YouTube and Hulu Optimize for TV Viewing
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, June 8, 2009 · 
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Online video portals YouTube and Hulu both recently launched alternative platforms, promising a viewing experience where the user can sit back and enjoy video content from the couch rather than the computer chair.
At its core, YouTube XL is a streamlined version of the Web site optimized for the TV screen. It’s still run in the browser, although it has the look and feel of a native application.
The site is designed to be viewed from across the room, and the typical clutter — suggested videos, comments and ads — is absent from this version (although I can’t imagine that advertising is not part of YouTube’s XL’s long-term strategy).
XL will work on nearly any device that has a browser (including Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii) and can connect to the TV. YouTube XL enables bluetooth remotes, and a third-party remote application called a Gmote, which runs on Android mobile phones.
Unlike its competitor, Hulu Desktop, is a separate downloadable application. Hulu is billing the app as “a lean-back viewing for your PC,” available for Mac and Windows PCs, which allows users to navigate the majority of the Hulu library with a simple remote device.
Hulu Desktop is not supported on Linux or on consumer electronic devices, including Wii and PS3. However, it will work with a larger selection of remote devices, including Apple and Windows Media Center remotes. Not surprisingly, Hulu Desktop retains the standard Hulu.com advertising scheme and regularity.
It’s clear that the lines are blurring between the computer with Internet video and the broadcast TV; however, content is still king. YouTube traditionally specializes in user-generated videos while Hulu’s bread and butter comes from Hollywood production houses.
View YouTube XL.
Learn more about Hulu Desktop.
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