Tech Shout!

Earlier this month, Microsoft had announced that the Xbox Live Marketplace will be featuring hit T.V shows and movies download on to the Xbox 360. This service has finally been officially released and now Xbox Live Marketplace will provide gamers with easy access to hundreds of full length T.V shows download to own and movies for download to rent from CBS, MTV Networks, paramount Pictures, TBS and Warner Bros. Microsoft has unleashed this service on the Xbox Live Marketplace yesterday, being the first birthday of the Xbox 360.

Using the Xbox Live Video Family Settings feature, parents and individuals can choose the video content that can be played on their family’s Xbox 360. Besides, gamers can also set controls based on the movie, T.V and video ratings with the availability of this new entertainment content network. Another great option available on the Xbox Live Marketplace allows gamers to entirely block explicit and unrated video content for themselves or their children.

Pricing for the new service unleashed by Microsoft will vary based on format, media type and whether the content is a newly released movie or a classic feature film. High-definition T.V shows will cost gamers 240 Microsoft Points per episode, and standard-definition T.V. shows will be 160 Microsoft Points per episode. Newly released movies in high-definition will be 480 Microsoft Points, and 320 Microsoft Points in standard-definition. Classic feature films in high-definition will be 360 Microsoft points, and standard d-definition will be 240 Microsoft points.

What is great about this new download-to-own and download-to-rent service from Microsoft is that Xbox 360 owners can download the standard-definition version at no additional charge, after purchasing a high-definition T.V show or movie.

Microsoft Points can be purchased at the time of retail or via Xbox Live. For example, Xbox 360 gamers can get a 1,600 Microsoft Points card at retail for $19.99 USD or 1,000 Microsoft Points through Xbox Live for $12.50 USD.

Examples of download–to-own T.V shows and download-to-rent movies available on the Xbox Live Marketplace from November 22 2006 onwards include the following:

“CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: New York,” “NCIS” and “Star Trek” from CBS

“Chappelle’s Show,” “Drawn Together” and Emmy and Peabody award-winning “South Park” from COMEDY CENTRAL

“Pimp My Ride” and “Punk’d” from MTV

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” from Nickelodeon

“Skyland” and “Invader Zim” from Nicktoons Network

“Chinatown,” “Star Trek VII: Generations,” “Patriot Games,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The Sum of All Fears,” “The Untouchables” and “We Were Soldiers” from Paramount Pictures

“Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Frisky Dingo,” “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law,” “Sealab 2021″ and “The Venture Bros.” from Turner Broadcasting

Some of the most intense fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship

“Breaking Bonaduce” and “Hogan Knows Best” from VH1

“Perfect Storm,” “Poseidon,” The Shining,” “Three Kings” and “V for Vendetta,” as well as “The Nine” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” along with the CW show “Veronica Mars” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment