As the live network battle between Sony and Microsoft ramps up, Microsoft has moved to deliver HD content to their Xbox 360 console in Australia.
At a launch today in Sydney attended by MC Hammer, Microsoft has announced that they will deliver over 100 movies including several HD movies that deliver 1080p 5.1 channel sound. The movies which will have a limited viewing life from as short as 24 hours will include content from most of the major Hollywood movie houses.
Microsoft has not set a date for the service roll out but it will be this month claims Microsoft executives. Also set to be announced is a new Wireless N adapter for the Xbox.
Microsoft claims that the selection is as good as many video stores and that several ISP’s will offer unlimited broadband downloads during off peak hours. In the case of AAPT it is between 8.00pm and 6.00am.
What is not revealed is the length of the movies and the download times.
Microsoft is also promoting Xbox Live parties with consumers urged to connect and share movies, music and photos.
The new Xbox Live service will compete head on with Sony’s new network service that next year will compete head on with Microsoft.
In Australia Microsoft has over 500,000 Xbox Live customers who have spent up to $72 a year on a membership fee.
