Microsoft announced a partnership with several leading TV providers for a downloadable video content service with the Xbox 360. Companies like CBS, MTV, Paramount, TBS nd Warner Bros. will be supplying their shows via Xbox Live for all 360 owners with XBL subscriptions. By the end of the year, roughly 1,000 hours of standard- and high-efinition content will be available for Xbox Live members to download straight to their Xbox 360. The films and TV shows will be offered in both 720p (HD) and 480p (standard) resolution formats. Complete TV shows will be for sale, while movies will only be rented. Rented movies will be stored for 14 days, but only viewable within a 24-hour window.
Prices are reported at 240 points ($3 USD) for television programs in either HD or standard resolution, 320 points ($4 USD) for standard resolution movies, and 480 points ($6 USD) for HD movies.
Lastly, the post mentions that complete HD films should clock in around the 5 GB size. While programs may quickly fill gamer’s hard drives, Microsoft has said that larger capacity drives are not planned.
"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," said Xbox chief Peter Moore.
The downloadable video system will launch on November 22. The list of initial TV shows/movies are:
— Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force from Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim
— CSI, Survivor, and Star Trek from CBS
— South Park and Chappelle,s Show from Comedy Central
— The Real World and Pimp My Ride from MTV
— Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon
— Skyland and The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival from Nicktoons Network
— Nacho Libre and Jackass: The Movie from Paramount Pictures
— Carpocalypse and Raising the Roofs from Spike TV
— Race Rewind provided by NASCAR.COM
— Select episodes of the original season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series and UFC: All Access from UFC
— Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1
— The Matrix, Superman Returns and Batman Forever from Warner Bros.
