While Internet-based delivery of movies and TV shows is nothing new, Microsoft is bringing this concept to the mainstream, with the launch of downloadable TV and movie content for the XBox 360.

The addition of TV show and movie downloads to Microsoft’s Xbox Live Marketplace means that Xbox 360 users can have easy-to-use access to video from their lounge room, which after all, is the place where most people watch video content. Pricing is from US$2 for a standard-definition TV show episode to own, up to US$6 for a new-release high-definition movie to hire.

The big problem with online distribution of video content up to now, is that the average PC is not the best place to watch TV shows or movies. While you can use devices such as the Mac Mini or D-Link DSM0320RD to watch downloaded content on your lounge-room television, the seamless, integrated availability of video content through the Xbox 360 brings online distribution of video content to mainstream consumers. More than 6 million Xbox 360s have been sold.

The Xbox Live Marketplace provides access to hundreds of full-length TV shows for download to own and movies for download to rent from CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros Home Entertainment.  More content will be rolled out through Xbox Live Marketplace every week.

Examples of the download-to-own TV shows and download-to-rent movies now available on the network include the following:

• CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, NCIS, and Star Trek from CBS.
• Chappelle’s Show, Drawn Together, and Emmy and Peabody award-winning South Park from COMEDY CENTRAL.
• Pimp My Ride and Punk’d from MTV.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon.
• Skyland and Invader Zim from Nicktoons Network.
• Chinatown, Star Trek VII: Generations, Patriot Games, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Sum of All Fears, The Untouchables, and We Were Soldiers from Paramount Pictures. 
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Frisky Dingo, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Sealab 2021, and The Venture Bros. from Turner Broadcasting.
• Some of the most intense fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship.
• Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1.
• Perfect Storm, Poseidon, The Shining, Three Kings, and V for Vendetta, as well as The Nine and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip along with the CW show Veronica Mars from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Xbox 360 gamers in the US can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver subscription or a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription and a broadband connection.

High-definition TV shows will be 240 Microsoft Points per episode ($3), and standard-definition TV shows will be 160 Microsoft Points per episode ($2).

New release movies in high definition will be 480 Microsoft Points ($6), and standard-definition new release movies will be 320 Microsoft Points each ($4). Classic feature films in high definition will be 360 Microsoft Points ($4.50), and standard definition will be 240 Microsoft Points ($3).

After purchasing a high-definition TV show or movie, you can download the standard-definition version at no additional charge.

Microsoft Points can be purchased at retail or via Xbox Live. For example, gamers can get a 1,600 Microsoft Points card at retail for US$19.99 or 1,000 Microsoft Points through Xbox Live for US$12.50. More information about Xbox Live Marketplace is available at http://www.xbox.com/marketplaceentertainment.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, November 23rd, 2006 at 11:00 am under Internet, Microsoft, Technology.

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