Official Microsoft response to Zune usage of Xbox Live Video

As an early-adopter of HDTV (2001) and a self-described Xbox 360 junkie, I was overjoyed at the Microsoft announcement last night. The ability to download and watch 720p video content in my living room adds a whole new dimension to my Xbox 360. But, mobile technologist that I am, I immediately wondered if and how Zune fits into this strategy. It's a logical conclusion that it will, right?

I started inquiring with the PR agencies that Microsoft partners with and I have to say: everyone I communicated with on the topic was quite helpful; it was simply a matter of getting to the right folks. I did just that and got an official Microsoft response to my inquiry from Ross Honey, Senior Director, Media, Content & Partner Strategy Group at Microsoft.

"At launch, you will be able to plug your Zune device into your Xbox 360 to stream content, including video, music and pictures via USB cable, to enjoy all your Zune content on the TV in your living room.  While, Microsoft does not have any specific details to provide on future integration scenarios, we have been considering how Zune will integrate more deeply with Xbox and other Microsoft products in order to deliver the best connected entertainment experience to consumers.

Right now the Xbox 360 team is focused on the introduction of downloadable full-length TV and movie content to Xbox Live Marketplace, delivering on their commitment to continually enhance the gaming and entertainment experience for Xbox 360 gamers. Video has always been a key part of the Zune vision and Microsoft is certainly exploring other video scenarios for Zune in the future, but right now there are still amazing opportunities around digital music and the Zune team is focused on taking the music experience to the next level with wireless sharing.”

Careful wording? Sure, but that's to be expected and far be it from me to twist words around here. Although you can watch Zune content on your 360, Microsoft is officially not providing any Zune compatibility with the new Xbox Live Video service at this time, i.e.; the video content you download to your 360 can only be watched on a 360. I suppose that was evident with the official announcement as a meticulous search of the press release unearthed zero instances of the word "Zune", but I wanted to be certain. After all, the Zune player is available next week and the Xbox Live Video service kicks off the week after, so it's a logical question in my mobile mind.

Still, the possibility is clearly there for a marriage of the Zune hardware and the Xbox Live Video service. It appears to me that Microsoft wants the new portable media player to gain a foothold in the music space first and then we'll see what happens. I have to believe we haven't heard the last of this for a few reasons:

1. Apple is already offering movie and TV downloads for iPods through the iTunes Store. Microsoft won't let that go unchallenged for long.
2. Upgrades to the Xbox 360 are easily transferred via downloads, so the ability to re-encode and transfer video to the Zune player can be pushed down at a later date.

It would be a tragic shame in my opinion for Microsoft not to quickly find a way to get video content from the Xbox 360 to the 320 x 240 Zune screen. In one fell swoop, the Zune could offer a comparable (or better) full service audio and video function over today's iPod with the 360 gaining a large lead on Apple's expected iTV device.

Special thanks to all of the PR folks that pointed me in the right direction and to Ross Honey for a response to my question.

Comments

[Rodfather]

It looks like Microsoft may be releasing a 80GB drive for the 360.
http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/07/80gb-xbox-360-drive-leaked-oh-and-the-hd-dvd-retail-box-too/

I wonder how you would transfer the contents from the 20GB drive to the new one.

It would be great if you could just plug in an external USB drive and use that to store the HD videos instead.

[Darkomonger]

I would like to see all Zune.net music service be on the xbox 360. I belive it would be really nice to get music using the 360 then sync with the zune all from my sofa. Computer are fun but i would really like to do all of this outside of a computer.

[Mike Cane]

Man, I have to tell you that all this confuses the hell out of me.

If I have zero interest in games (which I have -- ZERO interest!). I don't have any reason to get an XboX, right?

And this 720p HDTV -- puhleeze. Isn't that less res than most computer monitors these days?!

[Tablet PC User]

Mike Cane,

I hope that you have about 30 Gbps downloads to get a higher res at 1080p. You realize that all 1080p HD content is about 20GB+? Do you know that will take about 2 days to download at cable Internet (or DSL)? Plus, reviews have stated that 1080p only looks good after you have a 50"+ screen. Most people don't have native 1080p screens as yet nor Gigbit download speeds!

The way I see it, HD content is better than SDTV. If I want the movie, I'll pay for $20-$40.00 for the HD-DVD/Blu-ray from Amazon.com or somewhere.

If the xbox doesn't interest you, get a HD-DVR or wait for the iTV, which is slated to be 480p!

[Mike Cane]

Yes, I know the 1080p is mucho GBs. But I can't get excited over 720p. That's a PC monitor!

I didn't know about the 50" screen proviso. Makes sense, though!

I'd buy the HD/BR DVD too.

[joe]

well I realy realy hope the zune will be able to stream to the zune and not just from it. I would be so happy but if you know microsoft They are realy good about sharing secrets and they seem to love to suprise people. so we will see.

[joe]

well I realy realy hope the zune will be able to stream to the zune and not just from it. I would be so happy but if you know microsoft They are realy good about sharing secrets and they seem to love to suprise people. so we will see.