Microsoft sent out a rather bubbly press release today, informing us that Video Marketplace has grown leaps and bounds since its inception. Of course, it's full of tricky PR speak, so it must be read carefully. First of all, Video Marketplace has become the number one digital distributor of video content in the living room. The key words there are "in the living room." The fact that the Xbox 360 is already attached to a television (not a computer monitor) gives it an edge that many download services lack (this is something we've discussed before). The release goes on to state that Video Marketplace is 2nd overall in digital distribution of video content next to iTunes. Of course, one advantage over iTunes is that Video Marketplace offers HD content.
Finally, the service has grown exponentially since its launch, with Microsoft claiming that Video Marketplace has sustained double-digit growth every month since its first launched last November. Additionally, Xbox Live monthly downloads have gone up 400 percent since the service launched. All in all, some pretty impressive stats.
Do you use Video Marketplace on a regular basis?
Read the full release after the break.
"Most are aware that Xbox 360 has the biggest library of high definition games, offers voice and video chat with friends and family, plays CDs, DVDs, HD DVDs (with an optional player), and digital music, along with displaying digital photos in high definition, all for a price starting at $299.00.
With many online services trying to make downloading television and feature films easy for consumers, we wanted to share some details you may not know on a leading online service you might already have in your living room connected to your TV: Xbox LIVE on Xbox 360. Launched last November, the movie and TV downloads section of Xbox LIVE has been a runaway success.
· Within four months of launching, Xbox LIVE has become the number one online distributor of television and feature film content in the living room where it's most easy for consumers to access.
· In the same four months, the service has quickly become the number two online distributor of television and feature film content, second to iTunes.
· Is currently the ONLY online distributor of major feature films and television programming in high definition (HD) resolution.
· The service is a breakout success, with double-digit, month-over-month growth since launching.
· Monthly downloads from Xbox LIVE went up 400 percent since the service launched in November.
CBS Broadcasting Inc., Lionsgate Entertainment, MTV Networks Co., New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures Corp., Turner Broadcasting System Inc., Ultimate Fighting Championship and Warner Bros have all made content available on Xbox LIVE. Through those partnerships, content is available from [adult swim], CBS, Comedy Central, CW, Lionsgate, MTV, MTV 2, NASCAR.com, New Line Cinema, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Paramount TV and Film, SPIKE, TBS, UFC, VH1 and Warner Bros TV and Movies. In fact, more than 1,500 hours of content is available today for download.
The best part of Xbox LIVE? It is incredibly easy to use. With just a few clicks of a button from the comfort of your living room, premium HD content can be downloaded directly to your Xbox 360 console, conveniently already connected to your television. There is no need to burn the content to a DVD, set up a home network, go to the video store or order new DVDs through the mail.
With prices for HD displays continuing to decrease, demand remains incredibly high. Unfortunately, a broad selection of HD content is not available to everyone. Xbox LIVE is currently the only service online which allows you to download major feature films and television programming in HD. Whether its HD games, TV, movies or pictures, Xbox 360 is an incredible source for a wide variety of HD content.
Are you one of the more than 42 million owners of a Windows Media Center PC? Not only do you get all the above, but now your Xbox 360 can also display and record live television."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-20-2007 @ 4:56PM
Lucy said...
Uh-huh... Release free South Park, get yer stats up and wheeee Press Release! Perhaps it's because I live in New Zealand but all we have on the Video Marketplace is a couple of music tracks feat. Timbalake ... wtf? Second to iTunes? that makes online video distribution pretty lamez
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3-20-2007 @ 4:57PM
Code601 said...
This just makes it more confusing as to why nothing decent ever turns up in the UK Video Marketplace
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3-20-2007 @ 5:02PM
a ham sandwich said...
anyone else notice that this MS press release is starkly missing any zephyr info? more fuel for the april fools camp.
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3-20-2007 @ 5:14PM
Benjamin09 said...
@1
· In the same four months, the service has quickly become the number two online distributor of television and feature film content, second to iTunes.
It says nothing about music or music videos, it says television and feature film content....that must translate to Music Videos down in New Zealand
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3-20-2007 @ 5:20PM
Ciaran Gallagher said...
South Park HD was sooo cool and it didn't take long to download. I want Video marketplace in the UK now! And I also want a bigger hard drive but without having to lose my existing profile, saves, points etc. - and without having to switch about hard drives all the time.
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3-20-2007 @ 6:12PM
Adam540 said...
I can almost understand why a lot of the video marketplace content isn't available in Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc. But why the hell hasn't Microsoft released this crap in Canada. I want to download HD movies and TV.
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3-20-2007 @ 6:34PM
Boff said...
Umm no I don't use the Video Marketplace regularly.
Because there's nothing there in the UK.
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3-20-2007 @ 6:47PM
Lucy said...
"that must translate to Music Videos down in New Zealand" - good one ben you r0xz0rz my point is, a few music videos and south park is pretty much the ONLY video content in the marketplace
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3-20-2007 @ 8:51PM
Dirk Dorkelson said...
I've downloaded the free stuff, and I've watched the Departed and An Inconvenient Truth. The prices for the movie rentals seem a little high to me for a post-Netflix world, though. I'm willing to pay it for a movie I really want to see, but I'm unlikely to take a chance on something I'm only sort of interested in seeing. And $6 rentals are way too high for hi-def stuff, particularly for older stuff like Clash of the Titans, which airs all the time in high def on cable.
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3-20-2007 @ 9:04PM
Charles said...
I download the free stuff. But like most people, I feel the service is crippled by price ($6? c'mon!) and the ridiculous marketplace point system. The world does not need another currency. Tell me exactly how much I need to play, make it easier for me to pay, and I would most likely use it more.
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3-20-2007 @ 9:52PM
John said...
I've never downloaded any movie or TV show off of the Marketplace. However, that would change if Microsoft somehow made a way for me to transfer movies/shows from my Xbox onto my Zune. I mean, they made this great video device, but they totally left it to fend for itself as far as videos go. I also like to do things legally, so no pirating for me. C'mon Microsoft. Show some love for your Zune.
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3-21-2007 @ 4:58AM
dusty said...
Hmm. I do not download Movies, Television, or other Crap (Music) to my 360. I find it utterly ridiculous to use a Gaming Console as an Entertainment Hub.
I PLAY GAMES ON MY 360.
I USE A PC...for everything else.
Here is my two cents:
Microsoft, or a third party, needs to develop an external hard-drive so that no one is forced into buying more than they want.
Twenty Gigs is enough for me, if not too much.
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3-21-2007 @ 5:19AM
Brandon Elkins said...
I live in the US and use the video marketplace quite a bit...although I do sometimes end up getting stinkers like "The Illusionist". That shit sucked. I have enjoyed it, and plan to keep using it.
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3-21-2007 @ 6:44AM
Number 01 said...
The video marketplace needs a unlimited download service for Movie and TV content, how about 9.99 for unlimited SD downloads and 14.99 for unlimited HD downloads (with maybe 2 or 3 downloaded at a time). Until that happens it will always be second to Itunes, but if that does happen it will kill Itunes, but you guys are forgetting that the Apple Tv will probably come out with something like the 360 that allows you to buy Movies and TV on your couch. So this Press Release is nothing interesting and I doubt nothing interesting will be announced until E3 (like the spring update and the new 360).
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3-21-2007 @ 8:39AM
Smokestorm said...
They can blow thier own trumpet all they like no one is going to take a bit of notice at it in other countries where Vid Marketplace doesnt even exist.
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3-21-2007 @ 8:50AM
Viridium said...
Maybe if Video Marketplace was available in Canada, I'd give it a shot.
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3-21-2007 @ 10:34AM
Virtua Fanboy said...
Maybe because it's the morning and I'm grumpy and at work but, I think that it's hilarous to hear Canadians gripe about the lack of Video Marketplace. Maybe because most of them are complete and total douche bags. Well, Ontario and Quebec Canadians anyway, lol. People from Manitoba to BC seem pretty cool.
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3-22-2007 @ 8:22PM
Netrunner said...
Virtua Fanboy,
We Canadians feel the same about dumbass americans like you too.
Note that I am not referring to all americans, just the ones that talk out of their asses and think that because they are americans, feel they can insult all non-americans for God knows what reason.
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3-24-2007 @ 1:23PM
Joel said...
can someone help me?
i live in the UK and when i go onto the vodeo marketplace it says "no content available, please come back later." i dont know what this means but im stuck no being able to download any entertainment.
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