Microsoft has announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner, and Warner Bros to bring over 1,000 hours of downloadable TV shows and movies to Xbox 360 gamers in the U.S. by the end of the year.
Beginning Nov. 22nd, on its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be "the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms", according to the company.
The initial lineup of TV shows will be available for 'download to own' (and are attached to your Xbox 360 profile), and feature films will be available for 'download to rent' (after you download it, you have 14 days to watch it and 24 hours after starting it to complete it.) Pricing is currently unconfirmed.
Examples of content that will be available on the network by the end of year include the following:
- "Robot Chicken" and "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" from Adult Swim
- "CSI," "Survivor" and "Star Trek" from CBS
- Emmy and Peabody award-winning "South Park" and "Chappelle's Show" from Comedy Central.
- "The Real World" and "Pimp My Ride" from MTV
- "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" from Nickelodeon
- "Skyland" and "The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival" from Nicktoons Network
- "M:i:III," "Nacho Libre" and "Jackass: The Movie" from Paramount Pictures
- "Carpocalypse" and "Raising the Roofs" from Spike TV
- "Race Rewind" provided by NASCAR.COM
- Select episodes of the original season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series and the "UFC: All Access" shows from the UFC
- "Breaking Bonaduce" and "Hogan Knows Best" from VH1
- "The Matrix," "Superman Returns" and "Batman Forever" from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
"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."
