Sony's Response to Hulu Malfunction and PS3 Updates

PC World's Matt Peckham posted an interview with Sony's Director of Network Operations Eric Lempel as he discusses PS3 updates as well as word on Hulu's mysterious malfunction on PS3 browsers.

When asked why the video service is not working properly on the console, Lempel simply iterated that he and the rest of Sony have no idea:

Last week we stared hearing that, and we've tested it out here, and it does seem you can't access Hulu. You can access the site, but when you go to play a video, you get an error message. We're not quite sure why that is. If I speculate I might guess it's because they refined their list of supported browsers and we were a victim, or maybe they're intentionally blocking the PS3, but right now it doesn't work, and you'd really have to talk to Hulu about why that is. We have an open browser, there's a ton of sites that do work, and it's compatible with other video streaming sites like YouTube and music streaming sites, so. But it's true, Hulu's not working right now and I'm not really sure why.

Lempel also comment on the possibility of allowing universal chat - which would include voice chatting outside of games - in an upcoming update:

Yeah, definitely, we realize that a lot of people want that. It's one of the most requested features, and it is something we're looking into. It's a very complex feature, but we are looking into it.

He also teased a new update this year which will attract consumers but would not verify rumors:

You'll definitely see another firmware update this year, but it won't be like what the rumors say. We're working on some consumer features that consumers will definitely like, but it's nothing like what you're reading about, and at this time I don't want to confirm any of those features because they're not completely locked down yet. We're looking pretty good, and timing is a little rough, but just in terms of that rumor, it's not the case.

Until the Hulu issue is resolved, VGF still urges upset PS3 owners to boycott viewing any content on Hulu.com.

Hulu.com Malfunctions for PS3 Owners

It is no secret that the built-in internet browser on the Playstation 3 is unstable causing frequent crashes, even on tame sites like YouTube.

1up.com reported yesterday that PS3 users are being frustrated again when the popular TV, movie, and video media site Hulu.com met PS3 owners with a nasty message reading:

"Unfortunately, this video is not available on your platform. We apologize for any inconvenience."

This comes despite the fact that PS3 owners have enjoyed the video service ever since its launch in 2007.

Engadet.com has determined that it is likely that the change has been made specifically to block video streaming to the Playstation 3.

This could possibly be a devastating move for Hulu.com since its revenue is generated by advertisements coupled with video streams.

By eliminating the PS3 user base, they would limit the number of hits the site will receive and reduce their advertising revenue.

However, it is likely that Hulu is simply updating its service to better accommodate the PS3 browser since videos will occasionally malfunction on the PS3 brower which not only affected the site's videos, but advertisements as well.

If the advertisements don't play, Hulu doesn't get paid.

This all comes days after Sony releases update 2.80 for the PS3 which allows users to text chat with friends in-game among other minor updates.

It is possible that Sony made its own browser incompatible with Hulu, but that would be unwise as well since the beauty of the PS3's browser is that it makes the PS3 a more multimedia based plateform.

Nevertheless, I suggest a full boycott on Hulu.com until the matter is resolved.