MS Readies Video Marketplace

Microsoft has announced today that their already popular Xbox Live Marketplace service is set to receive a massive update by which pre-existing subscribers can now download both television shows and HD movies to their system’s hard drive where they can then be easily viewed on television sets.

Open to both Gold and Silver Xbox Live subscribers, the service promises over 1000 hours of content when it makes its debut. In addition to the aforementioned downloadable movies and tv shows, users will also be able to purchase music videos as well as game videos for a fee.

When the service begins on November 22nd, users of the new Video Marketplace can expect prices to be “comparative” to industry standards according to the company. Standard definition movies will be priced at 320 Microsoft Points ($4), while HD movies are slightly higher at 480 points ($6). TV shows are priced at 240 points per pop ($3) and are similar to existing downloads on the Marketplace service in that they can be repeatedly downloaded and deleted without having to pay for the content again.

Movies on the other hand come with a 14 day rental window for user’s to watch them, and expire 24 hours after first being viewed. Users can expect some massive file sizes to be associated with these films, as HD downloads are expected to be in the range of 4.7 gb in terms of size.

“This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it.”

Expected content includes: