Hulu.com, online TV leader is turning to be an international brand with its first ever expansion which it has routed for. Japanese market would be the first international expansion. Hulu.com has taken Hulu Plus premium subscription service to such a market which would be more than just lucrative. Hulu.com has already given the users here an option to make use of the multiscreen service by signing up. This service would be for each and every source such as mobile devices, tablets, TVs and PCs. However the online TV leader has not made any announcement for the pricing on a monthly basis. Hulu has timed this expansion perfectly when Netflix, its rival was trying to spread its arms by entering the Europe and Latin America territory.
Senior vice president in charge of international business at Hulu, Johannes Larcher blogged that Japan is not the only place where Hulu is entering, but many more expansions would follow soon. He even noted that this first, has been a step towards realizing their vision which is however a significant step too. Larcher explained the reason even for choosing Japan as its first overseas expansion project. He noted that Japan has a good combination of strong consumer interest, smartphone and other Internet-connected device ubiquity and extensive broadband penetration. Hulu would however not only just expand its leadership to Japan with its subscription service, but it is even working to design a “high-value product specifically tailored for Japanese customers.”
Talking about the cost of the content rights, it is on the rise. ARPUs are rigid, but one can only say that the advertising industry is an emerging revenue stream. This is an additional pressure on these online video powerhouses, who now have to keep the competition at cut-throat level. Netflix and Hulu are still struggling to get their position firm. However, getting things in the right market with the accurate infrastructure would be a golden opportunity for these online TV competitors to improve their market. Another popular name in this industry is Disney, who has passed on an intimation that its new programming would be barred with the pay restriction. This would allow only the IPTV, satellite and cable subscribers to sign and to view these new shows. Bob Iger, Disney chief said that they would restrict access to the new shows, until and unless the authentication of the customer is with cable or satellite TV subscriber.
However, the Hulu, the online TV leader will even benefit as it enters the Japanese market. Feature films and anime of the Japanese content has been a vital element for Hulu’s content lineup for a long time in the U.S. Larcher further wrote that its new market already is a collection of world-class feature films and TV.
The launch of Hulu in Japanese market is not accurately known, but it is intimated that in the near future it would be launched. Hulu however has their offices set up already in the capital city of Japan. The team here has Japanese employees who are dedicated towards tunning and designing the service. Larcher concluded saying that they are here to stay in Japan and would want to enrich their commitment in Japan for years to come.