The tv does not have a browser built in so you can't just surf the web and watch whatever. You can connect the tv to the pc by hdmi and then watch whatever is on your pc. Or you can do the chromecast solution and mirror your pc screen that way. Either way, your pc is actually on the web and your tv is just a monitor for it.
Hulu is one of the best ways to find legal HD movies and TV shows online. You can use the website on your computer or the mobile device for Hulu on the go, but there's a little extra step you have to take in order to watch Hulu on your TV.
There are a few methods for putting Hulu videos on your TV, and the one you choose depends on how you want to do it. The first is through the mobile app or website, another is with a smart HDTV, and the third and most complicated option is to hook up a computer to the TV.
This information applies to televisions from a variety of manufacturers including, but not limited to, those made by LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Vizio.
Watch Hulu With a Casting Device
A casting device or set-top box might include any device you can plug into the HDMI port on your HDTV, like a Google Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. These hardware devices either let you 'throw' or cast videos on your TV or they include a built-in app that you can browse through directly from your TV screen.
For instance, both the mobile app and the desktop version of Hulu let you tap or click the Chromecast button to instantly put the video you're watching directly onto your HDTV.
If you're using a Roku or Apple TV, you can add the Hulu channel to your device to watch Hulu videos on your high-def TV. The same is true for the Amazon Fire TV Hulu app.
Watch Hulu From a Gaming Console
Hulu has apps for a variety of current and previous generation gaming consoles. You can watch Hulu with Live TV or Hulu On-Demand on Microsoft's Xbox 360 or
Xbox One, while you can use Nintendo's Switch and Wii U as well as Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 to watch Hulu On-Demand.
Xbox One, while you can use Nintendo's Switch and Wii U as well as Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 to watch Hulu On-Demand.
Simply download the Hulu app from the respective game/app stores on any of these consoles, then sign in with your Hulu account to start watching.
Watch Hulu From a Smart HDTV
Some televisions have applications built right into the TV's hard drive. If your TV already has Hulu, you can just login to your account to watch movies and shows in no time. If not, you can usually download a small, free app to make it work.
Smart TVs might come with a browser for surfing the web but if you want videos from Hulu (or YouTube, Netflix, etc.), it's best to use the dedicated app. They normally have a special remote that lets you access a hub of some sort in order to get to the apps section.
You might have to connect your Hulu account to your smart TV with an activation code:
- Log in to Hulu from the HDTV application.
- Write down the activation code that's shown on the screen.
- From a computer, visit Hulu's Active Your Device page and log in if asked.
- Enter the activation code shown on your TV and then click Activate.
- The HDTV should automatically log in to your Hulu account within 30 seconds
Connect a Laptop to Your HDTV
The third option you have for watching Hulu videos on your TV is the old fashioned way, which is to plug a desktop or laptop computer directly into a video input port on the TV.
Most new HDTVs include HDMI ports, which means you have to have an HDMI cable and an HDMI output port on your laptop or desktop. However, almost all TVs have a VGA port for using the TV as a monitor for your laptop. This setup lets you watch anything on your TV, including Hulu.
However, the technical side of this method is a bit different for different folks. For example, if your laptop only has a DVI or VGA port and your HDTV just accepts HDMI cables, you have to buy a DVI or VGA converter that can utilize the HDMI port on the TV.
If you're not using an HDMI cable (which includes both video and audio), you need an adapter that will plug into your speaker port and split it into the audio component cable. A 3.5mm to RCA cable will do the trick.
Note: Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Hulu's live TV streaming service is available to subscribers inside the compatible app. It is not entirely unlike other streaming services like Sling TV or DirecTV Now. If you're wondering what it's all about, we've got everything you need to know right here.
What's new for Hulu with Live TV?
April 21, 2019: Hulu cuts the price of add-on features
Hulu recently cut the price of its add-on features, making Hulu with Live TV an even better deal than ever, especially considering how much YouTube with Live TV just increased ($15, if you're wondering). Hulu seems to be making a mark just by lowering its prices as other streaming services are raising theirs.
The new prices for add-ons are as follows:
- Enhanced Cloud DVR - $10 (previously $15)Unlimited Screens - $10 (previously $15)Enhanced Cloud DVR + Unlimited Screens Bundle - $15 (previously $20)
January 23, 2019: Hulu to drop basic plan but increase price of Live TV
Hulu has announced it will lower the price of its entry-level tier from $9 to $6 per month starting February 26, 2019. It will also increase the monthly price of its Live TV service from $40 to $45 per month.
This price increase comes along as Hulu shores up more channels and dedicated content for its Live TV service.
August 23, 2017: Hulu brings Live TV features to primary app for iPhone and iPad
Hulu is discontinuing its separate Hulu with Live TV app for the iPhone and iPad, and has brought its new design and Live TV support to the primary Hulu app. Hulu has also announced that the Live TV feature is now available on web browsers. Live TV is supported in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
How do I get Hulu with Live TV?
All you need now for Hulu with Live TV is the standard Hulu app or to visit Hulu from a web browser. You won't see the Live TV features until you've updated your subscription with the Live TV add-on. Once you've added it, you'll have to log out and log back into the app.
If you previously signed up for Hulu through the iOS app, you will have to contact customer service to have them walk you through switching to paying for Hulu directly. Make sure you are given the 7-day free trial and not charged the full first month price up front.
What is Hulu with Live TV?
Hulu now offers live TV streaming from its supported apps. It works a little like Sling TV or DirecTV Now. Starting at $45 per month, you have access to more than 60 broadcast and cable channels, including live sports (some restrictions apply based on your location), plus the normal on-demand content that Hulu offers without the Live TV subscription.
It comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage, which allows you to record live TV and watch it later in your My Stuff section. For an additional $10 per month, you can upgrade to 200 hours of Cloud DVR storage and add the ability to fast forward through recorded commercials (not available with the base subscription).
You can stream Hulu with Live TV content from any supported device, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, iPhone and iPad, Android, and Windows Phone (and a lot more). Plus, from the web on Mac and Windows.
With the base subscription, you can stream Hulu with Live TV on two separate devices simultaneously. For $10 per month more, you can add Unlimited Screens, which lets you stream content from an unlimited number of devices connected to your home network or up to three devices outside of your local Wi-Fi range.
Can I subscribe to premium channels with Hulu with Live TV?
Yes. Just like the standard Hulu subscription, you can add on Showtime for $11, Cinemax for $10, STARZ for $9, and HBO for $15. These channels include all the same content you'd get with a traditional cable subscription or via the stand-alone service offered by each.
To add a premium channel, log into your account at Hulu.com and go to your account page. Select Manage Addons to add any or all of the premium channels you want.
You don't have to subscribe to Hulu with Live TV to add the premium channels. These addons are also available to standard Hulu subscribers.
What devices support Hulu with Live TV
A lot of them, actually. Currently, Hulu with Live TV is supported on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV (4th Generation), Android phones and tablets, Xbox One, and Chromecast. Hulu promises that more devices will be supported in the future.
What channels are included with the base subscription?
Currently, Hulu with Live TV includes more than 60 broadcast and cable channels for the base subscription price.
- ABC
- ABC News Live
- CBS
- CBSN
- Fox
- NBC
- A&E
- Animal Planet
- Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Boomerang
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CBS Sports Network
- Chedder Business
- CNBC
- CNN
- CNN International
- Cozi TV
- CW
- Discovery Channel
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- E!
- ESPN
- ESPN 2
- ESPN News
- ESPN U
- ESPN College Extra
- ESPN Bases Loaded
- ESPN Goal Line
- Food Network
- Fox Business
- Fox News
- FS1
- FS2
- FreeForm
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- FYI
- NBC Golf
- HGTV
- History Channel
- HLN
- Investigation Discovery
- Lifetime
- MSNBC
- MotorTrend
- National Geographic
- Nat Geo Wild
- NBCSN
- Olympic Channel
- Oxygen
- Pop
- ESPN SEC Network
- SyFy Channel
- TBS
- Turner Classic Movies (TMC)Telemundo
- TLC
- TNT
- Travel Channel
- Tru TV
- Universal Kids
- USA
- Viceland
What about sports? Can I watch my favorite teams?
Yes and no. Hulu with Live TV includes support for ESPN and other sport channels, but content viewing is restricted by your location. There will be some games that you can't watch live because they aren't contracted in your area.
How does this simultaneous multi-device streaming work?
With the base subscription, you can watch Hulu with Live TV simultaneously on two different devices. If you upgrade to the Unlimited Screens plan, you can watch Hulu with Live TV on all your devices at the same time if they are connected to your home network. When away from your Wi-Fi location, however, you can only use up to three mobile devices at the same time outside of your home network.
Your subscription to Hulu with Live TV won't work on any other TV-connected device outside of your home network. So, giving your buddy your log in credentials won't do either of you any good.
Can I record live tv and watch it at my leisure?
You sure can. Hulu with Live TV comes with 50 hours of storage in the Cloud DVR. You can also upgrade to 200 hours for an additional cost. Adding content to your 'My Stuff' section automatically records the shows and movies on your list so you can watch them at any time. You can also remove content you're finished with.
Troubleshooting
Are you having trouble with Hulu with Live TV? Put them in the comments and we'll troubleshoot your issue for you.
Streaming TV: The Cordcutter's Ultimate Guide
Main
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.