Report: Comcast and Verizon joining Xbox TV

Reports indicate that Microsoft is negotiating to bring Comcast and Verizon access to Xbox Live, and is in discussions with nearly two dozen content providers.

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Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer reaffirmed earlier this month that the Xbox TV service is planned to roll out 'this Christmas.' Further reports have surfaced today indicating that Microsoft is currently negotiating with nearly two dozen providers of movies, TV shows, sports, and music in the U.S. and Europe.

Comcast and Verizon apparently aren't the only ones negotiating to bring their programming to the Xbox 360.

While Microsoft and the content providers with whom it's negotiating have yet to officially confirm anything official, a Bloomberg report (via Joystiq) that HBO, Crackle (Sony's streaming service), NBC Universal's Bravo and Syfy channels, and Amazon.com's subsidiary Lovefilm UK are expected to get on board, according to an unnamed source. The source also asserted that Microsoft might have something to announce as early as next week.

A couple of additional sources in the Bloomberg report (also unnamed) also claimed that the Comcast and Verizon deals would be structured so that existing subscribers to either service would be able to use the corresponding Xbox Live streaming functionality for no additional cost.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    September 29, 2011 11:00 AM

    Jeff Mattas posted a new article, Report: Comcast and Verizon joining Xbox TV.

    Reports indicate that Microsoft is negotiating to bring Comcast and Verizon access to Xbox Live, and is in discussions with nearly two dozen content providers.

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      September 29, 2011 1:45 PM

      HBO on the 360? That is all I needed to hear, now I can drop Comcast altogether. That should save me $120 a month.

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        September 29, 2011 1:53 PM

        this would be amazing

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          September 29, 2011 1:54 PM

          I'll believe that when I see it. I doubt this is going to be very different from comcast's recent TiVo deal.

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      September 29, 2011 1:49 PM

      Does this cost anything other than the $50/year for Gold?

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        September 29, 2011 1:50 PM

        OIC "A couple of additional sources in the Bloomberg report (also unnamed) also claimed that the Comcast and Verizon deals would be structured so that existing subscribers to either service would be able to use the corresponding Xbox Live streaming functionality for no additional cost."

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          September 29, 2011 1:53 PM

          Sounds likely. TiVo Premiere will be picking up comcast xfinity on-demand services, so comcast is opening up their structure a bit already, but there is obviously no way to receive this without in fact being a comcast customer.

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        September 29, 2011 1:52 PM

        I do not yet see any specifics said, but I am willing to bet it will cost you a Comcast or Verizon subscription.

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      September 29, 2011 7:43 PM

      Hmm... Hulu Plus, Netflix Streaming, HBO, ESPN, SyFy... that would probably be enough to not really need cable so much anymore.

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