iPS360TV and “The Battle for the Living Room”

While people are rallying around with pitchforks and flaming torches to take part in the unending console wars, it’s time to take a step back and view things differently. The gaming industry is aggressive and sometimes even rabid – there’s no secret there. But gaming aside, another campaign being fought is that of the next-gen media format: the digital download.

The “movie download” industry has actually already started for quite some time now. You’ve got companies like Cinemanow and Movielink that are pretty well-established and successful already. New in the game would be the services provided by Starz’s “Vongo” and Amazon’s “Unbox”.

Of course, this whole service wouldn’t be just as booming without the specialized setup methods and software needed to download the content. What you need in your living room is a set top box to which content can be quickly transferred and is easily accessed by the user.

Cue in Sony, Microsoft, and Apple. Cue in props: PS3, Xbox 360, and Apple TV. Three new players in the game and it looks like it’s going to be one fierce battle to be reckoned with.

Helm’s Deep hasn’t seen a battle this intense. Just before you pick up your pitchforks once again, click on the “Full Article” link below to see the 411.

While people are rallying around with pitchforks and flaming torches to take part in the unending console wars, it’s time to take a step back and view things differently. The gaming industry is aggressive and sometimes even rabid – there’s no secret there. But gaming aside, another campaign being fought is that of the next-gen media format: the digital download.

The “movie download” industry has actually already started for quite some time now. You’ve got companies like Cinemanow and Movielink that are pretty well-established and successful already. New in the game would be the services provided by Starz’s “Vongo” and Amazon’s “Unbox”.

Of course, this whole service wouldn’t be just as booming without the specialized setup methods and software needed to download the content. What you need in your living room is a set top box to which content can be quickly transferred and is easily accessed by the user.

Cue in Sony, Microsoft, and Apple. Cue in props: PS3, Xbox 360, and Apple TV. Three new players in the game and it looks like it’s going to be one fierce battle to be reckoned with.

Microsoft’s first strike:

The big MS was the first to draw blood by launching the 360’s Xbox Live Video Marketplace last November 22. Almost two months in and it’s starting to show signs of being a tremendous success. With Lionsgate’s deal with Microsoft, there’s even signs of more support for the video downloading service, including a recent announcement of Starz Entertainment to make Vongo compatible with the 360. Hosting over 1,000 titles on the database, the XBLVM empire is growing, more so with some backing from Warner Bros., Paramount, and Universal.

Sony sallies forth:

Recent developments have also put Sony on the map especially with an announcement that they’d be offering video downloads also for the PSP with possible partnerships with Cinemanow, Amazon, and Movielink. Yes, Microsoft was indeed first in the game, but given the whole clout Sony has in the movie industry, they’re sure to build quite a fortress over the PlayStation Network. It won’t be hard to upload a lot of their own content – videos and other stuff from Sony Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, and MGM.

Apple takes a bite:

The Apple TV (previously “iTV“) was also just revealed during the MacWorld Expo. February is just around the corner, and it’s only then when we’ll fully know if it starts off on the right foot. Although iTunes Store’s movie downloads were available since last year, some of us can probably say that we’ve adopted the Apple-culture with open arms already. Their devices are easy-to-use and simple without all the bells and whistles of highfalutin technology. Disney’s Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group has also got Apple’s back with some exclusive movies like “Pirates of the Carribean”.

Three set top boxes to stir the battle for the living room. Which will the emerge as everyone’s boob-tube hub? There’s definitely a lot to think about when trying to assess what will tip the scales in the war. You’ve got price, support, and of course, the tech specs among a lot of other things (we’re excluding the “gaming” factor, mind you). Mull this over and comment if you will. We smell a Part 2 in the Battle for the Living Room chronicles.