Speculation about Hulu's subscription service is beginning to feel never-ending; inaccurate rumors concerning the date of its arrival and other details have been circulating for far too long.  But one new report indicates that a beta test of the subscription service might finally begin next week, and another hints that a deal with PlayStation is in the making.

Let's start with the first tale.  Peter Kafka reported, "The video web site is finalizing its plans to launch its subscription service, and people familiar with the company say a beta test of 'Hulu Plus' could launch as early as next week."

Something like 10,000 volunteers would then be able to pay $9.95 a month to see more shows and access Hulu with more devices (like the iPad), according to Kafka.

Also, according to Andy Fixmer and Cliff Edwards, people might get the chance to access it using the PlayStation 3.  The pair wrote, "Sony Corp. is close to an agreement to carry a paid TV service from Hulu LLC, operator of the second-largest video website, on its PlayStation 3 game console, two people with knowledge of the talks said. . . .  The partnership could be announced as soon as next week . . ."

So, one way or another, it looks like a substantial Hulu-related development may soon occur.

If not, well, losing everyone's interest is at least one strategy Hulu can use to ensure expectations are low when it makes a move.