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The anti-YouTube video site supported by News Corp and NBC Universal clicked its private beta with online TV programs featuring "Heroes" and "The Simpsons" in Hulu's lineup. Audience support will be the key for the advertising supported model engaged by Hulu. Its test began today, as the site opened an invitation-only beta for viewers.

Unlike the clips of TV shows and movies that show up on YouTube, Hulu will run full versions of that programming. Hulu also won't have the problems associated with copyrighted content showing up without permission, since it's the content owners programming the site.

So far the early look has generated positive reviews. An AP report cited Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey, who said, "The technology they've put together on this short notice is not only adequate, it's also better than most of what else is out there."

For those who don't have access to Hulu yet, and want to see some of their content, TechCrunch noted AOL Video has a number of Hulu shows on its site.

AOL is one of five distribution partners lined up to show Hulu videos, the New York Times said. Microsoft, MySpace, Yahoo, and Comcast join AOL on that list.

There won't be user generated content on Hulu, which separates it from the more freewheeling YouTube and its many imitators. We have to wonder if Hulu really matters for TV fans, who probably have TiVo recording their favorite shows for repeated viewing, and watching them on a bigger screen too.