Implications of IPTV-enabled Xbox 360?
You've watched or listened to the keynote, checked out the interface screenshots, watched the video, or simply heard about it through one of the 250+ news organizations that have already covered Microsoft's plans to add IPTV capability to the Xbox 360 in time for consumermas 2007.
So what?
What might this mean for the console wars? How will this change the game? We're not nearly as smart or creative as our collected readership (after all, Time made YOU the person of the year), so rather than rack our brains, we'll sift through yours and publish the best responses in a subsequent post.
Task: in your pithy best, share how you believe that this announcement might change the console war now underway, if at all.
Let's get a couple obvious ones out of the way first:
- A larger hard drive is assured. Ain't no DVR going on with a measly 20GB hard drive.
- Perhaps content partners might offer free Xbox 360s to consumers who purchase multi-month (or multi-year) IPTV service contracts, in much the same way that mobile phone service providers offer highly subsidized phones for customers who sign a one- or two-year service agreement.
- Sony announces intent to match this functionality, but does as well copying Xbox IPTV as they've done copying Xbox Live.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
renode @ Jan 8th 2007 4:57AM
i dont know about the implications to the console wars with the exception of the previous examples, but it should be a big blow to apple's iTV sales.
SickNic @ Jan 8th 2007 5:03AM
I hope to see some sort of Cable Wars, with cable companies trying hard to compete. I'd imagine that MS can provide this service a little cheaper than other cable companies because there is no need for setup, or miles and miles of cable. You just need the internet.
I've also been waiting for a change in the way we watch TV. When are we going to get an iTunes type service that lets us subscribe to certain shows only, or maybe buy a channel. I hate paying 80 bucks for 120 channels when i only watch 20 of them regularly.
I really hope this is where MS is going with their IPTV. I wouldn't hesitate to dump comcast for a service that lets me buy what I want, and not get stuck with some large overpriced package deal.
Abhinav @ Jan 8th 2007 5:43AM
Does this mean instead of using my DirecTV box i'll be using my Xbox 360? That is an idea i could latch on to but few things bug me:
1) Heat. My Xbox 360 gets hot and it is properly ventilated. Now the fact that i leave my TV on 15+ in a day (i am not always "watching" but i enjoy leaving it on) i wonder how long my system will last.
2) HDD space and the needed upgrade. I bought the premium Xbox 360 at launch and if and when M$ releases a 360 with HDMI and a larger HDD i will ripped off. I was a loyal gamer who waited in line and got the 360 the day it came out and it just feels like the first adapters to next gen are getting screwed. Now like someone else mentioned, if our PC's are where the content will be saved i will again be a little annoyed as i do not have a media center PC nor do i have a desktop capable of being one (my laptops can but are usually not wired down.)
These are two minor gripes right now and i hope that M$ will not charge extra to use this service on top of our providers but i have a feeling i will be let down.
Dark-Pen @ Jan 8th 2007 6:06AM
The general consensus on this so far seems to be that not only will this not effect the console wars (but more of w/ other companies that deal in similar things), but that it won't be something that will be accepted by a majority of people who either own a 360, or let alone people who use cable internet and have cable tv while they're at it.
Downloadable content is one thing, streaming is another. There aren't enough Americans out there at this time, and I doubt that there will be in the next 5 years either, that are willing to put down the time and money to get a faster internet connection just for IPTV, when things like Cable and Direct TV are readily available, albeit setup fees and excess channels. Its one thing if you're a gamer, and have your 360 hooked up to your TV all the time, its another thing if you're a 50-something year old parent/grandparent who doesn't understand how to do what, gets frustrated with confusing buttons, and is tired from a long day of work and wants to be able to click a button and sit down, as has been the case since the remote control was created (unless you count wives, children or well trained pets, then its been even longer).
Jeff @ Jan 8th 2007 6:55AM
"The general consensus on this so far seems to be that not only will this not effect the console wars (but more of w/ other companies that deal in similar things), but that it won't be something that will be accepted by a majority of people who either own a 360"
Right - if anyone thinks this is a way to promote the Xbox 360, they've got it backwards. This is a way for MS to try to promote their IPTV service. IPTV needs a lot more help than the Xbox 360.
There aren't very many areas of the country where MS's IPTV standard is even in use - a pre-requisite for the Xbox 360's IPTV. IPTV also also has some serious disadvantages compared to other methods of getting TV - no HD, for example. Why would anyone go with IPTV if they can get *any* other TV service - cable, satellite, or fiber optic? (Fiber optic is probably the future, though that doesn't mean the cable/sat companies are standing still.)
The bottom line is if you can get broadband internet, you can get better TV service than what IPTV offers.
Not many people are even going to be able to take advantage of IPTV on the Xbox 360, and those that are don't really have a good reason to do so.
Korova @ Jan 8th 2007 7:27AM
Implication 1:
MS owns the US like Sony owns Japan. An american will buy an xbox even without sufficient current broadband because of "upgrade potential." Just like with early PC v. Mac. MS will not be able to push through Japan's TV market, so Sony will still pwn them there.
Implication 2:
Another major (I mean epic, MMO-style) antitrust lawsuit against MS by every cable and phone utility in the US + Apple. U though Netscape was pissed, u havent seen nothing yet. MS will win.
Xyl @ Jan 8th 2007 7:30AM
Folks keep saying 20GB hard drive.
No!
It's a 13.9GB harddrive (12 GB before the June '06 update).
And realistically, only about 10 gigs falls into non-essential game files/saves/maps/themes/gamerpics.
ExTester @ Jan 8th 2007 7:48AM
I am just curious on why so many people don't believe that this will not be possible in HD. When I watched a video interview on "on10.net" which its mentioned that it will handle 720p video on IPTV. Last I checked thats broadcast quality HDTV.
IPTV will be limited by the service provider in the given area, ie if your service provider can handle HD content on IPTV. Something also to remember is that not everyone will have this option. Its just another availible service _if_ its possible to deliver the content to the customer. I know many people that have a very limited options in their TV choice based on where they live. Oh well suck it up. They choose to live there. But IPTV is just another option and I am looking forward to it.
What many people don't realize is that talks of IPTV date back to the days when DSL service was just starting to be provided. We are more at the point of actualy having this be a reality. Not to mention this means more competition for cable providers so in the end the consumer wins as more options are made to the user.
On the hard drive, I don't expect to see that being announced until IPTV is ready to launch. If Microsoft announces the bigger hard drive being availible in the near future is just going to hurt their sales and thats just plain dumb.
altodarknight @ Jan 8th 2007 7:52AM
A few things come to mind, though they don't exactly effect gaming directly:
*More video game content on TV (i.e. Game shows (tournaments, review/news shows) and ads)
This could lead to a further mainstream shift in gaming.
*Parents more willing to purchase an Xbox 360 over other consoles (for younger gamers) as it offers features that are more relevant. Surprisingly, this may also mean that younger gamers will have to fight their parents to use the Xbox 360
*Makes the Xbox 360 an attractive purchase for purposes other than gaming (Windows media connect, Media Center, IPTV, VOD, cheap HD DVD). Obviously good for Microsoft, but makes publishing games more confusing because platform choices are often made based on the install base, which is made difficult when uncertain of the % of install base that buys games.
*I also believe this will add features to the Zune. Along with the Zune Marketplace being added to the Xbox Live Marketplace, I can also see IPTV features such as recorded TV being able to be re-encoded and transfered to the Zune
It should also be noted that IPTV although uses the TCP/IP protocol, it will not run over a standard connection, but is similar to cable in that it requires a specific connection specified by the provider, although it can still be used for normal internet uses. This is to ensure a quality of connection is maintained.
I also think this highlights the quality of the methodology of the development of the Xbox 360, from a software services perspective. Even the hardware was chosen from a software perspective (i.e. ease of development). They have created a platform that can continually evolve for both the consumer and Microsoft, where they can continually bolster their new product on this existing platform.
LMAO @ Jan 8th 2007 7:57AM
Again, just curious, but do we need to be a Gold Live Member to fully enjoy the Live Anywhere feature with the PC?
KingBroly @ Jan 8th 2007 8:14AM
I think this means that the Core 360 is a dead duck at this point...well.... it gets a 20gb hd. It'll probably be called the 'Gamer' system. The Premium edition will get all the stuff in the premium system, and will instead have a 100-200gb hd (Yeah, I said 200gb). Basically this is to justify no price drop this year.
Sonic @ Jan 8th 2007 8:16AM
All this additional TV and Downloadable content is nice, but what about games. Are they not going to show us anything?
Tristan @ Jan 8th 2007 8:17AM
It is really making the 360 the center of a home. It seems the 360 can do a lot of stuff. Even when I'm on my ps3 I wish I had a lot of the features the 360 has, private chat during games, the movie download service. I don't really care about the web browser though it really isn't that fast my pc can go to websites faster and I like being able to watch vids on my pc. I'm sure if Microsoft was to put a web browser on the 360 it will probably be a lot better than the ps3 one. I just think Sony should just stay with games and focus more on that. Their music company even is working with ms for the artist of the month stuff. we may see a web browser for 360 in the spring update, but it doesn't really matter. It is something people with a ps3 say is a advantage when it really isn't one. I just hope they also join with Comcast cause then I could use my 360 to do this instead of paying for a box from them. I'm willing to get a hdmi 360 if there is one. There has to be one anyway if they are going to do IPTV it makes since, most people don't have tvs with vga, there are a lot of people with hdmi, most threads I have seen people say they would rather use hdmi than component. So Microsoft will probably show off that Xbox eventually, possibly at GDC if not at CES. Microsoft is really caring about the consumer with this gen they are trying to help people get the most out of their box and I think they are doing a good job at it.
seedaripper @ Jan 8th 2007 8:46AM
lmao tristan...micro$oft 'caring for this gen'
mate you are seriously deluded...after you 'upgrade' your current 360 and you add all the 'extras' HD-DVD drive/wifi/bigger HDD etc...add it ALL up and then tell me how caring this monopolistic bastard of a corporation is!
DBX00 @ Jan 8th 2007 8:54AM
Do I have to purchase another monthly subscription to access IPTV? It sounds like I have to pay more to have access to the same content I can watch through abc.com/cbs.com or my On Demand cable service. This service would be more impressive if they just added a cable card reader that allowed you to replace your cable box all together. Hopefully, Sony will not follow the Microsoft direction and offer a cable card reader or some way to just connect the PS3 to popular cable boxes to access content I ALREADY pay for through my cable provider.
Josh @ Jan 8th 2007 8:59AM
#16, are they forcing anyone to buy any of that stuff? I must have missed Microsoft's threatening letter.
seedaripper @ Jan 8th 2007 9:06AM
# 18
no..they just dangle it in front of your noses and try to create a NEED for it..i.e back peddling on the whole HDMI/1080p bollox/HD-DVD/HDD
you may not have it now...but you will ;)
im really intrigued to see the 360 'octupi' cables here an there with bits of dangling crap..lol
Tristan @ Jan 8th 2007 9:08AM
They are saying you can use your 360 as a box instead of using the one you rent from your cable company or where you get your tv. If Comcast was to join them in this I would rather use my 360 as a cable box. That way I won't have to pay their monthly fee for the rent of the box.
syco @ Jan 8th 2007 9:10AM
It is often said that Sony and Microsoft specifically are in a battle to dominate the living room with their respective boxes, but really, all three companies are trying to grow out the market. Nintendo has decided that they will bring gaming to the masses, while Sony and Microsoft are doing it by appealing to tech enthusiasts. The PS3 and the 360 (and their respective disc players) are some of the only content for HDTV owners, and the average HDTV owner is going to know what IPTV is allready and might have the bandwidth to use it. This is pretty good news for Microsoft and bad new for Sony unless it, too, has been considering IPTV or something like it that adds another notch next to reasons to have the PS3 hooked up to your TV. Nobody expected video downloads to be popular on the 360 and yet they were, it's entirely possible that it might go all the way through 2007 without a bit of hype and do well anyway.
RogueStorm @ Jan 8th 2007 9:17AM
This could be a boon for Live! Arcade, because if they plan on supplanting the normal cable box in IPTV markets in favor of a 360, this will open up the casual gaming market even further. Sounds to me like Microsoft is taking the Nintendo approach, just through a different means.
pcsguy88 @ Jan 8th 2007 9:21AM
I think everyone needs to google IPTV and do some research.
1. IPTV is a service offered to you by your local Telco, not MS.
2. AT&T has purchased the IPTV software from MS and they now cover 3/4ths of the country after buying Bellsouth.
3. AT&T will provide it's customers with a choice of an IPTV set top box like your cable/satelite does, 1 of those options could easily be a 360 for free with contract or rental like cable.
4. The IPTV package from AT&T will be 3 tiered, giving you options of VOIP and broadband.
5. VOIP and IPTV will run on a dedicated bandwidth, leaving your broadband connection untouched for Internet and Live.
6. IPTV is not stored, it is streamed like your cable/satelite is. The difference is they don't send your all channels all the time, only a few (depending on your bandwidth) to enable quick channel changing. The only reason the 360 would need an HDD would be for DVR functions.
7. You can finally kick Time Warner & Comcast out of your home for r@ping you on rates all these years since they have a monopoly. In areas of Texas, where telco's are testing IPTV for the past few years, cable rates have dropped significantly.
How will this affect the console war? Any gamer who pays the cable, phone and broadband bill in his/her house will jump all over this if it is available in their area. The ability to consolidate all home entertainment bills into one and get rid of that fugly cable box sitting under your TV that you pay $10 a month is a dream come true. Early adopters will suffer glitches, but so did early cellphone and satelite user. This is the greatest living room coup ever! When you roll the idea of AT&T subsidizing 360's to customers around in your head, it leaves you feeling sorry for Sony. Kudos MS, I'm adding Uncle Bill to my Christmas card list.
How do you feel about your PS3 now?
Duscrom @ Jan 8th 2007 9:48AM
"16. lmao tristan...micro$oft 'caring for this gen'
mate you are seriously deluded...after you 'upgrade' your current 360 and you add all the 'extras' HD-DVD drive/wifi/bigger HDD etc...add it ALL up and then tell me how caring this monopolistic bastard of a corporation is!"
Well let's see, Sony want's me to pay $600 for a machine that does everything but play games, cause they actually physically cut features from the $500 version, add in the $60 HDMI cables of $40 component cables i need to run the machine IN HD... Or Nintendo who is chargeing me $250 for the technology they charged me $200 for 2 years ago. Because Early Adopters of the Nintendo DS weren't cheated when the DS lite came out a year and a half later with a brighter screen, or the not publically announced GBAs with brighter screens. Or Apple, who wants me to use Their OS on their PCs and If I buy any music from their online store, i can only listen to it on their MP3 player.. And because they control the entire pipleine, they get to decide what to charge me.
Which monopolistic company cares about me? None of them... but currently MS is the best at pretending.
elmer @ Jan 8th 2007 9:57AM
I've actually been predicting some sort of TV over the internet service for Wii for a while, and I don't know why it's being discounted here (in fact youtube means the tech is essentially half there already).
Obviously, for most IPTV services to work properly, the data needs to load as fast, if not faster than it's played, else you'll have a lot of time not watching when you want (defeating the merits of watching what you want when you want). Therefore any services have to fall within bandwidths that are streamable. Therefore, while recording is nice, and it would save broadcasters money, there's no reason video can't be streamed each and every time it's played, removing any need for a storage device on the user end. All other requirements fall within the Wii's capabilities (barring HD).
Seriously, the Wii is more potent as an iptv device than 360 any day, being cheaper, quiter, smaller, reaching the non-gamer market they want, having a remote and wireless networking. It's only a matter of time before we hear about tv channels for the Wii channel menu, though kudos to MS for actually doing it.
DBX00 @ Jan 8th 2007 10:01AM
pcsguy8
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155888 (date 12/13/2006)
Sony has already announced that they will a TV tuner and Tivo features in the 3rd quarter of 2007. Microsoft is the one playing catch up on this feature. Thanks.
Josh @ Jan 8th 2007 10:19AM
#19, so they make products that are interesting. Then they offer up for sale these products. Then they advertise them. Then you see these products or advertisements and *want* to buy the products. And then you buy them.
Yes, obviously this is the work of an evil empire that must be stopped!
Frederic Dumesle @ Jan 8th 2007 10:26AM
This will make the 360 a leader in this IPTV Market.
I hope MS will make clever local agreement with partner all over the world (including EUROPE! please)
Later on they will combine with Zune marketplace....pretty obvious.
Let's prepare for a new HDD...however the dream would be for the xbox to use the new windows homeserver instead of a bigger HDD. How about 1 Tera HP Windows Home server....
Wait and See
FrankTheCrank @ Jan 8th 2007 10:38AM
This is a bunch of CRAP.
This is M$ trying to open new markets up to make some $$$. Nothing wrong with that, it's the American way. Right? It's just too bad their doing it on the back of gamers.
Hey, if you guys are cool with that, fine. But I bought a console to PLAY GAMES.
I don't want to see my gaming console diluted because some huge corporation thinks they can make a boatload of money turning my gaming system into some VIDEO JUKEBOX. No thanks!
kagai @ Jan 8th 2007 10:39AM
I swear. Some of you guys...Microsoft could come to your house and spread crap all over your windows and you'd find some way to make it a positive experience. Look, I buy game systems because I like to play games. I don't hold alliances with game companies, because they don't really care about me. Just make the console, get me some games and I'll buy your system. Wow, refreshing idea! But, some of you have your head so far up one companies arse it's just plain stupid.
The PS3 as a gaming console isn't worth $600 to me (I'll be waiting for the price to drop to buy it, but I will buy it), but if you have a HDTV, are a gamer and want to get into next gen DVDs, then it is worth it (and the same price as an Xbox 360/HD Dvd combo). And before you start spouting about teh games of the 360, if you'll remember, there wasn't a whole lot of reason to own a 360 when it first came out either (game-wise). I don't care if you prefer one system over another, but I think most of us are tired of the stupid posts. So, grow up.
Also, where are all the people screaming about how Microsoft screwed them by not including larger HDDs and HDMI from the get go? Oh, yeah, I forgot, you enjoy crap on your windows! Most of you need to be a little less fanboy and a little more gamer. Because, if there was only one game company in town we'd all have crap on our windows!
Lastly, I really doubt that Sony's version of this service is going to be crappy compared to Microsoft's and I don't see any need to include these fanboyish comments. I really wish some of these sites, like yours, would be a little less blog and a little more news-like.
sheppy @ Jan 8th 2007 10:45AM
pcsguy88, hate to say it but still not interested in booting up my 360 again. Not interested in "downloading rentals" when Netflix is cheaper, and from what I recall, faster. I tried DLing a movie from their service, took 4 days. When your service gets it's ass kicked by a mail in program, not impressed. Especially considering that it's just as easy to get out of my chair, drive to a rental store, and get more time with the movie for LESS. Likewise, IPTV requires a very fast internet connection and, like the 360, Wii, and PS3 downloads, I don't think majority of Americans connection is up to the task.
So how do I feel about my PS3 now? Still pretty good, actually. Unlike my 360, who's killer app is broken for me and hasn't been booted in going on 2 months. Well, not quite two months yet. When was Emergence Day exactly? That was the last boot.
Duscrom, seriously, look up the physical features cut from PS3 cheap versus physical features cut from 360. Here's the difference between the two.
PS3 premium has wireless internet connection, flash stick reader, larger hard drive.
360 premium has a hard drive, required for all the patches the buggy shipped games need, wireless controller, a standard on all the others.
Seriously, if you're going to bitch about the difference bewteen 60GB and 20GB, look at just how tragically nerfed 360 is. And even the premium 360 is seriously nerfed. $100 for a wireless adaptor? Not to mention many are begging, pleading, and downright screaming for a larger hard drive that is needed right now. But that tasty vittle can only come from MS. Meanwhile, PS3? Yeah, I turned around and bought a 200GB from NewEgg and don't plan to run out of space anytime soon.
No matter how you slice it, PS3 is the better value if you're looking at more than gaming. But if gaming is your deal, well, 360 is the better value, for now anyway.
RogueStorm @ Jan 8th 2007 10:45AM
To add to pcsguy88 (#23)
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=5097&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=21463
cubbiechris @ Jan 8th 2007 10:56AM
The Xbox 360 is becoming the must have device for the living room. I have a PS3 and when I play it it just feels empty and I miss all the features of the 360. The online on the PS3 is terrible and no achivements! Plus the bluetooth controllers are so damn buggy! 360 is just a flat out fun device, that keeps getting better and better.
G1GAHURTZ @ Jan 8th 2007 11:00AM
I may be wrong, but after watching the video of IPTV in action, I'm sure that the MS rep was saying that the recording functionality isn't handled by the 360.
Am I wrong?
Does IPTV need a PC to work, or am I missing something here?
Matt @ Jan 8th 2007 11:07AM
#7
I don't think it's really an issue of Microsoft trying to promote any particular service or product. As internet bandwidth increases, it becomes impractical to have different avenues of distribution for every different type of media. In fact, over the years we've seen first print, then photos, then audio, and now finally video turn to the internet as an avenue for mainstream distribution as bandwidths have increased.
With the 360, Microsoft has a perfect device, that is both connected to the internet and your TV, for delivering downloadable video content. In fact, Microsoft has been tremendously successful with the video marketplace when compared to other video download services, mostly because the video can be played on a TV. IPTV is simply a natural use of the capabilities that their device has.
A lot of people talked about the original Xbox being Microsoft's "trojan horse" for the living room. However, it appears that the 360 is the device that has been built from the ground up to serve such a purpose. As the 360 continues to mature, we can only expect to see Microsoft adding more and more functionality and features to the Xbox 360.
Ben @ Jan 8th 2007 11:11AM
As much as MS likes to version things and then upgrade them part of me thinks that an XBox 360 upgrade AFTER selling 10.4 million units might be more "PR pain" than they want to take. (Unless they had a REALLY, REALLY good (free) upgrade program (which I doubt))
You'll also note that they didn't mention any of this yesterday during the keynote. They DID however mention the Windows Home Media server. I would be willing to bet that they will provide thhe functionality through the XBox for recording TV shows, but will not upgrade the hardware itself. I bet they'll make the 360 play REALLY well with WHS, and use something like THAT to push a long-term DVR storage.
Why upgrade a current product thus mmaking 10.4 million people angry, when you can release a NEW product that 30% or more of those people will also buy? Keep the original customers happy, and make more money. Win-win.
~Ben
Matt @ Jan 8th 2007 11:12AM
#30
You're contradicting yourself. First you claim that you only buy consoles for the games and that you don't want companies adding other features to the system that will dilute the gaming experience. You go on to claim that you have absolutely no loyalties to brands and but consoles simply for the gaming experience. However, you then go on to compare the PS3's price of $600 to the price of both the 360 and an HD-DVD drive.
If you really only cared about the games, why would you care about the HD-DVD drive?
On top of all this, I don't see how IPTV functionality interferes with the gaming experience on the 360 in any way at all. In fact, by any measurement, the 360 lineup is far better than the original Xbox was only one year out of the gate. Yet the original Xbox lacked all of these features, including Xbox Live, at that point which you claim to be diluting the gaming experience.
I really don't understand how people can complain when a company adds features to a product for free, that (in no way) interfere with the way the product already functioned.
Matt @ Jan 8th 2007 11:18AM
#36
Actually, according to Engadget, the WHS does not work with media extenders (IE the 360), only Media Center PCs.
flipme @ Jan 8th 2007 11:25AM
On the subject of Hard drive. Watch the on10.net video again and early on you can notice the unit attached to the left side of the 360, exactly where the HD would be. I guess that has all the Gubbins for IPTV to work and I'd guess houses a bigger HD.
Ben @ Jan 8th 2007 12:10PM
#39:
Yes, but they are also using wired controllers most of the time. Are they perhaps using core units?
Ben @ Jan 8th 2007 12:10PM
#38:
Just because the 360 doesn't work yet with a technology that MS hasn't released don't mean it won't always work. That's what software upgrades are for.
slacker164 @ Jan 8th 2007 12:38PM
As some others have said, I think the question is somewhat backwards. Rather than ‘how will IPTV change the console wars’ the larger implications will come from asking ‘how will IPTV coming to a console change the IPTV market?’ I think the redesign of the 360 is going to make it a much more attractive console, but I don’t see IPTV being anywhere near as important as the HDMI port or the potential to have a cooler, quieter system. This should be pretty big for IPTV though as a lot more people will suddenly have access to a capable device. I’m sure this will sway a few fence sitters and make the console more attractive to tech enthusiasts, but it’s not a system selling feature for most gamers and the general public, more of a cool bonus. It could become a system selling feature if it does well and IPTV becomes more wide spread, but right now this is a case of creating demand for IPTV by making it available on a device people already own or want for a different reason – games. Also, I don’t think Sony will really respond to this immediately. They probably will eventually, but right now Sony has a lot of other things to worry about first. It seems like the smartest thing for Sony to do would be to just watch and see if there is really money to be made by including IPTV functionality while focusing on fixing/improving other features of the PS3 and perhaps slowly developing a decent IPTV interface of their own in a low priority way.
Steve @ Jan 8th 2007 2:11PM
Certainly in the UK Microsoft have a strong partner for IPTV in the form of BT who have recently released their own MS based IPTV service. If the Xbox can provide the same VOD and streaming content (live/near-live football for example could see a huge amount of people getting this) then they could do well.
BT already offer things like free Xbox Live and a free wireless adapter if you join BT broadband, so I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that BT would offer a cut price Xbox to those people taking on the IPTV service.
stx @ Jan 8th 2007 2:15PM
The bandwidth issue will be handed by your ISP providing a local stream, similar to the recently launched CH4 on Demand through NTL/Telewest.
BT, Deutsche Telekom, T-Online, Swisscom and AT&T are currently in cahoots with MS to provide these functions.
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=71536
dsub @ Jan 8th 2007 2:31PM
I wouldn't be so quick to judge. AT&T is going to be to major service provider for the IPTV service, but some other big-name companies are also jumping on. The likes of Comcast cable, Verizon Communications, and BellSouth have already announced support for the service. If AT&T is offering it, I guarantee you it will be cheap. AT&T has been on a warpath with DSL in most areas. In fact, they offer a 3M DSL connection in my area for $15 a month. You can't beat that. I expect them to be equally as aggressive with the IPTV service. However....
If getting IPTV means I have to switch to shitty-ass DSL, count me out.
MonocularJack @ Jan 8th 2007 2:39PM
#38: Actually WHS *will* stream to Extenders, including the 360:
http://microsoft.blognewschannel.com/archives/2007/01/07/exclusive-windows-home-server-in-detail/
"You will even be able to access your files over the internet (don’t worry, everything is protected), and the killer feature: Home Server streams to the Xbox 360 and other Media Center Extenders."
MonocularJack @ Jan 8th 2007 2:47PM
#29: How is Microsoft taking away your ability to play games? You have a lot of anger here but I fail to see how the ability to watch TV via your 360 means you can no longer play Gears of War?
I fail to see how that will dilute the game playing experience? Even if the 360 records IPTV in the background it will probably use the bandwidth & CPU that is normally reserved for downloading Arcade content in the background.
If your game experience doesn't change, if games run exactly as they did before, if there is only one new menu item on a blade you probably never go to, how has your experience as a gamer changed?
MrAkash @ Jan 8th 2007 2:49PM
I think it will have a minor effect on the console wars themselves as Sony will likely add this functionality via firmware update and will have the advantage of a larger harddrive from the get-go ('tard pack notwithstanding).
I think the larger effect will be the perception of video game consoles themselves. The 360 will be a machine that can replace your DVD Player, DVD's (via marketplace movies), CD player (via streaming MP3's from your Windows PC), HD-DVD player, photo albums, and now your cable box/set-top box? The promise of the entertainment hub finally fulfilled. Sony set out to make the Playstation 2 the center of your livingroom, Xbox 360, and likely PS3, will actually do it.
The time is quickly approaching when the "video game" console actually becomes the entertainment console, and is a must-have for any entertainment center...whether you buy games for it or not.
Gareth Stack @ Jan 8th 2007 2:58PM
Seems obvious that MS could solve the storage problems created by IPTV / a growing market for music and movie downloads through the 360 in two ways. One, stream the downloads to an additional PC - exactly the clunky approach they're trying to get away from.
Or more elegantly, by selling an external hard drive add on, similar in form factor to external 360 HD-DVD.
Given the current and ever falling price of hard drives, and economies of scale, MS could easily partner with Maxtor or the like to offer a 500gig drive for around €150 and if necessary a terabyte drive for € 300. They could even repackage an existing product like Western Digital's My Book range. Either volume option would soak up most users storage needs for paid downloads and IPTV.
Later in Q4 2007 or early 2008 the current 360 bundles could be replaced or augmented with an updated box including both internal HD-DVD and expanded hard disk drives, perhaps in a reduced form factor.
Nando @ Jan 8th 2007 3:29PM
xbox 360 is MS's big trojan horse. this combined with windows is gonna take over your life.
forget about iPod, zune with it's windows integration it's going to make you forget about iPod
Youri Zoutman @ Jan 8th 2007 4:53PM
The TV thing will mean little if the only place they'll implement it is the US, like they did with the episodes and movie downloads.
Clint (Neon360) Thompson @ Jan 8th 2007 4:57PM
Peter Moore knew this was coming all along, which is why he says "We'll sell 100 Million Xbox 360s"
This is what I say: "So now your Xbox Live Gamertag isn't strictly just about games anymore... it's a gateway to everything you've purchased and everyone you know.... it's now become an essential part of your life."