Microsoft has announced plans to offer up video content to Xbox users in standard and high definition formats beginning November 22, the one-year anniversary of the Xbox 360 launch. This move makes the Xbox 360 the first gaming console to offer television and movie content as a direct download to users.
CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment have all signed on to provide video content for the venture.
Xbox 360 users will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live network.
“This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,” says Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.
“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.”
Content that will be available on the network by the end of year includes the following:
• “Robot Chicken” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” from Adult Swim
• “CSI,” “Survivor” and “Star Trek” from CBS
• Emmy and Peabody award-winning “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
• “M:i:III,” “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 the “UFC: All Access” shows from the UFC
• “Breaking Bonaduce” and “Hogan Knows Best” from VH1
• “The Matrix,” “Superman Returns” and “Batman Forever” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
This move reflects the growing trend of blending traditional media with new venues of delivery and consumption of content.
If the availability of television and movies becomes more prevalent among handheld and home entertainment devices, it will be interesting to see how cable companies respond to the competition.
Perhaps a move such as Microsoft’s will compel Comcast, Insight and other cable providers to offer more “On Demand” content to customers as part of their basic packages, rather than requiring additional subscriptions to download popular movies and television programs.
If not, the Xbox could become a viable alternative to the cable box.
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Joe is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
