Xbox 360 offering digital downloads

[Pranjal]

 

 

A year has gone by since the launch of Xbox 360, and Microsoft has now announced a digital video download service which enables Xbox 360 owners buy television shows and rent movies. Microsoft has thus become the first console maker to offer such a service.

 

Currently available only in the US, the service allows people having a broadband Internet connection purchase standard and high-definition content through Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace.

 

So, consumers will now be able to access hundreds of full-length TV shows for download-to-own and movies for download-to-rent from CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Bros Home Entertainment, amongst others.

 

Some prominent TV show and movie titles to be made available on the network include: CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, NCIS, and Star Trek from CBS; South Park from Comedy Central; Punk d from MTV; Avatar: The Last Airbender from Nickelodeon; Patriot Games, The Untouchables, Star Trek VII: Generations from Paramount Pictures; Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Venture Bros from Turner Broadcasting; Fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship; Hogan Knows Best from VH1; Perfect Storm, Poseidon, The Shining, V for Vendetta, The Nine, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Veronica Mars (CW show) from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.

 

Besides, Microsoft plans to make available by end of year feature length films such as: Superman Returns; M:I:III, and The Matrix.

 

With the Family Settings feature, the video content to be played on Xbox 360 can be chosen; and users can set controls based on movie, TV, and video ratings, or block explicit content in entirety.

 

Using a free Xbox Live Silver subscription or a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription along with a broadband connection, Xbox 360 owners in the US can access the Xbox Live Marketplace.

 

Pricing promises to be competitive, and will be based on format, media type, and type of content.

 

High-definition TV shows will be 240 Microsoft Points per episode, standard definition TV shows will be 160 Microsoft Points per episode; whereas new release movies in high definition will be 480 Microsoft Points, and standard definition new release movies will be 320 Microsoft Points each.

 

Similarly, classic feature films in high definition will be 360 Microsoft Points, and standard definition classics will be 240 Microsoft Points. Post purchasing a high-defintion TV show or movie, the standard definition version can be downloaded at no additional charge. Microsoft Points can be purchased either at retail or through Xbox Live.

 

While Microsoft has introduced this service, it would be worthwhile to note that Sony Computer Entertainment, which launched its own network along with its PlayStation 3 console on Nov 17, presently offers only short video clips of movies and video games for download. And, Nintendo, which launched its Wii console on Nov 19, has no such plans whatsoever

 

Link: http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Xbox_36...-77382-585.html