Microsoft Xbox Live Video Service Faces Problems

Microsoft Xbox Live now offers movies and television shows such as CSI and Star Trek for download and view, but they seem to still have a few bugs to work out of the system. Speed problems and video not being delivered is being blamed on "the extremely high number of downloads".

Of course Microsoft has enjoyed a great lead in their Xbox Live service in the console gaming wars against Sony's Playstation 3 and Playstation Network. Then a year after the birth of the Xbox 360, the console allows users to experience HD and standard-definition TV shows and movies directly. With this, Microsoft promised more than 750 hours of downloadable TV and movies in standard and high-definition quality. Gamers can buy TV programs but the movies are rented and are automatically deleted from the consoles hard drive after a fixed period.

The problems reflect the difficulty of providing video into the online age. The size of the high-definition content being very large is one concern, while the number of download requests compounded the issue. Some users are advising that they receive different content than requested, more say that it takes hours for the download to be completed, while yet others complain that they received no content at all.

The pricing structure continues to use Microsoft Points to purchase content. Television shows that are permanent ownership are about 240 points or about $3, while other standard definition shows are 160 Microsoft Points, or about $2. Rented new release HD movies are 480 points or about $6 and standard definition movies are 320 points or about $4. There are even classic films in HD for 360 points $4.50 and standard definition classics for 240 points, $3.

Microsoft Xbox Live Video Service Faces Problems

Xbox Live has experienced some problems with their new video service and Microsoft has promised refunds to gamers who have experienced these issues.