Microsoft has announced that the XBox Live Video Marketplace is now open.

“Xbox Live Marketplace will now provide gamers with easy access to hundreds of full-length TV shows for download to own and movies for download to rent from CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros,” notes Microsoft in its press release. “Xbox 360 is the first gaming console to offer standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution.”

Microsoft is using a confusing points system that could prove to be a barrier for some buyers.

High-definition TV shows will be 240 Microsoft Points per episode, and standard-definition TV shows will be 160 Microsoft Points per episode. New release movies in high definition will be 480 Microsoft Points, and standard-definition new release movies will be 320 Microsoft Points each. Classic feature films in high definition will be 360 Microsoft Points, and standard definition will be 240 Microsoft Points.

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

Available content includes:

• CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, NCIS, and Star Trek from CBS.
• Chappelle‚Äôs Show, Drawn Together, and Emmy and Peabody award-winning South Park from COMEDY CENTRAL.
• Pimp My Ride and Punk‚Äôd from MTV.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon.
• Skyland and Invader Zim from Nicktoons Network.
• Chinatown, Star Trek VII: Generations, Patriot Games, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Sum of All Fears, The Untouchables, and We Were Soldiers from Paramount Pictures.
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Frisky Dingo, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Sealab 2021, and The Venture Bros. from Turner Broadcasting.
• Ultimate Fighting Championship fights.
• Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1.
• Perfect Storm, Poseidon, The Shining, Three Kings, and V for Vendetta, as well as The Nine and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip along with the CW show Veronica Mars from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Using the Family Settings feature, parents and individuals can choose the video content that can be played on their family’s Xbox 360. You can entirely block explicit and unrated video content for yourself or your children.

Xbox 360 gamers in the U.S. can access Xbox Live Marketplace with a free Xbox Live Silver subscription or a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription and a broadband connection. Pricing will vary based on format, media type and whether the content is a new release movie or a classic feature film.

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 $19.99 (U.S.) or 1,000 Microsoft Points through Xbox Live for $12.50 (U.S.). More information about Xbox Live Marketplace is available at
via Xbox Live’s Major Nelson