Microsoft outlined plans starting on Nov 22 to allow XBOX 360 owners to d/l movies, TV programs, and even some HD Movies directly to the console Hard Drive. Movies would be for rent, and TV shows would be for purchase outright.

Currently Microsoft has lined up over 1000 hours of available programming from such media outlets as CBS, TBS, MTV and other studios. Estimates for d/l times are about 13 minutes for a 30 minute show. You will be able to begin watching programs before they are fully d/l'd.

This is pretty cool. Owners of the 360 will not need to purchase the optional HD-DVD drive to begin watching movies in HD! However, consumers will need to have the hard drive, so owners of the basic console will have to pony up to enjoy the programing.