Hulu opens up HD preview, more to come?

Just eight days after we pondered the future of HD content over the web, Hulu has stepped up to the plate to move things in the right direction. The streaming video site has recently announced the opening of an HD Gallery, which houses a small collection of 1,280 x 720 resolution files. Granted, the requirements for actually playing these files are quite high -- an internet connection exceeding 2,400Kbps, the latest build of Adobe Flash Player 9 and a wicked fast computer -- but at least the option is there for those with the requisite gear. Apparently, the files are being compressed via H.264, and while we're not told what other high-definition content is planned for the future, we'll be keeping our browsers tuned in to find out.

[Via CNET]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 8:29PM]

Flash developers worldwide are stoked on the new support for H.264. Adobe also announced a new version of Flash Media Server which supports the streaming (as opposed to progressive download) of H.264 content. Good news for Flash video!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 4:20PM]

While still not as handy as Usenet, Hulu is slowly seducing me against my will. If only Mac support were added, I may actually become a regular user.

Now let's see how this sucker runs under Parallels...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 6:13PM]

What part of Hulu does not support Macs? I access the site as a beta tester with my MBP, and have not run into any problems, even with Safari.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 4:55PM]

(finally)

Hulu has been plagued by low resolution since its inception. The added resolution is always nice. I just tested it out and it works flawlessly on my 16000 kbps comcast pipe. Now they just have to work on getting all of the actual content to 720p, because as of right now its just 10 short worthless clips that have the added resolution. Not a single episode of any show has this feature. Weak.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 9th 2007 3:21AM]

We'll see. After that crap with iTunes, I certainly don't trust Hulu/NBC at all. I have absolutely NO REASON too. They are going to have to work VERY hard to earn my money. All they've manage to impress me with so far is a lot of smack-talk, back stabbing and lies. No actually programming.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 6:23PM]

TUAW steered me wrong. Thanks for the correction.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 9th 2007 12:12AM]

R.I.P
HD-DVD
2006 - Jan 7TH 2008

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2008 12:00AM]

I recently did a review of Hulu over at HighbridNation.com. Overall I'm pleased though. However somethings could be better. Like can I get more than one of the 19 seasons of Simpsons please?