Microsoft has launched the browser version of the Xbox Video system. This is meant to be the default video player that will play each Xbox One user's videos and media content.
Unfortunately, the current version of the software does not support HD playback of movies or TV shows, according to reports from IGN.
"HD Quality playback is not currently supported on the Web and Windows Phone. Your purchase will play in SD quality. Xbox Video on Windows 8.1 and Xbox One supports HD quality playback," a notification on the web browser reads.
In other words, the limitations to HD content only exist in the browser version. Those wanting to experience any of the video content on their brand new next-generation console from Microsoft will be able to do so with not problem.
An example of how the Xbox Video will work can be found in the Walking Dead: Season 4 in HD, which costs $42.49 in the United States. Once you purchase it, it will be permanently added into your video collection on your Xbox Live account. However, if you try to watch it on your web browser, you'll be unable to do so. To experience the show in full HD, you'll need to stream it directly through your Xbox One console.
In order to confirm this problem, the folks over at IGN reportedly tested a handful of movies including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Red 2 and The Avengers on multiple computers and the result was the same. On computers, HD browsers playback doesn't work on either Mac or Windows PCs without Windows 8.1.'s Video application.
If you'll be watching any of these videos on your web browser, you might want to do yourself a favor and settle for purchasing the standard definition versions. For example, the Walking Dead standard edition only goes for $28. This is worth keeping in mind as your navigate your holiday purchases.
While it's not available at launch, there's no reason to assume that Microsoft will not find a way to bring HD playback into the browser version of Xbox Video sometime in the near future. However, there's no set time table as of yet.
