As if TiVo, DVD recorders, VCR, and time-shifting television weren’t already excellent ways to ensure that you never miss an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy”, the reigning king of online gaming is about to serve up another method for getting your TV fix. Beginning November 22, Microsoft will be offering a variety of new video content through “Video Marketplace”, including high definition movies and television shows from networks like CBS, MTV, and (groan) the WB.
Studio Support for XBL
· MTV
· CBS
· WB
· UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship
· TBS, or Turner Broadcasting
· Warner Bros.
· Paramount
It isn’t the first time Microsoft has dipped its feet in the TV pool, since back in August the company announced that it would make an extended episode of the science fiction series “Battlestar Galactica” available for download. It’s pretty understandable that this was overlooked, since the series isn’t particularly chewing up the Nielson ratings at this time.
Movies Coming to XBL
· The Matrix
· Superman Returns
· Batman Forever
· Nacho Libre
· Jackass: The Movie
The offering in two weeks will be a much bigger deal, however. Although first only available in the United States (no word yet on whether this includes the oft-overlooked Canadian market), Live Marketplace will toss eager downloaders 1,000 hours of content, a fifth of which will be displayed in 720p HD resolution. Although not each and every piece of material will be available by December, it should be by the end of 2006.
Television Shows Coming to XBL
· CSI
· Survivor
· Star Trek
· South Park
· Chappelle’s Show
· Pimp My Ride
· The Real World
· The Ultimate Fighter
The announcement comes only a week after the release of Microsoft’s Xbox Live fall update, which added 1080p support and streamlined many of the online marketplace options and features (including Xbox Live Arcade). It’s all part of Microsoft’s attempts to solidify Xbox Live as the premier online community, and distract gamers from the much-hyped releases of Sony’s Playstation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii.
Remaining unanswered is the exact cost for the upcoming content, although Microsoft has announced that pricing will be competitive with similar material available on iTunes. With that said, Microsoft “points” will be used to purchase items from Video Marketplace, as Xbox Live begins its joint relationship with the upcoming Zune Marketplace.
