BBC talks possibility of Xbox 360 video content

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 10th 2007 at 9:30AM }

The BBC is currently in talks with Microsoft to bring their programming to Xbox Live. The story from the UK's Sunday Times is mostly about finally offering video on demand programming to Europeans. We're happy for them, but if it in any way cuts down the time it takes for shows like Torchwood (pictured, which just started in the States on Saturday) to come across the Atlantic, we'll be happy too.

The Xbox 360 already has numerous deals in the States for video content with CBS, MTV, Fox and some other movie studios. The BBC is not the only Euro broadcaster that Microsoft is talking to at the moment confirmed a spokesperson. We're fine with Microsoft's Xbox video content, but it's still a game machine first and foremost. Now if they finally combine Xbox 360 with Netflix -- then you've got yourself video heaven in a box.

[Via GI.biz]

Tags: bbc, video, XBLM, xbox360

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

dontlikeitmodit @ Sep 10th 2007 9:35AM

Are they charging for said content? I dont have a 360 but I would hate to see charging for TV content and having to view adds as the norm. If companies can charge for the content and its passed on to the consumer its hard to see anyone else doing it free of charge.

Synner @ Sep 10th 2007 10:01AM

Yes, it is paid content, all the other networks do it too. There are no ads in the episodes you buy off xbox live. It is like buying the season on dvd, but you have to buy one episode at a time, and download them. If you had an xbox 360 you'd proabably know this.

Karen @ Sep 10th 2007 9:45AM

Please bring TOP GEAR from the BBC. I will buy a 360 to watch that show in HD in Canada.

ferrarimanf355 @ Sep 10th 2007 12:13PM

I was just about to say that! As someone who bought an X360 for Forza Motorsport 2, if they can offer first-run episodes for download, I'll jump for joy. :-)

Silverslide @ Sep 10th 2007 10:06AM

As far as Torchwood is concerned you're really not missing much; but Doctor Who and Top Gear are some essential viewing that only are unique and BBC only.

CloudANDTidus @ Sep 10th 2007 10:28AM

Torchwood isn't bad, but Doctor Who is way better. Top Gear, Red Dwarf, Fawlty Towers and Monty Python would also be worth checking out if they came to Marketplace.

Sundalic @ Sep 10th 2007 10:25AM

there are no ads on BBC as it's paid for by the public via a TV licence. I wonder would this mean cheap or free downloads for UK xbox live users?

Poisoned Al @ Sep 11th 2007 3:32AM

Well you can on a PC, so I doubt they would charge too much on the 360.

Skipjimroo @ Sep 10th 2007 10:33AM

I almost got really excited about the potential of this partnership till it struck me: I already pay £135.50 a year for the BBC's content. I'll be damned if they're going to get another penny from me! Even for shows of such a high calibre as Doctor Who and Torchwood.

Stick it up your happy hole Microsoft! You want more micro-transaction points from me for this content you'll have to pry them from my cold dead Live account corpse!

Classic nostalgic games; Yes

Viewable content I'm already forced by law to pay a licensing fee for; No-Just no

WizarDru @ Sep 10th 2007 10:51AM

Torchwood starts a little unevenly as they try to find their tone and direction, but after the first few episodes, the show starts to hit it's stride and really starts to be more than 'Doctor Who After Dark'. There are some really good episodes in the latter half of the first season that really shine, especially the season closing two-parter.

Zwilnik @ Sep 10th 2007 11:10AM

So why not on the iTunes store?
The reason the BBC gave for doing the XP only version of iPlayer first was market share, and the iTunes store has the (much) greater market share for video sales. So locking the content in to another Microsoft only platform sounds like yet more dodgy dealings at the beeb.

So much for the BBC being an impartial organisation.

t_m @ Sep 10th 2007 11:12AM

must be terrible for you guys having to wait for things to cross the atlantic! most unfair.

Just imagine if the same thing happened the other way too! No way they'd stand for it!

DaveC @ Sep 10th 2007 11:22AM

Doctor Who and Torchwood on the UK Video Marketplace would roxxors my boxxors!

Sean @ Sep 10th 2007 11:35AM

She's cute.

Henry @ Sep 10th 2007 12:02PM

I guess this means we have to pay £160 a year to own an xbox with the option to watch boring and un-innovative shows with feeble attempts to appeal to young modern audiences by trying to be 'cool' and 'street' written band produced by 50-year old toffs who went to public schools and think they know what young people want despite continuing evidence from ratings that they don't.
As you can see, I pretty much despise BBC.