Does Hulu have it what takes to innovate, and last?

Today Hulu will go live in a Beta release with the aim of showcasing what the two big media companies behind it - Fox & NBCUNI - believe will help to make their respective companies, and content, players in on-line video. While some critics have already labeled it as a failure waiting to happen, and some on-line bloggers even going so far as to call it "clown co." the overall feeling as that it will not be the catalyst that many are hoping for.

Hulu will provide hit shows like Heroes, 24, and The Simpson's, as well as past shows from their large catalog's.

Of course they have many competitors in this area, but they are trying some innovative things to try and differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack.

New media content, and more specifically the interactive experience of on-line content, is what makes viewing videos and being part of burgeoning communities on-line so exciting, so with that I think Hulu is trying some cool stuff.

They will be making things much easier and more interactive with the use of more syndication tools, as well as making it possible for people to select "clips" of various scenes and videos that they can email to friends. This is something that could help Hulu as it looks to stand out as the site progresses.

With so many choices becoming more readily available for consumers looking to enjoy their favourite TV shows in an online environment, the timing of how it is done will be crucial for the long-term viability of the venture.

I think that Hulu is looking a little bit outside of conventional TV shows online with the idea of posting movies for free on-line, but one area that we have not heard a lot on is there plans for original made-for-the-internet videos that can be modelled for all platforms, but its first window is the online platform.

Revenue for the site will come from advertising, with all profits split between the content producer and the platform.

Hulu's business model looks good with solid distribution in place for all platforms, and profits looking positive if the market continues to grow and expand, with the only possible obstacle being future weak streams and the quality of the content.

I feel that Hulu has something with the overall solid packaging of the site, but could use more vision in terms of creating original series for digital and new-emerging platforms, as well as a stronger push towards making more innovative interactive tools.