Microsoft’s live Xbox 360 TV plans may be much more conventional, insiders tipped on Monday. In a possible disappointment for owners, the company is reportedly talking to Comcast and Verizon about getting the normally cable- and fiber optic-based services piped directly to the Xbox. Digiday understood it would avoid the need for a set-top box.
The deals are reportedly “imminent” and could go live within a month, although one of multiple sources hinted there was room to move.
Microsoft has been vague about its intentions for what live TV would involve, although it may have given a clue in its E3 presentation. The new Metro-influenced Xbox 360 Dashboard at the time had references to “My DVR” and “TV listings,” implying that the interface would have native hooks for both live and recorded broadcasts.
The company at one point was rumored to be offering a pure Internet video service that would be much less expensive than cable or fiber TV, albeit with a smaller selection. A change might be an indication Microsoft was afraid of running into conflicts with traditional TV providers and decided to concede to guarantee deals.
Microsoft already has live TV on the Xbox 360 through its Mediaroom system, but this usually treats the console as an extender over the local network, not a direct source.
