Hulu Desktop Lets You Watch TV Online Without The Browser

huludesktopthumbHulu – the mega-popular TV and movie streaming site backed by NBC, Fox, and others – has just launched a desktop application for both Windows and Mac that allows you to stream all Hulu content on your PC.

Hulu Desktop adds support for Windows Media Center and Apple remotes, which will allow you to treat your PC as an entertainment center.  Like the Hulu website, Hulu Desktop requires Adobe Flash to be installed – however, the application is written natively for Windows and Apple so no other software is required.

One of the biggest benefits Hulu Desktop provides is the ability to turn your TV-connected computer into a replacement for cable TV.  Hulu broadcasts many mainstream TV shows about a day after they air, and by hooking your computer to a TV you’ll be able to watch them just like you would if you were paying for cable.

Hulu Desktop is currently in beta and is a part of Hulu’s newly-launched Labs site.  Even if you don’t have your computer connected to a TV, Hulu Desktop still provides an improved viewing experience without having to rely on your web browser.  For an overview of the software, check out the video below:

Hulu Desktop is a free download for Windows and Mac. [Download: Windows or Mac]

System Requirements:

PC

  • Intel Pentium Core Duo 1.8GHz (or equivalent)
  • At least 2.0 GB RAM
  • 2 Mbps Internet connection or greater
  • Flash 9.0.124

Mac

  • Intel Pentium Core Duo 2.4GHz (or equivalent)
  • At least 2.0 GB RAM
  • Mac OS v10.4 (Tiger) or later
  • 2 Mbps Internet connection or greater
  • Flash 9.0.124

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Comments

6 responses to “Hulu Desktop Lets You Watch TV Online Without The Browser”

  1. scotsab Avatar
    scotsab

    Now the next trick is to get cable providers to realize that if they want to be competitive against new services such as this they need to lower their high priced cable packages.

  2. scotsab Avatar
    scotsab

    Now the next trick is to get cable providers to realize that if they want to be competitive against new services such as this they need to lower their high priced cable packages.

  3. mmre Avatar
    mmre

    Free streaming TV for all you lucky couch potatoes down south?? I'm envious! What about us poor northerners? Can anyone help me access Hulu in Canada?

    1. Evan Wondrasek Avatar
      Evan Wondrasek

      It's funny you mention that, the editors of this site are from North Dakota (aka "almost Canada") and my own hometown is about 20 miles from the North Dakota/Manitoba border.

      Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there are any simple methods of accessing Hulu outside of the United States until copyright laws can be changed. Hulu identifies your computer by its IP address which is a fairly thorough method of locking you out.

      Here's one method you can try to access Hulu, it involves setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and isn't the easiest thing to do: http://jamesgolick.com/2009/5/24/how-to-watch-hul…

      Otherwise, you're pretty much limited to using alternative video sources, some of which are listed here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Hulu-Canada

      Here's to hoping for copyright reform!

  4. mmre Avatar
    mmre

    Free streaming TV for all you lucky couch potatoes down south?? I'm envious! What about us poor northerners? Can anyone help me access Hulu in Canada?

    1. Evan Wondrasek Avatar
      Evan Wondrasek

      It's funny you mention that, the editors of this site are from North Dakota (aka "almost Canada") and my own hometown is about 20 miles from the North Dakota/Manitoba border.

      Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there are any simple methods of accessing Hulu outside of the United States until copyright laws can be changed. Hulu identifies your computer by its IP address which is a fairly thorough method of locking you out.

      Here's one method you can try to access Hulu, it involves setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and isn't the easiest thing to do: http://jamesgolick.com/2009/5/24/how-to-watch-hul…

      Otherwise, you're pretty much limited to using alternative video sources, some of which are listed here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Hulu-Canada

      Here's to hoping for copyright reform!

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