"Important" Xbox360 news

The more I read about this 'important' announcement the more I'm thinking whats the point? Just reading through the article on the BBC web site, these I think are the main points.

(1) Unlike the dedicated set-top box the Xbox will not be able to receive or record live TV.

(2) To get the service, customers will have to first subscribe to BT broadband.

(3) Sales of BT Vision have been somewhat sluggish according to critics, with BT signing up around 100,000 subscribers since launching in November 2006

(4) People have to sign up to a 12 month broadband contract.

(5) The fact that it cannot offer the Freeview content or DVR (digital video recorder) functionality of the dedicated BT Vision set-top box - known as a V-box - may also prove a barrier.


Count me out then.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7178661.stm

[ShadowTD]

Well, if you're already on BT Broadband and have a 360 then it's a no-brainer. All of a sudden you've gained a library of on-demand movies and Premiership games. Nobodies going to subscribe to BT Broadband just for that - it's just a cherry.

After being their usual bombastic selves about IPTV, MS are realising how different the demands of the market are with respect to reliability and responsiveness. These are challenges the Xbox team have already faced (and failed, and fixed! ). The rollout of BT Vision is the first major implementation of their system. This Xbox 'option' is another baby step along the way.

Originally Posted by ShadowTD

Well, if you're already on BT Broadband and have a 360 then it's a no-brainer. All of a sudden you've gained a library of on-demand movies and Premiership games. Nobodies going to subscribe to BT Broadband just for that - it's just a cherry.

After being their usual bombastic selves about IPTV, MS are realising how different the demands of the market are with respect to reliability and responsiveness. These are challenges the Xbox team have already faced (and failed, and fixed! ). The rollout of BT Vision is the first major implementation of their system. This Xbox 'option' is another baby step along the way.

Not too sure that its even a 'no-brainer' even if you are on BT Broadband. Its a limited service using the xbox360 as it currently now stands technology wise. The aim of the xbox division as you have pointed out is to make the xbox360 a 'media entertainment centre' a 'hub' for all your needs. Its not quite there yet, maybe with xbox360 plus or whatever they call the next one in a few years time.

[Help!!!]

Originally Posted by Charlie_Bubble

Rumours are a new 'ultimate' xbox 360, internal HD DVD drive, 320Gb hard drive, hi def sound, 1080p HDMI output, 65nm, near silent fan, on-board wireless.....

wow that sounds like a beast!!!!

would be sweet if it had half of thoes things.

---------- Post added at 01:25 ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 ----------

[Admin Edit(Mick): Off-topic remarks removed]

[ShadowTD]

@NeonKnight: The thing is, Mediaroom (MS IPTV platform) allows for a full suite of live channels in addition to the on demand stuff. Rather than jumping in head first with *just* IPTV, BT paired it with Freeview - a clever move in my opinion. However, as the system matures more, don't be surprised to see live channels start appearing on BT Vision...

Originally Posted by ShadowTD

@NeonKnight: The thing is, Mediaroom (MS IPTV platform) allows for a full suite of live channels in addition to the on demand stuff. Rather than jumping in head first with *just* IPTV, BT paired it with Freeview - a clever move in my opinion. However, as the system matures more, don't be surprised to see live channels start appearing on BT Vision...

I'm sure BT are ok if you are unlucky enough not to live within a cabled area of the UK. With regards to the freeview you mentioned how does this affect what the BBC reported in my reply further up the page, see point number 5 with the 'limitations' of using the xbox360 ?

[dd2k]

surely MS and BT could release a USB Add-On combined with a bigger HDD to add freeview and PVR to the xbox360 alongside its on demand offerings, would make it more tempting and more like the media hub they are aiming for

[ShadowTD]

@Neon: What I'm saying is that BT will probably deliver actual live channels using the service.

When the BT Xbox Vision service actually launches, I'd be interesting to see what they're charging. I'd put pound to a pinch that if you've already got BT Broadband and an Xbox that they won't try to lock you into an 12 month contract for a small amount of extra contract.

I know MS are trumpeting it, but this is a baby step as I said before. But a good one.

Originally Posted by ShadowTD

@Neon: What I'm saying is that BT will probably deliver actual live channels using the service.

When the BT Xbox Vision service actually launches, I'd be interesting to see what they're charging. I'd put pound to a pinch that if you've already got BT Broadband and an Xbox that they won't try to lock you into an 12 month contract for a small amount of extra contract.

I know MS are trumpeting it, but this is a baby step as I said before. But a good one.

Fair enough.

[jubbi]

My dad got a bt vision box for £30, and I have to say it is very nice. Much more responsive to input than V+, it has hdmi and optical audio out and it doesn't cost a penny on a monthly basis. unless you order an on demand item (which my old man is only likely to do by accident.) I dont think my dad would want an xbox in his front room, he's already half deaf as it is! (Disclaimer: I dont hate the 360, infact I have one and do use it from time to time :P )