Microsoft developing console TV service?

By Fred Dutton Published 29 November, 2010

Report: subscription "content silos" planned.

Microsoft is planning to bring a new online subscription-only TV service to the Xbox 360, according to insider sources.

Reuters reported that the platform holder has held talks with various media companies to license TV networks for the new online service.

It's not clear as to exactly what form the service will take, but a number of options are apparently being discussed with TV networks.

One idea is a "virtual cable operator" delivered over the internet for a monthly fee. Another would see existing cable subscribers being able to access shows through their console with enhanced interactivity.

A third option would be the creation of "content silos" into which individual channels, such as HBO or Showtime, could be sold.

This wouldn't be the Xbox 360's first foray into TV functionality. In the UK, subscribers can already access the Sky Player, while in the US, Microsoft recently launched an ESPN on-console channel.

The traditionally lucrative pay-TV sector is facing increased opposition from online streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, not to mention piracy. A greater on-console presence would be one way to attempt a fightback.

It's all a long way off though. Microsoft is apparently mulling over feedback from networks and doesn't intend to launch anything in the next 12 months.

Picture of Fred.

About Fred Dutton

Fred Dutton is Eurogamer's US news editor, based in Washington DC.

Read more articles from Fred by visiting the Fred Dutton archive page.

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Comments (17) Latest comment 1 year ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • jag10 #1 2 years ago

    get ready for multiple subscriptions. don't cry though.
    Edited by jag10 at 29/11/10 @ 20:16

  • Centrifugal #2 2 years ago

    Or, you know, you could just watch telly. Without paying Microsoft's extortionate subscription prices on top of LIVE.

    Give us iPlayer and I'm sure everyone will be happy, Microsoft.

  • lcmnick #3 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 12:48:44 14-04-2012

  • GreyBeard #4 2 years ago

    I highly doubt any such service would be available worldwide due to the complexities of international media licensing. I can definitely see them providing a service like that in the US, but elsewhere... very unlikely, especially non-English speaking territories where Xbox isn't that strong a brand (as yet).

  • dsmx #5 2 years ago

    I really can't understand why people keep bringing up the iplayer for the xbox 360. It can never happen in the UK so long as Microsoft insist on charging for content, the iplayer has to be free due to the terms of the TV license that the BBC must abide by and Microsoft have the policy of charging for xbox live premium services which is what the iplayer would be. So until xbox live becomes free or the tv license changes the laws that bbc have to abide by you won't see the iplayer.

  • callum9999 #6 2 years ago

    True but people are moaning because they want Microsoft's rules changed. Especially with something like iPlayer - virtually everyone in the country already has free access to it so Microsoft letting Silver members use it isn't going to damage any attraction Gold has, taking into account iPlayer could never be gold exclusive.

    I'm not bothered as I have a PS3, and even if I had the Xbox it's easy enough to get on PC etc., but I can understand why it would be a good feature to have.

  • The-Bodybuilder #7 2 years ago

    No doubt whatever service they conjure up, it will be exclusive to Gold members only.
    The swines.

  • hoster #8 2 years ago

    Outstanding. More adverts for services to buy on my dashboard to sit alongside adverts for sky player, zune rock band dlc etc.

    I don't even own any music games - surely the xbox is clever enough to look at my achievements list and thinl 'hmm this guy doesn't play music games, how about I DON'T bombard him with ads for beetles rockband DLC?'

    Sorry I'm going off topic a bit...

  • RodHull #9 2 years ago

    I foresee the caveat "United States only" at the end of any announcement of this.

  • Ninou #10 2 years ago

    "Microsoft insist on charging for content"

    I often hear this but is it true? Here in France, if you have even a cheap basic "Canal+" subscription (Canal+ is the major French pay channel) and an Xbox Gold membership, you can watch recently aired Canal+ programmes on the 360 without paying any extra.

    This even includes movies which, unlike Microsoft's overpriced Zune service, the viewer can choose to watch either dubbed into French (why, God, why?!) or in the original language with subtitles. An option that MS still refuses to offer on Zune...

    Vive la France (for this - the rest of the country is a f**king mess...)

  • thubie #11 2 years ago

    This please parents dont want the hassle to order a second digital decoder so a ip tv service with our fast internet would finaly get me hopefully rid of the noise on my full hd tv.

  • Fab4 #12 1 year ago

    It will just be another service 'not available in my country'.

  • Xboxfanuk #13 1 year ago

    IPTV is the future, if Microsoft doesn't bring it someone will. Microsoft would be smart to get involved in this early before they're late to the party.
    Edited by Xboxfanuk at 30/11/10 @ 07:22

  • Emmit_Assassin #14 1 year ago

    Great, more stuff to subscribe to. As if companies weren't trying to squeeze enough money out of me already. Good job I couldn't give a flying squirrel shit about tv through my Xbox! Cause guess what? I GOT A FUCKIN TV FOR THAT!

  • GiarcYekrub #15 1 year ago

    BBC iPlayer?

  • Kikizosan #16 1 year ago

    If it would allow us access to US channels in the UK, that'd be of interest to me. Far from likely, though.

  • metallicorphan #17 1 year ago

    whatever happened to that 24 hr Video game TV channel that we were supposed to be getting in November?(it may of been GINX,and i am sure it was due on both Satellite and Cable)