Engadget is reporting that Microsoft will announce a download service for movies and TV shows on November 22, the one year anniversary of the 360. More importantly, the shows can be downloaded in High Definition.
Offering this service in high definition to an installed base of 6 million units is a big deal. Both for Microsoft and those who are dying for more HD programming, myself included. Below are some highlights:
- Movies can only be rented, TV shows can only be purchased
- Download only, no streaming
- Purchased shows can be played any number of times on any number of devices
- Movies can be watched an unlimited number of times for the first 24 hours
- Microsoft points are used for purchase
- Downloads are 720p with 5.1 surround sound
There are two things that I need to know before I can make any decision on whether this is something I need. The first is the cost. The second is how long it takes for a download, and does the 24 hour period start when you first watch it or when the download completes? Because if it takes too long, I would prefer to download ahead of time and watch later. Without a reasonable speed, the service could be severely hampered because I think most people decide to watch movies on impulse. Or maybe it is just me. All those people using NetFlix don’t seem to have a problem with it.
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