Xbox Live will offer Microsoft's Internet Protocol TV service later this year, enabling Xbox 360 owners to use their consoles to watch and record television shows, access video-on-demand and enjoy HD quality TV, Microsoft's Bill Gates has revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show this week.

You'll be able to run other Xbox Live actions, such as voice chat, text messaging or Marketplace downloading, while using the IPTV service, which Microsoft reckons will provide us with "all the advantages of an advanced TV service along with the benefits of next-generation gaming." Though, with the console's well known penchant for overheating, the idea of using it as your constant television provider might make gamers a little nervous.

Above: Clearly, the video marketplace was just the beginning.

Those brave enough to give the possible future of seamlessly integrated home entertainment a try, however, can expect to do so around this time next year. The feature's rollout is currently scheduled for Christmas 2007.

Hopefully, that will also give Microsoft enough time to prepare a bigger hard drive attachment. With a potentially limitless amount of programming to download, 20 gigabytes just isn't going to cut it anymore.

January 8, 2007