News
Microsoft to offer TV shows, movies through Xbox service
By LC Angell
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, November 7, 2006
News Category: Digital Media
Microsoft has announced plans to sell TV shows and rent movies that can be downloaded onto an Xbox 360 through the company’s Xbox Live online video game service. Beginning Nov. 22, Xbox Live users will be able to choose from select shows distributed by MTV Networks, CBS, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System, and Ultimate Fighting Championship. The programming, which will come in standard-definition and some in high-definition, includes shows such as “South Park” and “CSI,” and movies such as “V For Vendetta” and “Superman Returns.” Pricing of the content was not announced, though it is expected to be similar to iTunes Store pricing.
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1
One very important omission from this article is that the offered TV shows and movies can be bought and rented, respectively, in 720p HD resolution. This is the real news coming out of this story, since iTunes and other competing services don’t yet offer movie downloads of any sort in high definition.
Posted by MICHAE2414 on November 7, 2006 at 10:13 AM (PDT)
2
Exactly. Apple better be ready with HD resolution content when iTV launches.
Posted by mattwardfh in Texas on November 7, 2006 at 2:11 PM (PDT)
3
Wow! Looks like Bill finally beat Steve to the punch for once. 2 months after this comes out we’ll find out how iTunes TV shows look on your TV via iTV.
Posted by superape on November 7, 2006 at 3:00 PM (PDT)
4
I love it! The industry is starting to accept digital media faster and faster.
Soon I’ll have my dream of being able to have my whole dvd collection in high quality digital…sent to my tv wirelessly… I love progress.
I’d never buy any of this drm crap though
Posted by Glorybox3737 on November 7, 2006 at 3:39 PM (PDT)
5
The only product I’ll never buy from Apple (or anyone else) is on-line videos. Why? Because while the quality is fine the price is not. Those full length movies are worth about, oh, US$5.50 or less. I can rent the damned things for that or cheaper.
And while you can burn iTunes music to a CD you can’t burn iTunes movies to a DVD.
A DVD video is far better value. Partly because of bonus material and partly because they actually go on sale and you can buy used ones etc.
Posted by Pikemann_Urge on November 7, 2006 at 8:14 PM (PDT)
6
Also, it’s worth noting that Microsoft allows you to redownload videos that you lose. No need to backup.
Posted by mattwardfh in Texas on November 7, 2006 at 9:39 PM (PDT)
7
And i bet just like iTunes, I won’t be able to buy tv shows or movies because i am from Australia. F**k that sucks!
Posted by intense_cutn on November 8, 2006 at 3:50 AM (PDT)