Microsoft First To Offer Set-top HD Video Downloads

It's the future, you know? There'll come a time where you don't have to make sure you're sat in front of the television at the right time, on the right day, to watch your favourite programs. And you won't have to remember to call in and rent that movie on your way home from the office.

You'll just sit down in front of the TV - and by that it point, it won't be the hulking, cathode-ray powered brute you're likely so comfortable with now; it'll be something far more svelte and slim line - pick which film or show you'd like to watch, and be basked in the crisp, high definition loveliness that follows.

At least, that's the future according to Microsoft. This week, they announced that they would be offering a new set of video downloads to their Xbox 360 console.

The Xbox 360, the world's first HD games console, (unless you listen to Sony) has offered video downloads since it's launch almost a year ago. Trailers for both games and movies, along with a variety of music videos have been accessible since launch using Microsoft's Xbox Live service in varying resolutions, offering gamers the chance to sample some true high definition video material.

That's to be expanded into a full-blown video download service, featuring movies and TV shows. Blockbusters like Superman Returns, The Matrix, and Batman Returns will be available as HD downloads. Episodes of Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force from The Cartoon Network will be available, amongst other, more varied TV shows like CSI, or Jericho.

It's an unsurprising move, but one that is likely to cause numerous headaches for Microsoft's competitors, the most obvious of which is Sony. The creators of the PS3 have an awful lot riding on their imminent yet troubled launch, and haven't — so far — announced any specifics for film and TV downloads on their system. Sony's machine contains Blu-ray technology, their ticket to HD multimedia content, and it's unlikely that they'd do anything to dilute the format's potential.

Sony have publicly criticized Microsoft's plans, reminding potential buyers — and presumably existing owners — that they'll be needing Microsoft's more expensive bundle if they're to enjoy the video download service. Both versions of Sony's PS3 console contain internal disk drives for content storage; the Core Xbox 360 system does not.

Sony's argument is that a future video download service for the PS3 will be available to all customers, not just those with more money to spend on their console. It's worth noting that the lowest price PS3 system retails for $500, while Microsoft's high-end premium bundle costs $400.

Article Author: Daniel Woolstencroft

Daniel Woolstencroft is the brains behind Is There Food? - containing topics as diverse as zombies, Apple, technology, film, and other assorted strangeness. Also follow him on Twitter.

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