Xbox 360 will support AAC format -- there's a catch

Last week, I forwarded a number of your questions (see comments) about the Xbox 360 to Major Nelson (aka Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live). Major Nelson was kind enough to get back to me with some answers (based on an "official marketing description"):

• Support for unprotected music in MP3 and WMA formats from most portable music players (list in development)

• Support for protected music from certain players (list in development)

• Support for unprotected music from your iPod in AAC format with free download (Silver or Gold Account) from Xbox Live Marketplace (requires an Xbox 360 Hard Drive or Memory Unit). Note: Does not support music that was downloaded from the iTunes music store because it is copy protected [And herein lies the catch: AAC files originating from the iTunes music store will not be supported]

• Use wireless or wired home network to listen to protected and unprotected music from your PC running Windows XP or Windows XP Media Center 2005

I was also curious about the requirements for streaming other media from your PC to the Xbox 360. From the description in the marketing document it appears that Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 will be required for most of those functions—Windows XP will be a requirement for all. In addition, I inquired about the huge power supply rumor and the lack of an import feature for Xbox saves. Unfortunately, Major Nelson is still awaiting official word from the PR department. Be patient—the answers will come.