Cablevision launches Hulu on Optimum TV

US operator Cablevision has integrated Hulu into its Optimum TV service, letting customers access the online streaming service from the interactive programme guide.

Hulu will be available on all current-generation Optimum TV set-top boxes on channel 605. Existing Hulu subscribers will be able to access the service by tuning to the channel and signing into their Hulu account. Customers without a Hulu account can access a free trial before deciding whether to subscribe.

“As Hulu’s first cable distribution partner, Optimum is pleased to also be the first provider to offer the unique ability to access Hulu directly from the program guide,” said Tom Montemagno, Cablevision’s executive vice president of programming.

Tim Connolly, senior vice-president of distribution and strategic partnerships, Hulu, added: “We are thrilled that Optimum customers can now access Hulu’s content library without having to leave their cable TV environment.”

ActiveVideo’s CloudTV StreamCast offering, which enables online video content to be delivered to set-top boxes, is powering the launch of Hulu on Optimum TV.

The news comes after Cablevision agreed last year to distribute Hulu’s catalogue of on-demand content to its Optimum customers.