TV Network Content Coming to Microsoft Devices
There's talk that Microsoft may launch a TV service on the Xbox 360, however it's possible the service could expand to the PC and WP7 devices thanks to Silverlight.
Monday unnamed sources told Reuters that Microsoft was currently in talks with TV networks to create a new subscription-based TV service on the Xbox 360 gaming console. The new service would reportedly rival Apple TV, Google TV and even Netflix. Microsoft would even have the upper hand, as the required hardware for the supposed service already exists in millions of households nationwide.
According to the report, Microsoft is considering three options, the first of which is playing the role of a virtual cable operator. Xbox 360 owners would pay a flat rate for gaining access to networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN and even CNN. Subscribers would benefit from Xbox Live exclusive features like the ability to chat with others while watching their favorite shows, changing channels and fast forwarding programs using Kinect and more.
Sources also indicated that Microsoft is optioning the possibility of allowing cable subscribers to access programming through the console (as if connecting cable to a VCR), possibly paying extra for the added benefits mentioned in the first option. Microsoft is also considering an option to offer packages such as sports and children's' programming bundles and even sell individual channels directly to users like HBO and Showtime, adding to Walt Disney Co's ESPN channel already residing on the console interface.
The move isn't surprising given Microsoft's original goal to make the Xbox brand the central multimedia point in the living room, providing access to movies, music, television shows and other content while offering the ultimate gaming experience. The move also coincides with recent reports that Microsoft is bringing native Silverlight support to the Xbox 360 and other Microsoft devices. This could possibly mean that Microsoft will use its streaming technology to offer the TV service on Windows-based computers and Windows Phone 7 devices.
According to the unnamed sources, Microsoft is currently "mulling" over the feedback it's already received from content programmers including the cost of the three options. Naturally Microsoft has thrown out the typical "we don't comment on rumors" quote, and those that provided the insider information requested that their identities not be revealed. Still, according to the sources, the TV service may not arrive for another 12 months, however early discussions have been "productive."
If the plan was just right, would you ditch cable for TV feeds on the Xbox 360? What if the service spanned across the PC and Windows Phone 7 devices as well?
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ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX,
but these are already free over the air
I have an HTPC and a gaming PC. I would really like to see content from Microsoft spread to the PC as well as the 360. Why doesn't a Media Center PC count as an "extender"?
360 can already delivers IPTV. If you have have AT&T Uverse you can use your 360 as a settp box for a one time fee of $99. In the UK you can use Sky player
I would totally invest in this if it was cheaper than cable in my area.
I'm already doing it in a few regions for cable operators...
so this is going to be an added service, that's good....
i will pay for cnn, nick, disney and cut my cable.
If the plan offered the ability to purchase individual channels at lets say $2.50/mo/HD Channel it would be worth my money to purchase the service and a PS3. My current satellite service has 120 channels 15-20 of which I watch paying $70/month for SD only service.
Same. If they offer you the ability to buy specific channels I would be interested. I pay $70/mo. with Comcast for basic cable and internet. There are probably like 10 channels, non of which I watch. I used to get more channels, but Comcast keeps cutting back.
Most of you people are forgetting the fact the the majority of ISP out there are also TV content providers (Comcast, Verizon, ATT, etc...)
Dont you realize that as soon as Internet TV takes over your ISP will change their practices to get your money? They will start enforcing stricter bandwidth policies, higher monthly fees, charging content providers access to their network, blocking content providers access to network completely, etc, etc.
Hell Comcast is already doing this to Level 3 Communications!!!!!
Seriously? Silverlight? Didn't Netflix start having all sorts of streaming problems when it switched to the Silverlight platform? Ditch Silverlight and use something that's actually competent.
I'm still waiting for a service to come along and wipe the floor with what the cable operators provide. Right now I'm paying $120 for TV/Internet (about $60 each). If I could pay a reasonable per channel price, and they had good channel selection (PBS, History, Space, Discovery, Food, Animal Planet - for the gf, AMC, Showcase, HBO, Sportsnet, etc), I'd buy it.
I'd love it if they created a service that allowed you to pay around $2-3 (maybe $1 w/ commercials) per channel and this would provide you with a list of all of the shows those channels offer. Then you just select whatever show / episode you want to watch. There would be a 'latest shows' section to show you what's new. This basically works the same as the torrent site I use for TV shows right now (eztv) and it works exceptionally well.
Allow me to easily watch what I want, when I want, commercial free, including all historic TV shows (not just the latest season or 2) and I will gladly pay. I pay $120 for tv/internet and I watch the vast majority of my TV shows from torrents because they are much more convenient. Money is not the issue here, service quality is.
Seriously? Silverlight? Didn't Netflix start having all sorts of streaming problems when it switched to the Silverlight platform? Ditch Silverlight and use something that's actually competent.
What, like Flash?