This could just be someone talking out his arse but an informed someone and an interesting possibility all the same.

http://digitalmedia.strategyeye.com/article/f1WA4d0TI9w/2009/03/13/nintendo_to_launch_wii_vod_platform_rumour/

Nintendo is set to roll out a premium video on demand (VoD) platform for its Wii console this year, according to comments from Lionsgate's digital media president, Curt Marvis.

"When we see the Wii come into the market with the ability to stream movies, which I think is maybe going to happen as soon as this year, I think that’s going to be a big marketplace for digital distribution," Marvis tells Variety Magazine.

Though Nintendo is yet to make any announcement, the console maker is planning to roll out limited video services in Japan. According to December reports, Nintendo will offer a selection of original programmes, including cookery shows, cartoons, lifestyle programmes and quizzes, which will be produced by Japanese ad agency Dentsu. The service is expected to launch in spring.

By expanding its output to include mainstream films and TV programmes from major production studios, Nintendo promises to further the popularity of Wii. The device was the biggest selling games console in the US last year, selling a record 10.17m units in 12 months. Video options could boost sales further by tapping into the lucrative family market.

While Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation already have firmly established VoD platforms, the Wii is limited by a number of factors concerning internet-connected functionality.

The console currently does not support HD and has relatively little storage, relying on SD memory cards rather than a built-in hard drive. As such, Nintendo may put the emphasis on streaming, rather than storable downloads, though this may force a compromise on picture quality.

In terms of online services, Xbox Live is ahead of the competition, giving users access to online game play, social networking tools and HD film streaming. Earlier this week, NBC Universal became the latest studio to partner with Microsoft, joining Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros studios.

Sony has also made strides with its PlayStation Network, and claims it now offers 1,300 films and 4,500 TV episodes, after also recently signing with NBCU. The PlayStation Network has almost 9m accounts in the US and more than 20m worldwide.

Seriously? No.

Yeah, I read it somewhere where Nintendo was going to get a movie or video channel.

If it's true, then it indirectly confirms whatever storage solution they are planning for the Wii.

What does the word "stream" mean to you?

^But then, you already watch streamed videos on the Nintendo channel and browser YouTube on the internet channel.

Wii Video Channel is planned to be released in Japan this year.

Thats been confirmed for a while.

I don't remember when my TV had a limitation in it's storage? let me look into this. holy mother....... my TV has no HDD. It streams all the data? Hey wait my TV doesn't do HD either. OMFG only 1 of my friends has an HDTV. I'm so sorry article writer that I don't fit into what you think the world is like. Maybe your too much a geek to know that a majority of humans don't give a fig about HD or console storage. As for the ones that do they have a TiVo.

Anyways I'm glad to hear that VoD is becoming more serious. I totally believe it's a future luxury and if it can be done on a device it should be. That way VoD and similiar techs have higher penetration.

Nintendo really need to upgrade the firmware to allow wii owners to use External USB hard drives.

As for HD it must be possible to utilise the grahics processor to at least play downloaded HD movies.