Microsoft touts Xbox Live Video Marketplace's success
by Richard Lawler 
posted Mar 22nd 2007 at 12:14PM
As the Apple TV hits the streets and the PlayStation 3 debuts in Europe, Microsoft took some time out to make sure people know who is leading this digital-distribution-to-the-living-room thing, sending out a press release pumping their efforts so far. It's second to iTunes overall as an online distributor of film and television content, but quickly points out it is number one in the living room and the only one currently sending TV shows and "major" feature films films in HD over the internet. With double digit growth every month and over 400% increases in downloads since launch it appears they've got a lot to be happy about, even with the incoming competition. Disc, internet, cable or OTA, we've got plenty of choices on how to get content to the HDTV, now lets see who can provide the most/best/cheapest/???.
Filed under: Other hardware, Internet
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul Fernandez @ Mar 22nd 2007 1:43PM
I know it's been said before, but Microsoft's "trojan horse" console scheme is all business. It's only logical that their next console (and probably all future consoles) will feature Marketplace-only games, with permanent, digital ownership upon purchase like Valve's "Steam."
As an owner of the HD DVD add-on who relies on NetFlix for said movies, it would be even cooler if more of them, from more studios (looking at you, Fox and Disney) were available on Live as well. Of course, the question is whether Blu-Ray-backing studios would enter into any film-distribution agreement with Microsoft. They have been quoted as saying HD DVD could be the next Betamax, and stand to profit more with Live purchases anyway, so it does seem plausible, right?
Larry @ Mar 22nd 2007 2:55PM
Lions Gate is exclusive to Blu-Ray and they released Crank on the Market Place.
Paul Fernandez @ Mar 22nd 2007 4:08PM
Thanks for pointing that out, Larry. I meant to write "...whether MORE Blu-Ray backing studios..." If/when they do, I'm sure there will be another huge Marketplace banner ad announcing it. Now, all they need to do is tweak the network a little more. Anyone notice how choppy things get when navigating to the movie/TV section?
bootsielon @ Mar 23rd 2007 2:01AM
I live in mexico and the video marketplace isn't available here. However, we already have blu-ray players (there is no sight of HD-DVD). Piece of shit 360, we pay a little more than americans and we get shit. Should have gone PS3 all the way.
And by the way, I've had to send my Xbox 360 to microsoft 2 times, same thing with the HDD. 3rd hard drive, and 3rd xbox.
Dalton @ Mar 24th 2007 3:52AM
I live in Brazil and I'm wondering when am I going to pay for a downloadable HD movie. I would love to buy a download of Casino Royale and scape the format war.