XBL Crashing, Video Woes
Microsoft has the opportunity to make a big splash with its Video Marketplace – the XBLA is already essentially the iTunes of console gaming, and with full-resolution (SD or HD) video playback on a television screen, could theoretically outstrip iTunes in terms of TV and film. It has the advantage of being TV-centered, rather than computer-centered, although I understand all too well the allure of six “Desperate Housewives” episodes on my laptop.
But Microsoft has some housework to do before it can expect to snatch up much more video customers. With several crashes and some even rockier recent updates, Xbox Live’s renowned stability and ease-of-use is a title Microsoft might find easier to lose than to keep.
Take for instance the heavily-hyped release of Superman Returns in HD to the Video Marketplace this week. When my download stalled for two days, I was vexed. When I saw the HD version of the film had been removed entirely from XBL, I felt gypped. Now it’s back, and I’ve yet to see frame one – the damn thing is still downloading.
With Sony coming on hard and fast (well, at least coming…well, at least they should be coming) with a relatively simple and swift store/download process of their own, Microsoft needs to feel streamlined and legit, not remind me of downloading pirated porn from BitTorrent.
Xbox Live Crashed Again [2old2play]
tiny dancer
Posted to on 5 January 2007
· Comments (4)
Other stuff like this: microsoft, superman returns, video marketplace, xbla, xbox live
Ugh, that doesn’t make me feel too hopeful… I started the DL of “Superman Returns” in HD tonight… :P
I’ve tried to download Clash of the Titans at least 10 times since the service started and it hasn’t worked once. Customer service can’t give me an answer why either.
Ok, so it finished, and I watched it, and it was great. But the time it took to download made it a non-repeatable experience. I hope their streaming-video rumors are true…or would that be even worse?
Well, my DL was interrupted (weak wireless signal thru wireless-B WET11 bridge) and afterwards the movie wasn’t in my active DLs & wasn’t finished; customer service refunded my points & I’m trying again w/ a wired connex. :/ Hope it’s worth it.