Report from the OTT front: Hulu this morning responded to the launch of a new Internet TV Web browser from Hillcrest Labs--Kylo--by apparently blocking the upstart from linking to its online video content.
Business Insider reports that attempts to access online video on Hulu brings up a black screen that reads "Unfortunately, this video is not available on your platform. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Hillcrest Labs introduced Kylo--which brings the Internet to conventional HD TVs through a full-featured browser interface--to the battlefield of over-the-top delivery this morning. Reacting to the problem with Hulu, CEO Dan Simpkins had this to say about the Hulu development:
"We are currently investigating why Hulu videos are not playing within the Kylo browser. Prior to our formal launch, Hulu videos would play within the Kylo browser. Like Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari, the Kylo browser is simply a Web browser, it's our sincere hope that Hulu isn't restricting access."
Shades of the (now ancient) Outer Limits TV series, which began with the lines: "There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission."
Hulu's actions--if they are deliberate--are nothing new. Boxee has long contended that Hulu blocked it from accessing its site in early 2009, with Boxee CEO Avner Ronen even going so far as to say either NBC or Hulu was lying when they denied it was deliberate.
For more:
- see this article
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