Hulu announces paid video-subscription service

Hulu Inc. on Tuesday announced a new paid subscription service for watching TV shows across computers, mobile devices and televisions, potentially creating a battle with cable-television operators that are planning similar services.

Called Hulu Plus, the offering will initially be available only to invited subscribers, who will have access to every episode of more than 45 current programs from the three media companies that own Hulu, including “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “30 Rock,” the online-video site said.

Shows will still be available to watch free on Hulu.com, an advertising-supported site. But the new service lets subscribers pay for access to additional episodes of current and past shows, along with the ability to watch them on other devices.

General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal, News Corp. and Walt Disney Co. each hold stakes in Hulu.

The service will also offer multiple seasons of older shows, including “Arrested Development” and “Ally McBeal.” The new service will also make Hulu available on subscribers’ portable devices and home television screens through Blu-ray players, internet-connected televisions and video game consoles, Hulu said.

Currently, those devices include Apple Inc.’s iPad, and newer iPhone and iPod touch devices, as well as some televisions and players from Samsung Electronics Co.

In coming months, the service will also be available on Sony Corp.’s PS3 game system, as well as some Sony Blu-ray players and televisions, Hulu said. Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 game console will carry it beginning in early 2011.