Hulu Plus preview goes live for 'select' PS Plus subscribers

Sony inched closer to its "It only does everything" marketing tagline today by welcoming Hulu Plus to the PlayStation 3 for "select" PlayStation Plus subscribers.

Sony sent word today that the preview of Hulu Plus is now available on the PS3 in the United States, but admission to the appetizer isn't guaranteed or free. PlayStation Plus subscribers, those paying either $18 per three months or a $50 yearly fee, can now download the Hulu Plus app from the PlayStation Store and request an invitation to the preview period. If selected, these individuals will then need to pay the standard $9.99 a month fee for access to Hulu's TV shows and movies.

Sony also today confirmed that Hulu Plus will become available "in the coming months" for all PS3 users, which places it outside of its projected July release window. Xbox 360 gamers are expected to gain access to Hulu in early 2011.

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.

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.

Launched two weeks ago, 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.