Microsoft pulls Xbox HD movies from the ether

ALTHOUGH our gaming news roundup was yesterday, we couldn't allow a significant announcement from Microsoft to pass without mention, regarding full-length TV and movie downloads for the Xbox 360.

Beginning on November 22nd, the console's first anniversary, Xbox 360 owners will be offered HD TV shows and movies as downloads to own and to rent (which goes someway to explaining the recent expiry tag that was seen after the previous update).

Microsoft's corporate Vice President of Microsoft Game Studios, Shane Kim said that users can expect 1,000 hours of unique content by the end of the year, with over 200 hours available in HD.

Content providers include CBS, Warner Bros, Viacom, Paramount, UFC and Turner. Shows include CSI, Survivor, SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park, Pimp My Ride, and Star Trek (re-crafted in HD). Movies include The Matrix, Mission: Impossible III, Nacho Libre, and Superman Returns.

The full list of content is here. Microsoft stated they are committed on attracting additional partners.

Television programs purchased on Xbox Live will be owned by the users and function the same way other downloadable content does. However, movies will currently function on a rental basis. The rental is valid for 24 hours after the movie has started playing, and the movie will only stay on the hard drive for 14 days after being downloaded.

Although the size of the movies may require some waiting (around 1 or 2 GB for SD and 4/5 for HD), usefully you will be able to start viewing your movie as soon as the download has been marked 'ready to play' whilst it's downloading.

All content is encoded in VC1 (WMV HD) at a rate of 6.8Mbps and comes with 5.1 surround sound.

As is usual on the 360, content will be purchased using 'Microsoft Points', TV shows will sell for 240 points (£2.04) while movie download rentals will cost 320 points (£2.72) each.

You can see hands-on shots on the service from a contributor here at Engadget.

A recent 100GB HDD rumour was also dismissed by Microsoft, but considering the huge demand of HD movies it seems more and more likely a larger hard disk will be released - and Gizmodo managed to spot a 70GB attachment being demonstrated by the Vole out in the wild here.

Microsoft's Peter Moore has this to say: “This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,” "It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it.”

Sony didn't quite agree, criticising Microsoft for selling two SKUs, one of which doesn't come with a HDD and thus wouldn't allow the storage of large videos. This sounds like sour grapes from Sony, considering a similar service on the PS3 was touted as being a considerable advantage over the rival console.

There is nothing stopping Core owners buying an additional hard-drive if they feel they now wish to use the service. More concerning for 360 console owners is the noise emanating from the console, which would surely put most people off from watching too much content on the device. µ

See also
XBox HD-DVD comes at a heavy price
Sony admits to importing grey market PSPs
Sony forces Lik-Sang out of business
Playstation shenanigans outed, dissected