Microsoft's Landmark Deal with BSkyB Paves Way for Innovative Broadcast Partnerships

In a groundbreaking partnership announced in 2006, Microsoft collaborated with BSkyB to bring Sky Player satellite TV content to broadband-enabled Xbox 360 consoles in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This deal signaled a significant shift in the broadcasting industry, as satellite TV content merged with gaming consoles, offering consumers a more comprehensive entertainment experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Microsoft-BSkyB deal was a landmark agreement, marking the first time live TV was integrated onto a console platform.
• The partnership allowed both companies to offer consumers a more complete service, enhancing their entertainment experience at a holistic level.
• Video content is a crucial aspect of Microsoft's Xbox strategy, complementing gaming content to create a powerful, versatile entertainment platform.
• The deal is expected to boost sales of both the Xbox and Sky Player service, attracting a broad demographic of consumers, including young and old, male and female.
• The partnership highlights the convergence of gaming, music, TV, movies, and social interactive experiences, driving the need for a rounded entertainment offering.
• Microsoft's software and service updates will continue to evolve the Xbox platform, enhancing the entertainment experience for consumers.

Statistics:

• The Microsoft-BSkyB partnership marked the first time live TV was integrated onto a console platform worldwide.
• The deal covers the United Kingdom and Ireland, with plans for expansion to other regions.
• The Xbox platform attracts a broad demographic of consumers, including young and old, male and female.
• The partnership allows up to eight people to watch a game together in the virtual world and interact in real-time.
• The convergence of gaming, music, TV, movies, and social interactive experiences is driving the need for a rounded entertainment offering.

Sources:

• [Satellite News 07-14-09]
• [Access Intelligence, LLC]