Microsoft to offer HD movie and TV content via Xbox Live

Microsoft has struck a deal with major TV and movie companies in the US to offer downloadable content through Xbox Live.

The deal covers over 1000 hours worth of content, and includes full-length movies such as Superman Returns and Nacho Libre, popular TV shows CSI and Pimp My Ride and sports programming including Ultimate Fighting Championship and NASCAR — all of which will be available in standard and high-definition.

"This ground-breaking announcement is a win for everyone," said Peter Moore, Xbox VP for Microsoft.

"It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it."

The initial catalogue of content has been promised before the end of the year in North America.

Warner Bros. will offer blockbuster movies The Matrix, Superman Returns and Batman Forever, while Paramount Pictures will release Mission: Impossible III, Nacho Libre and Jackass: The Movie via the service.

Content from The Cartoon Network will include Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, while SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender are due from Nikelodeon, along with Skyland and The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival from Nicktoons Network.

CBS is offering CSI, Survivor and remastered episodes of classic Star Trek, which will join Comedy Central's South Park and Chappelle's Show, and Hogan Knows Best and Breaking Bonaduce from VH1.

Spike TVs Carpocalypse and Raising the Roofs will join select episodes of UFC: All Access, Nascar.com's Race Rewind and MTVs Pimp My Ride and The Real World in rounding out the package.

Prices for content have not yet been set.