Andre Yoskowitz
9 Sep 2009 15:42
Microsoft and the large UK retailer Tesco have announced they will be teaming up to provide a new "DVD-quality" movie downloading service that uses Silverlight technology.
Beginning this fall, any Tesco customer who purchases certain DVDs will receive a free "digital copy" of the movie that they can download to their Macs or Windows machines.
In addition to the film, the digital copies will also bring "extra network-connected features such as auto-updated trailers, exclusive bonus content, movie viewing parties with online chat, related music offerings such as MP3s and ring tones, and networked games."
"Tesco is excited to be the first retailer to partner with a broad range of major movie studios to offer this next-generation movie experience," said Rob Salter of Tesco. "For the first time, consumers will be able to enjoy a DVD equivalent experience with digital movies, which paves the way for more advanced viewing experiences enabled through Silverlight."
"This is just the beginning. In the future we expect to offer our customers innovative digital solutions that far exceed the DVD experience and deliver exclusive content, Web events and services wherever and whenever they want them," Salter added.
Adds Gabriele Di Piazza, senior director for the Media & Entertainment business in the Communications Sector at Microsoft: "We believe this alliance will offer consumers in the U.K., and eventually additional markets, the opportunity to download a digital copy that is truly the equivalent of a physical disk --with the same package of navigation, bonus features and director commentaries."