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…