XBOX-HQ.COM - Xbox 360 Sky Player

While this news only pertains to the UK and Ireland right now it will give you a bit of insight as to ware Microsoft is going with the 360, at this rate we just might see XboxLIVE become the true all in one entertainment package.

Microsoft has struck a deal to bring Sky Player, Sky’s online TV service, to Xbox Live this autumn in the UK and Ireland.

The move will allow Xbox 360 owners to access a range of channels and programmes to either view live or on-demand. The quality will be SD and DVD only to begin with and there won’t be an option to record programs.

Details of the full channel line-up are still to be confirmed, but Xbox 360 users are expected to be able to access movies, entertainment shows, documentaries, programming dedicated to kids, music, the arts and sport, including Premier League football and Test Match cricket.

“For a new customer joining Sky through their Xbox, Sky Player will offer a wide range of live channels and on-demand content via a number of different packages. These customers will also be able to access their favourite shows on a pay-per-view basis.,” said a press release marking the announcement. “Existing Sky customers who already own an Xbox will benefit from another way to view their favourite shows, in addition to their Sky set-top box and PC or Mac.

“There will be a range of unique interactive services available to the Xbox LIVE / Sky Player offering. For Sky Sports, for example, this will mean that live coverage will be supported by range of applications to enhance the viewing experience further. As well as fans being able to communicate with one another in real time via their broadband connections, they will also be able to check news and access fixtures, league tables and other on-demand information. Interactive applications will also be developed across other programmes genres.

“It also enables users to communicate with each other via live video chat and MSN Messenger, beating console rivals to cement Xbox 360 as a true pioneer of home entertainment.”

Neil Thompson, head of Xbox UK and Ireland, said: "Our customers have told us that they want the opportunity to use their consoles as a way to access TV and once again Xbox has pulled off an entertainment first with amazing content and rich interactive experience. The combination of Sky's leadership in content creation and aggregation and our own in creating a constantly evolving new generation of rich 360 entertainment experiences means we are one step closer to our goal of offering Xbox owners the best entertainment experiences out there, whether it's movies, music, games, interactive experiences or high quality TV."

News-Source: edge-online.com