Hulu Plus subscription service on the way? Reports say iPad trial coming soon

If rumor volume has anything to say about it, Hulu Plus will be up and running as a subscription service for the iPad by the end of the month.

But, rumors about a paid-version of the online video catch-up service have flared before, mostly from leaks to the Los Angeles Times.

This time, however, it's the Wall Street Journal--which is owned by News Corp., one of Hulu's parents, along with NBC Universal and Disney--that's floating the rumor, saying it heard from people who've been briefed on the plan, that Hulu will test the waters with an invitation-only beta. The Journal says Hulu is still finalizing deals with content owners.

In keeping with past rumors, subscribers would pay about $10 for access to more premium content and also would be able to watch Hulu on the Adobe Flash-less iPad, which would be a major coup for Apple.

Of course, there's a caveat... the WSJ says its sources warn the trial could be pushed back a bit unless everything falls into place quickly.

So, another rumor that falls flat? Or does this balloon soar? Stay tuned.

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