Here's what Microsoft's offering to get Web developers to use its flashy new tools and video-hosting service:

One million minutes of DVD-quality video streaming free, per month. Or unlimited streaming if you let Microsoft place ads around your video.

Grant County PUD had better lube up the turbines.

Here's how the Silverlight video giveaway is described on the Windows Live developer site:

While the product is in pre-release, storage and delivery is free up to 4 GB, with outbound streaming up to DVD quality (700 Kbps). As we move out of beta, developers/designers will have continued use of the service with up to 1 million minutes of free video streaming at 700 Kpbs per site per month. Unlimited streaming will also be available for free with advertising, or with payment of a nominal fee for the service for use without advertising.

If the Silverlight application contains a video, the video file must be smaller than 22 MB. This is equivalent to a continuous video stream of 10 minutes at 300 Kbps. If the video stream is encoded at any higher bitrate, it will have to be shorter than 10 minutes. For example, if the video stream is encoded at the highest allowed bitrate of 700 Kbps, the maximum length of the video is just below 4.3 minutes.

For broader coverage of Silverlight and other news out of Mix, check out Ben Romano's stories from the show.