So that whole 1080p video on demand thing that Microsoft mentioned at their E3 press conference? It’s coming to Australia. Everyone, all together, say it with me: “Finally!”Details are a little vague in the press release, but here’s the passage that finally brings some hope to Australian Xbox gamers:
Starting this spring, a broad selection of movies will be available to start and stream instantly, in the highest video quality and at the push of a button. No discs, no waiting for downloads and no delays. Get the selection of a video store, the best video clarity available and the convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360. In addition, Microsoft announced it will more than double the number of markets where Xbox LIVE offers movies, growing from eight to 18, by adding Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Xbox LIVE members in these markets will have access to instant on 1080p video.
Huzzah! Considering this came from the Aussie PR reps for Microsoft, (plus the fact that the US Spring is another year away), I take that to mean that this will all happen in a few months time.
The catch, of course, is that the service will require “broadband speeds greater than 8 Mbps for instant viewing at 1080p and 5.1 surround sound.” Which, given the current state of play in Australian broadband, means a lot of people will probably miss out. Sucks to be them, I guess…
simon
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:43 AMfinally! err… netflix? not likely, can anyone say bigpond with me! lets all together say…… overpriced!! arent we all having fun!
Fritz
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 11:00 AMCool.
As an iinet customer I hope that this falls under their freezone like their current xbox content.
I also wonder if this has anything to do with the Quickflix announcement a few months ago.
MoreGIGs
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 11:56 AMIf you stuck with Bigpond Cable as too far from an exchange and only 25Gigs a month to use before unusable.
Whats the point of all the content when you cannot possibly enjoy it to potential. :(
Random
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 12:09 PMAs per everything else offered in online movie content; it will be overpriced, poorly delivered and not worth the bandwidth.
Tom
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 6:48 PMWhy complain that we’re finally starting to get this kind of thing? This is excellent news!
…but not excellent news for Quickflix, who’s recent substance free announcement of a download service looks like it’s shaping up to be a disappointing waste of time.
The kula
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:01 PMWhile i can understand the negative vibe with an oz version of these services, i cant help to look forward to it. Fingers Crossed