It’s been a long time coming, but Microsoft has made some progress in updating the ownership rights issues concerning downloadable content (DLC) purchased via its Xbox 360 consoles.  Anyone who has gotten the Red Rings of Death (RRoD) knows full well the difficulty in getting previously purchased DLC to work on your new console, unless you’re always signed into Xbox LIVE.  If you’ve bought a new console recently or are having issues with transfers, RockGamer.com has the skinny on the new and improved transfer process choices.  Read on for all the details on how to transfer DLC rights between consoles.

With the previous process, when your console got the RRoD and was sent back to Microsoft, your previously purchased DLC would only work on a different console if you were signed into Xbox LIVE.  What if your internet goes down?  Can’t use your DLC.  What if you upgrade from an Arcade/Pro 360 to an Elite?  Gotta be signed in to LIVE to use your DLC.  What if Microsoft sends you back a different console, instead of the actual one you sent in?  Gotta be signed in to LIVE to use your DLC.

The new updated process is much easier on consumers who have to send in their consoles for repair/replacement, or choose to purchase new systems.  Basically it’ll come down to one of these two choices to decide how you’ll start the process of transferring your DLC licenses to your current console.

1.  If you send your console to Microsoft for repair/replacement:

Microsoft will transfer the license rights for you.  All you’ll need to do when you get the console back is:

You’re done!  All your old DLC will now be tied to the new console and that gamertag.  No connection to Xbox LIVE necessary to use it!

2.  If you obtain a new/different console through any means other than Microsoft directly:

Video rental licenses will NOT transfer over, so watch whatever rentals you have before you begin.

That’s it, you’re all done!  Your DLC is now tied to your new console.  The biggest thing to note is that you can only do this manual transfer process once every 12 months.  If your console dies in less than a year after doing this process, you’ll need to send it to Microsoft in order for them to transfer the licenses again.  So, if you have a warranty plan with Best Buy or another retailer, or if you go through several consoles in a year, you’ll still have to use the old method of being signed into LIVE to use your DLC until that 12 month period ends.

While this process is not exactly the perfect way we’d all love (how long will it take to re-download every song in the DLC catalog???), it’s still a great step toward making things easier for the consumers.  And don’t forget about the 12 month limit on manual transfers!  I’m betting this limit is there to prevent people from transferring content between consoles at will, essentially giving each other free content.  This is M$ we’re talking about here….

For the full description of the transfer process, direct from Microsoft, click here.  For the official DLC rights transfer FAQ, click here.