The video web site Hulu, 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. If you’re in a select group, that is. One person familiar with the site, owned by a joint venture of broadcasters and Providence Equity Partners — says the initial test could be limited to 10,000 people. The Hulu Plus pitch, as AllThingsD previously reported: $9.95 a month for access to a deeper catalog of shows than the free service currently offers, plus the ability to watch it on devices other than a laptop or PC, including Apple’s iPad. Other reports indicate that the service will also come to Xbox. Time will tell, wether we see a paid version of Hulu. All I can say, is that I hope Hulu remains free to all. As I use it everyweek.