Apple isn’t the only firm flogging TV shows and movie downloads: Microsoft’s getting in on the act too.

Beginning on its first anniversary, November 22, Xbox 360 will become the first gaming console in history to provide HD TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their own living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will be able to download full-length TV shows to own, and will be able to rent movies via download from the Xbox Live® network, the world leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content.

It’s not really a surprise – MS has been offering shows for download on Media Center PCs for a while, and the Xbox Live service has offered video downloads from the get-go – but it’s yet more proof that Microsoft’s vision for the Xbox is as an all-singing, all-dancing home entertainment system rather than just a console.

The November launch is US-only, and it’s unclear whether Microsoft will offer a similar service over here.