Variety -- our go-to source for gaming journalism -- praises Microsoft's Xbox Live Video Marketplace in a recent article. While no specific numbers are mentioned, the article claims that sources have confirmed that Microsoft's download service is outperforming several similar services -- in particular, Amazon's Unbox service. The article further notes that this is from a user base of only 3.5 million Xbox 360s in the US, versus other services that can be used by anyone with a broadband connected PC. Another interesting note, HD versions of movies are downloaded far more than standard versions. What's the big difference between other download services and Video Marketplace? It's simple, Video Marketplace puts movies right on your TV. Other services allow users to download movies to their PC, which isn't exactly optimal for movie viewing. Sure, some people have the know-how and the hardware to get PC movies onto a TV, but it can be daunting for the average viewer. Variety expects that the movie download boom won't really begin until more services offer the same easy functionality -- something Apple's upcoming iTV claims to do.
We have to admit, we were skittish when the Video Marketplace launched. However, as new content keeps rolling in (The State FTW!) we're finding more reasons to skip the video store. How often do you use the Video Marketplace?
[Via Planet Xbox 360]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-22-2006 @ 4:59PM
RB said...
I'd use it if it worked here in Canada...
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12-22-2006 @ 5:58PM
Logan T. said...
I don't use it, and I probably never will. The 360 hard drive is too small and they don't offer a subscription service. I find Netflix to work much better. Sure, the movies take a day to get delivered, but I can get as many as I want per month for a small fee.
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12-22-2006 @ 6:54PM
Anthony D said...
Who really cares about the ability to surf on a console?? My computer is right near my box, it's way faster than a console would be.....NO NEED!!!!
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12-22-2006 @ 7:24PM
Ryan said...
I bought five shows with what was left of my microsoft points after purchasing Small Arms. I had to clear most of the demos off of my 360 to do it, however.
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12-22-2006 @ 7:53PM
Profit said...
i've watched four movies. only after i watched the fourth and then came backa day later to watch it with my friends (yeah, i forgot about the experation limit) did i come to the conclusion that it is wAy to short and in the future netflix would be a much better option. otherwise, if the experation were extended even a day or two more, it may be worth it.
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12-22-2006 @ 8:08PM
[email protected] said...
I second the first post. I'd use it if it we're available where i am.
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12-22-2006 @ 8:36PM
J.Goodwin said...
Well, it's notable that it's also the first service to provide HD movies by download (excepting HD PPV, which I assume exists, which probably isn't included in the comparison).
Most computers aren't connected to your home theater. Most Xbox360s are. Makes perfect sense to deliver content to THAT point (where your theater is) instead of your desk, or closet (wherever you keep your PC).
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12-23-2006 @ 8:54AM
mietha CAG said...
Without a larger hard drive, no more. My HD is full, so until they get off their asses and release a much larger HD, they aren't getting any more money from me.
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12-23-2006 @ 1:40PM
Neccy said...
Yeah i'm with #1 , we don't have it over here in the UK...
I personally think it's very strange providing different services to a worldwide community that all pay the same xbox live subscription.
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12-23-2006 @ 3:39PM
Ciaran Gallagher said...
I'd use it if it worked in the UK....
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12-23-2006 @ 7:09PM
Kritz said...
I'm with 1, 6, 9 and 10. I live in Australia. :\
>> Kritz
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