BBC content heads to 360?
MS Europe readying video service
Microsoft are busy readying their digital TV and video download services in Europe, according to rumours today, with the platform holder said to be trying to woo the BBC onto the games console as a content provider.
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Microsoft's Ross Honey, a senior director of media, told The Times that Microsoft had spoken with the BBC and several other leading European media firms. Reports suggest Microsoft are after high-definition broadcasts like the Planet Earth series, which would have mass appeal.
"We are working diligently on multiple fronts to make it happen," Honey is quoted as stating, "The BBC is a great content provider."
As an interesting side note, it is worth remembering that the BBC already has a strong working relationship with Microsoft on a technical level, as the Beeb's own iPlayer TV-on-demand offering is based on Windows Media Player (most crucially, its DRM capabilities).
Our man in the BBC tells us that the 360's Media Extender functionality could make porting lashings of BBC content a doddle, the only issue to overcome being the Kontiki delivery system, which presently requires a PC. Beyond this, and we're told Microsoft have a ready-made distribution network in place for the 360 Marketplace.
