Andre Yoskowitz
29 May 2009 23:33
Yesterday we reported that Microsoft was set to announce a new deal with BSkyB that would bring video content to the Xbox 360 console.
The software giant has confirmed that deal today, and will begin offering Sky TV services on the console beginning this fall in the UK and Ireland.
Users can watch live and on-demand content including movies, entertainment shows and "documentaries, programming dedicated to kids, music and the arts, as well as Sky Sports content."
"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," says Neil Thompson, head of the Xbox division in the UK.
"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."
Xbox Live users will be able to communicate with other subscribers while watching the video content.
"Our partnership with Xbox is a further example of our commitment to put choice and control in the hands of customers," added Stephen Nuttall, director of Sky's commercial group.
"Xbox owners now have a range of ways to access Sky content and can pick and choose the platform and packages that are right for them. We are extremely excited about the opportunity of reaching Xbox owners who are looking to experience Sky for the first time, as well as giving our existing customers yet another way to experience the content they love."