPad. But like everything, there is always a downside, and that is that the service looks like it wont be free.

Although not absolutely definite yet, the word from inside Hulu is that the freeview current business model may be abandoned while they opt for a subscription-based system instead. The theory being that a charge for  iPad viewers could help keep the existing pc version free by offsetting current losses. They may even make some money and it would keep Hulu on every device known to man.

Apple’s iPad is expected to be a massive success, anything from Apple is sexy and a must have item. It is also a device that has been designed for media consumption in a portable package. The possibility of having embedded advertising in front of millions of iPad users must be appealing to Hulu.

However, there is still the thorny issue of no flash (used to run Hulu) which is not supported on the iPad. But the boffins involved are looking at alternatives such as HTML5 or even apps like YouTube on iPhone uses, this would need major back end engineering at Hulu. They would also need to re-encode all of the Hulu video archives. Then of course is the issue of needing permission from their content providers to transmit streams to a mobile device.

Although we knew that Hulu might charge for its services at some point, this will be a massive dissapointment for everyone expect the beancounters at Hulu. Depending on how much Hulu will charge and how the iPad revenue model will work will ultimately determine if there is an appetite for it. However looking at the iphone model, paying a small fee as you do with apps could work.

Related posts:

1. Is Hulu Coming To iPad?
2. Hulu Coming To iPad At Launch?
3. Hulu Give Biggest Hint That Ipad TV App Is On The Way
4. Hulu Looking To Roll Out Subscription TV on Ipad And Xbox
5. Hulu Looking To Broadcast Streams Straight To Your Television Set