Media Center users invited into the Coolroom

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 4 Sep 2007 at 15:12

Microsoft is hoping to tempt more users to its Media Center software with the launch of a new "premium" film download service.

Microsoft has partnered with Coolroom to provide both Vista and XP users with access to movies and music, via the Online Spotlight channel in Media Center.

And when Microsoft says "premium content" it isn't kidding - Coolroom is currently charging £17 just to download titles such as Mr Bean's Holiday and Catch a Fire. Play.com is offering full packaged DVDs of those titles for £13 each.

Media Center owners who download films via Coolroom will be able to stream them to an Xbox 360 or Intel Viiv device, however. And any downloaded content is easily accessible through the Media Center interface, although whether that will be enough to tempt users to pay the additional premium over regular DVDs is highly debatable.

"With the added benefit of cross-platform compatibility, Coolroom is flexible and easy-to-use," claims Mike Haigh, UK Windows Client Product Manager. "It's a great way for consumers to enjoy and experience personalised digital content. Used with Windows Vista, it definitely gives real 'wow' value - allowing them to view content from anywhere within the home."