14 DAY TRIAL // New high definition content is heading to Xbox Live courtesy of Microsoft and ESPN. The Redmond company announced the inking of a new agreement with ESPN designed to provide Xbox 360 users with a variety of sporting events and programming via Xbox LIVE. In this manner the material from ESPN is added to those coming from over 30 studios and networks that have already partnered with Microsoft over Xbox Live. For the Redmond company the deal only means that it managed to enrich its portfolio of premium entertainment content already counting in excess of 3,200 hours.
"Establishing this relationship with Microsoft on Xbox 360 provides an innovative way to reach our target demographic through this dynamic next-generation entertainment console. This agreement embodies our mission to deliver the best sports content to fans, and does it through an exciting and robust platform that reaches millions of people," commented Matt Murphy, senior vice president, Digital Video Distribution, Disney and ESPN Media Networks.
Through the Xbox Live online entertainment network, users will be able to access full-length games, TV shows and video game programming both in high- and standard-definition. Microsoft revealed that Xbox Live will offer two complete seasons of Madden Nation along with 2007 World Series of Poker, the 2007 season of The Contender. And to top it all off, the NCAA college football and basketball games will also be made available through the entertainment network connected with the Xbox 360 consoles.
"This is a natural fit for us, as so many Xbox 360 owners are huge sports fans. We are dedicated to providing our diverse community of Xbox LIVE users the premium entertainment content they want, and partnering with ESPN is a great example of our continued dedication in the video-on-demand space, especially in high definition," stated Ross Honey, senior director of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft.