BBC may join Xbox Live Video Marketplace

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 10th September 2007
Comments (5) Stumble
BBC may join Xbox Live Video Marketplace

The BBC looks set to start distributing content over the European Xbox Live Video Marketplace, which launches later this year.

Microsoft is reportedly in talks with the BBC as the company gets ready to launch its European Video Marketplace service on Xbox Live.

Ross Honey, a senior director of media in Microsoft’s content and partner strategy group told the Sunday Times that the company had spoken to the BBC along with several other European content producers.

Microsoft said that it was attracted to the BBC because of its vast catalogue of content including shows like Planet Earth, which was recorded in high-definition.

This isn’t the first time that the BBC has been linked to Microsoft though, as the broadcaster signed an agreement with Bill Gates’ outfit last year to explore ways to develop its digital services.

Video Marketplace is the software giant’s attempt at turning the Xbox 360 into a digital entertainment hub by offering films, TV shows and high-definition programmes for download.

The service has been available to our North American compatriots since last November and Microsoft has already signed content deals with the big Hollywood studios and television networks, including CBS, Disney, Fox, MTV Paramount and Warner.

Do you think the Video Marketplace will succeed in Europe? Tell us in the forums.
Quote samkiller42 10th September 2007, 16:33
Looks like a good idea, it might prove more popular that the bbc iplayer.

Sam
Quote Vergil_117 10th September 2007, 17:23
I hope they put doctor who and I mean ALL of the doctor on it.

EDIT: And add dalek gamerpics or a pic of a sonic screwdriver.
Quote DXR_13KE 10th September 2007, 22:28
price?
Quote Joeymac 10th September 2007, 22:42
This will be an alternative to DVD.. not the iplayer or streaming. There is another IPTV streaming/PVR thing that is coming to the 360.. but that's separate. It will also require a subscription.
The BBC are meant to be coming to the itunes store also. So it's more a case of offering download content to buy from different stores... like real shops.
If the prices are reasonable and HD stuff is up for buy/rent as well then it'll be pretty cool.
I think the 360 marketplace is best for rental's. I can see HD rentals being really popular.
Quote mikeuk2004 11th September 2007, 00:28
Quote:
Originally Posted by DXR_13KE
price?

Will be expensive, have you seen the price of poor quality SD music videos on the market place? I would not buy any film donwloads from live because I can not use anywhere else. You are limited to MS propriety Hard drive which sucks like horse s**t
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