Can’t get the Video Marketplace in your country? Nope, nor me, but that hasn’t stopped the service becoming the second best alternative in digital distribution of video content, with iTunes beating it to the top spot. In the press release, there are also a couple of figures dished out, which make for some interesting reading.

Below are some of the stats that Microsoft put out in the press release. Be wary of the cleverly worded document though:

• Within four months of launching, Xbox LIVE has become the number one online distributor of television and feature film content in the living room where it’s most easy for consumers to access.
• In the same four months, the service has quickly become the number two online distributor of television and feature film content, second to iTunes.
• Is currently the ONLY online distributor of major feature films and television programming in high definition (HD) resolution.
• The service is a breakout success, with double-digit, month-over-month growth since launching.
• Monthly downloads from Xbox LIVE went up 400 percent since the service launched in November.

Bear in mind that these statistics come shortly after releasing a free episode of South Park, in nearly every region that has Xbox Live, which makes the stats look excellent, but in truth probably don’t portray the whole story. There also aren’t many services that deliver into the living room, since most require a PC, or at least are not hooked up to a television, so really there is little competition.

Hopefully the Video Marketplace will be rolled out to everyone eventually, and with IPTV on the way, these stats are likely to be better, with additional information to boot, so look out for them four months after IPTV is launched. It is always good to see the service growing though, and it will only get better as the months go on.

Thanks nofear360 for submitting.