We've been hearing rumblings that Microsoft is getting itself deeper into the digital distribution biz—remember when they offered the Battlestar Galactica series recap earlier this fall?—with one of our tipsters sending us a bit of info via SHSIBAE that could possibly confirm that today.

Microsoft will begin offering downloadable HD movies later this month. At launch time- rumored to be around Nov. 22-over 1100 hours of video will be available to rent or purchase through an XBOX 360 connected to XBOX Live.

The rumor also mentions that rentals will run $4 for a 24-hour viewing period, with purchases ranging from $10-15, similar to pay per view and iTunes rates.

As the headline states, consider this a rumor for now (SHSIBAE who?), but also keep in mind that all Microsoft rumors have one thing in common: they're always true. Michael McWhertor

Downloadable HD Movies via XBOX Live

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