Disney Content Coming to Hulu?

It is now a real possibility that Disney television content will be offered by Hulu. Talks about the Hulu and Disney deal are reportedly in progress. Currently, Disney's ABC programming is the likely contender, but other possibilities like ESPN and the Disney Channel could very well be part of the deal.

NBC Universal and News Corp each have a 45% stake in Hulu, with the other 10% owned by Providence Equity Partners. In exchange for its program offerings, The Walt Disney Company could receive a large equity stake in Hulu similar to those of NBC and News Corp.

Will Hulu's range of content be able to stand up against such free internet TV alternatives as ZillionTV and their ZBar? I guess we'll find out soon enough... Stay tuned!

ZillionTV : Free Internet-Powered TV

ZillionTV is a startup company with the apparent goal of bringing free internet-powered television and movies to all. They will be releasing a "Z-bar" device that connects to the internet and your television ... think of it as a type of cable box, with a remote and all. You'll be able to get it on the internet via WiFi, or you can hard wire it with a standard ethernet network cable. ZillionTV will continue the trend of ad-supported content streaming for free, but will also offer fee-based content without the ads. They currently have deals with major companies like NBC Universal, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, ABC/Disney, and fox, which should provide for some great content. Deals made with internet service providers will allow for a useful channel to sell the devices. Unlike Apple TV, Vudu, and Roku, no subscription will actually be required.

The unit will cost under $50, and allow access to up to 15,000 TV shows and movies.

ZillionTV's official website humbly asks everyone to "stay tuned" for now, but the Z-bar is expected to be available for purchase toward the end of this year.

More info here, and here