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."
