14 DAY TRIAL // The ad-supported on-demand streaming video service Hulu Plus has been added to the Apple TV software, enabling users of the set-top box to access TV shows, movies, trailers, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage from the likes of NBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, Nickelodeon, and numerous other networks and studios.
Initially reported by end-users on forums, the addition of Hulu Plus to Apple’s TV product was made official by Hulu’s own Senior Software Developer, Dallas Mahrt, in a blog post.
“Keeping up with the latest episode of Family Guy, MasterChef and New Girl on Hulu Plus just got a little easier. And my living room just got a whole lot happier. Hulu Plus arrives on Apple TV today,” he said.
Fans of the service are told to simply log in and start using the service once the Hulu Plus icon appears on their widescreen TV. Some users might have to reboot their set-top boxes in order to get the service, reports say.
“To start watching Hulu Plus shows instantly, find ‘Hulu Plus’ on the Apple TV home screen,” writes Mahrt. “If you are a Hulu Plus subscriber, simply enter your username and password to start streaming last night’s episode of Modern Family from the biggest screen in the house.”
Those who don’t have a Hulu Plus account can sign up using one of two methods, each of which granting direct access to all Hulu Plus content on their Apple TV set-top box.
Customers can navigate to www.huluplus.com/appletv and register online using their computer, then launch Hulu Plus on their Apple TV, log in with their new credentials and start streaming.
Even simpler, users can create a Hulu Plus account directly on their Apple TV by using their existing iTunes account and following the on-screen sign-up instructions. iTunes account holders will be billed through Apple’s own digital distribution service.
“If you sign up for Hulu Plus through Apple TV, you will be emailed instructions on how to complete your registration so you can use Hulu Plus on all other supported devices,” adds Mahrt.
Users will see their iTunes account get charged $7.99 per month as a recurring transaction, after their free 1-week trial ends.