Rumours that downloadable BBC content is to arrive on the UK version of the Xbox Live Marketplace could well emerge as a solid push by Microsoft to help fulfil its vision of the Xbox 360 console existing as an entertainment hub for the whole family rather than just a videogames platform for hardcore gamers.
US-based subscribers to the Xbox Live Marketplace have been granted access to downloadable movie and TV media since November 22 of 2006. However, since that date, those situated across Europe (and various other international territories) have found themselves regionally restricted and, in the main, unable to access such content.
That particular speed bump of global access, which has attracted considerable criticism, could soon to be traversed thanks to the appearance of download media courtesy of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Reports flowing around the Internet are currently suggesting that Microsoft and the BBC are immersed in talks to bring Beeb content to the Xbox 360’s Live Marketplace service, which could see on-demand media opened for download in Europe.
Speculative chatter is centred not on possible content but rather on whether the service will arrive with accompanying fees.
The Guardian indicates that while video-on-demand content usually involves an associated access fee, any Live Marketplace BBC media will arrive as already paid for by the UK’s mandatory licensing charge, subsequently creating somewhat of a grey area for UK-based subscribers who are unlikely to want to pay twice. Furthermore, the BBC’s own online iPlayer download service is in its beta development stage and will arrive capable of delivering a sizeable amount of media – for free.
Whether or not BBC content does arrive with an accompanying charge system, Microsoft has already signed a deal with the BBC and various other European media companies back in 2006 that saw all parties partnering to develop their digital services – so chances are that current Xbox Live rumours are likely to become much more tangible in the near future.
In the BBC’s case, Ross Honey, the senior director for media at Microsoft’s content and partner strategy group, has revealed that the American software giant is "working diligently on multiple fronts" to make a Microsoft/BBC content deal happen, enthusing that the BBC "is a great content provider."
In the US, Microsoft already runs provides Xbox 360 subscribers with movie and TV content delivered by the likes of CBS, MTV, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros.
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