PlayStation Plus not a requirement for Hulu Plus

In the past few weeks, Hulu's incorporation with the PlayStation 3 has traveled from a unconfirmed report to a done deal. Particulars have slowly scampered out from the recesses of the deal, but today, the streaming media giant confirmed that Hulu Plus will not require a subscription to PlayStation Plus to enjoy the smorgasbord of content.

Last week, Hulu's Web site indicated that a subscription to the PlayStation Network's new premium service would be required to access Hulu's $10-a-month on-demand TV show streaming service through the PS3. However, a statement obtained by GameSpot from Hulu reads "the PlayStation Plus service is only a requirement during the service's preview period." Hulu's full statement can be read below.

"With the launch of Hulu Plus, there have been many rumors started, and we are trying our best to remedy the situation. Specifically to your question, the PlayStation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period. Once the preview period ends, you should be able to download the Hulu Plus app, but that will still require the Hulu Plus subscription."

As of press time, Sony has not responded to GameSpot's request for clarification or comment.

Hulu Plus is not a replacement for the TV show streaming content already available through Web browsers. Subscribers will gain access to full seasons of TV shows currently available through the service, instead of just the five most current episodes. Hulu Plus will also let subscribers access a range of TV shows, including The X-Files, Arrested Development, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Saturday Night Live.

Hulu is currently offering subscription plans to its premium service in limited quantities, and interested parties can apply for an invitation through the company's Web site.

Launched last week, PlayStation Plus supplements the free version of the PlayStation Network and offers users free games, early demos, beta invites, discounts, free themes, and avatars. The premium service costs $50 annually, or $18 for a three-month subscription. The first month's offerings include a free copy of the downloadable racer Wipeout HD, two PSP mini games, and a handful of premium avatars.