Capitalizing on project kangaroo falling foul of the competition commission, the internet TV provider Hulu are in advance talks with UK broadcasters to launch their own video on demand service.

Project Kangaroo, a joint venture originally proposed by the BBC, ITV and Channel Four to create a one stop shop for video on demand, was originally given a provisional launch date of March 2009 by its backers, but this was subject to the Competition Commission publishing a review of the service on the 25th of November. The competition commission's involvement has stemmed from fears the service might prove "too powerful" and project Kangaroo was subsequently blocked.

Hulu had been cautious about entering the UK market but recognized a clear gap in the market with the demise of project Kangaroo in its original form.

With around 400m downloads by 10m Americans every month, Hulu is already a big hit in the US. A choice of over 1,250 prime time shows (many of which are available immediately after first broadcast) are part of a formula which Hulu are confident will be a success this side of the Atlantic.

Hulu offers another dimension to streaming your favourite TV programmes in that it is not restricted to the output of its parent companies. Content received through the likes of iPlayer and 4oD video on demand services are restricted to the output of the BBC and Channel 4 respectively.

Hulu brings with it the potential for all your video on demand in one place. With the likes of Disney, NBC and News corporation all having a stake in the service, it certainly has the potential to realise its ambition of becoming the dominant video-on-demand service.

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