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MS Launches Video Download Service

Posted by Zonk on from the videos-on-the-dl dept.

renderhead writes "According to ZDNet and many other sources, Microsoft has launched a new video download service for playing back television content on Windows Mobile devices. Partners include CinemaNow, MSNBC.com, and TiVo. According to another article from ployer.com, the service will require Windows XP, Internet Explorer 5 or higher, and Windows Media Player 10 or higher."

5 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. Tried it by BoldAC · · Score: 5, Informative
    Here the link:
    http://www.msnvideodownloads.com/

    If it's anything like their current web-based service, each free 2-3 minute clip will be preceded by 1 30 minute commerical and 10 seconds of Microsoft ad space.

    Plus, it looks like you'll have to sign in with passport.

    If you sign-up for the free service, you'll have to agree to "INSTALL THE MSN MUSIC ASSISTANT"

    To download videos from MSN Video Downloads, you need to install the Microsoft Music Assistant (the same technology that the MSN Music Service uses), which will download video content and automatically put it into the My Video folder on your computer.
    This will take about 20 seconds on broadband, or several minutes by modem. When you click Install, an installation dialog will appear. Click Yes to accept the MSN Music Assistant and proceed.

    To download videos from MSN Video Downloads, you need to install the Microsoft Music Assistant (the same technology that the MSN Music Service uses), which will download video content and automatically put it into the My Video folder on your computer.
    This will take about 20 seconds on broadband, or several minutes by modem. When you click Install, an installation dialog will appear. Click Yes to accept the MSN Music Assistant and proceed.


    On the positive side, it does look like it will have a bunch of stuff from FOOD TV. The more Alton Brown I can get, the better!
  2. The Mask Comes Off by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Now we see the truth behind all the corporate assurances that MS ownerships in MSNBC, ComCast cable and other media holdings is "just financial investment", or "just funding innovators". This is the beginning of MS leveraging a truly mass market monopoly. Combined with their DRM ubiquity in new DVD players, the MS octopus can now begin to squeeze the entire broadcast industry, and the world that depends on it for information, from its Internet lair.

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    make install -not war

    1. Re:The Mask Comes Off by bigtallmofo · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Have you seen the ratings on MSNBC? Microsoft definitely is a monopolist on the computer desktop, but their cable news network is best described as an unmitigated disaster.

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      I'm a big tall mofo.
  3. Weird. by bigtallmofo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I gave it a spin but the only thing I could see was some insane bald man screaming, "DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS! DEVELOPERS!"

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    I'm a big tall mofo.
  4. Anti-trust bait? by J+Barnes · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why do they persue and advertise these as minimum requirements? Microsoft Windows XP required, Microsoft IE required, Microsoft Media Player 10 required...what no Microsoft stock requirements?

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    :::: the insomniac's digest