November 22nd, 2006 will be the first anniversary of the Xbox 360. It also marks the official launch of downloable movies and TV shows via the Xbox Live Network to the 360. We’ve all wondered when this day would come. It was clear from day one that the Xbox Live Network would make a great way for Microsoft to distribute media down to the customer and make money along the way. Now, we see the grand vision finally unfolding for Microsoft and none too soon either!

Let’s first get to the details. As of today, Microsoft has announced deals with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment to bring over 1000 hours of hit television shows and movies to the Xbox 360 console. Users will be able to get high definition and standard definition content via their console over the Live network.

Beginning on November 22nd, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Download full length TV shows to own or download movies to rent
  • Have an integrated gaming and entertainment experience via a single console
  • Own CBS Hi definition TV shows including CSI, Jericho, Numb3rs, and Star Trek remastered episodes
  • Own select NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races from “Race Rewind”
  • Download 50 of the most intense fights from UFC

Other examples of content include 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

Microsoft has yet to announce the pricing scheme for the downloadable content but they will release that information before November 22nd. You can be sure that this is also laying the groundwork for downloadable content for distribution channels such as Windows Media Center, Windows Media Player and of course the Microsoft Zune Marketplace.

It’s unquestionably important for Microsoft to launch a Movies and TV downloads section for the Xbox 360 as soon as possible. With the Sony Playstation 3 launching this month, Microsoft needs to maintain it’s edge over the new next generation console. Sony plans on offering downloadable content at some point with the PS3 and let’s not also forget about Apple’s iTV plans which will be further detailed in the coming year.

Finally, we mention of course the Zune. For now, the focus of the new Microsoft Zune is of course on the music playback functionality. But let’s not kid ourselves - video is on Microsoft’s mind - especially with Apple forging ahead with movies and television shows on iTunes and the iPod. You can be sure that future iterations of the Zune will feature a video section with support for movies and television shows. This is a big market with no clear leader as of yet and Microsoft intends on making use of the millions of the Xbox 360 consoles out there.

[Check it out via News.com]

 

Movies and TV on your Xbox

Microsoft Corp. November 6 announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of hit TV shows and movies to Xbox 360â„¢ gamers in the U.S. by the end of the year. Furthermore, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution over the Internet directly to the consumer.

Beginning Nov. 22, on its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live® network, the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional “firsts”:

  • For the first time, consumers will get an integrated gaming and entertainment experience on a gaming console that includes downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies. This new full-length content adds to the ever-expanding number of choices gamers have on their Xbox 360, whether they want to play games or play a movie on a disc or as a download in high definition or standard definition.
  • For the first time CBS will deliver high-definition download-to-own TV shows including “CSI,” “Jericho,” “Numb3rs” and remastered “Star Trek” episodes; gamers can buy them and watch them repeatedly.
  • For the first time on any platform, NASCAR.COM will deliver download-to-own condensed versions of select NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races from “Race Rewind.”
  • For the first time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will make 50 of its most intense fights available for download as well as select episodes from the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.

“This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,” said 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.” 

The initial lineup of TV shows available for download to own and feature films available for download to rent will include a growing catalog of popular hits. Examples of content that will be available on the network by the end of year include 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

Xbox 360 gamers can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver membership and a broadband connection. More information about the content available on Xbox Live Marketplace can be found at http://www.xbox.com/marketplaceentertainment.

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