Hulu has released a desktop video client, called Hulu Desktop, allowing you to navigate Hulu’s entire library with just six buttons. Available for both Windows and Mac operating systems, Hulu Desktop was launched as a beta product during which Hulu plans to gather and incorporate user feedback to improve the service.
Unfortunately, Hulu Desktop is available for download and runs Hulu content only for US users. I am going to explain how you can overcome this problem and be able to use Hulu Desktop from everywhere.
Download Hulu Desktop from outside of the US
The first step is to go to the download page and try to download Hulu Desktop for Mac or Windows.
If you live outside of the US (meaning that you are not browsing with US IP address) you’ll probably get the following message:
The solution of the problem is called Hotspot Shield from AnchorFree.com. Hotspot Shield is a free VPN solution that can be used to change your IP address to a US one.
Now, go to AnchorFree.com, download Hotspot Shield and start the setup. The installation process is very simple and you should not encounter any problem. If you run on Vista 64-bit make sure you read this post.
When the Hotspot Shield starts, the VPN connection is initialized as you will see in the configuration page (to see all values click Show Config):
Next, refresh the download Hulu Desktop page and you will be able to download the setup.
Watch Hulu content with Hulu Desktop
After Hulu Desktop is installed you will be able to see Hulu content without problems. It’s important to keep Hotspot Shield running while watching Hulu! Otherwise you’ll get time out errors (take a look below).
When you are done watching you should turn Hotspot Shield off:
It’s that simple!
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4 Comments
HotSpot Shield does not work at all on Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit RC operating system. It won’t let me watch any Hulu.com shows on my Firefox web browser and Hulu Desktop application.
@Gordon – Have you tried this: How to run Hotspot Shield on Vista 64-bit? It reffers to Vista but maybe it works also for Windows 7.
I’m trying to access Hulu with a macbook pro – I’ve downloaded hotspot and it’s working and connected. I downloaded hulu desktop and when I try to watch a show i get an error message that ‘this request is taking longer than expected – would you like to cancel it and try something else?’ – so hulu desktop loads, but none of the shows do. What should I do?
@Ashley – I get the same message from time to time. Try to disconnenct and re-connect. it works for me.