Update: Xbox 360 goes to the movies

On the eve of the one year anniversary of the Xbox 360, and the dawn of new competition from Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft has unveiled its first wave of TV shows and movies for its next-gen gaming console.

Microsoft anticipates that its library of online Xbox Live Marketplace games will reach 160 titles by year end, as well as opening up access to hundreds of full-length TV shows for download to own and movies for download to rent.

Using the Family Settings feature, parents and individuals can choose the video content that can be played on the Xbox 360 and set controls based on movie, TV and video ratings.

They can also entirely block explicit and unrated video content for themselves or their children.

High-definition TV shows will cost 240 Microsoft Points per episode, and standard-definition TV shows 160 Points.

New release movies in high definition will be 480 Points, and standard-definition new release movies 320 Points. Classic feature films in high definition will be 360 Points, and standard definition 240 Points.

After purchasing a high-definition TV show or movie, gamers can download the standard-definition version at no additional charge.

Microsoft Points can be purchased at retail or via Xbox Live. For example, gamers can get a 1,600 Microsoft Points card at retail for US$19.99 or 1,000 Microsoft Points through Xbox Live for US$12.50.

Microsoft said that it expects to have sold 10 million Xbox 360 consoles by the end of the holiday period.

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