Hulu’s live TV streaming service might give DirecTV Now a run for its money

Innovation in the TV space has come a long ways in a remarkably short period of time. Not too long ago, TV viewers keen on enjoying top-notch content that didn’t air on one of the major broadcast networks were effectively forced to sign up for frustratingly expensive cable packages.

In 2017, the TV landscape is markedly different and much more consumer-friendly. Not only can TV lovers get their fix by watching original content from standalone streaming services like Netflix and HBO Now, but we’re starting to see wallet-friendly cable options begin to take shape as well.

Following the roll out of AT&T’s impressively affordable DirecTV Now streaming service, Hulu is also planning to roll out a streaming TV service of its own. While Hulu’s plan to enter the streaming TV space wasn’t exactly a secret, Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins earlier today divulged some interesting new details about the company’s upcoming service.

Set to launch early this year, Hulu’s new streaming service will be competitively priced, with Hopkins noting that an entry-level package will fall somewhere in the $40 range, putting it in direct competition with DirecTV Now. Even better, a Hulu TV subscription will include on-demand offerings and DVR functionality.

FierceCable reports:

Speaking today at the Citi Internet, Media and Telecommunications Conference, Hopkins also confirmed previous reports that CBS had signed up for the service and that Hulu’s live TV will feature cloud DVR service at launch.

The addition of a cloud DVR gives Hulu’s live DVR service an advantage over competitors like DirecTV Now, which does not feature DVR functionality. DirecTV Now also has yet to reach a distribution deal with CBS.

As far as the channel lineup is concerned, the upcoming service will include selections such as ABC, CBC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox News, FX, FXX, National Geographic, TBS, TNT, The Cartoon Network and more.

With the TV space increasingly becoming more and more crowded, Hopkins said that consumers are “going to try each of these out” and that Hulu wants to “provide an experience that’s so great and seamless that [they] decide to stay.”

Also of note is that Hulu is planning to eventually give subscribers the ability to download select content, following in the footsteps of Amazon Prime and Netflix.