[April 19, 2004] Akimbo Uses Windows Media 9 Series for Video-On-Demand Service LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- April 19, 2004 -- Akimbo Systems, the company that in June will launch the first Internet VOD service for television, is working to incorporate Microsoft Windows(R) Media 9 Series, the leading digital media platform, into the architecture of the Akimbo Service. Akimbo and its video partners, including CinemaNow, CinemaPop, Golfspan, iFilm and more than 30 others, have selected Windows Media 9 Series to ensure that high-quality video can be delivered quickly and efficiently over the Internet to consumers for viewing on their televisions. In addition, Windows Media Digital Rights Management has been selected to protect video on the Akimbo Service so that it can be delivered and stored only on the Akimbo Player. The Akimbo Service works with any broadband connection, either DSL or cable modem, and a home network. Consumers simply connect their wired or wireless home network to their Akimbo Players, which are then connected to their televisions through standard A/V cables. The Akimbo Service and the Akimbo Player will be available this summer for order from Akimbo's Web site at www.akimbo.com. The Akimbo Player software is based on Microsoft Windows Embedded operating system technology, and the Akimbo Service is developed in part using the Microsoft .NET Framework to facilitate applications such as DRM licensing, billing, guide management, and content management. "Video providers have embraced Window Media 9 Series as the software choice for delivering high-quality, secure digital content," said Jason Reindorp, group manager, Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft Corp. "Now video providers can secure and distribute their content though channels like the Akimbo Service with Windows Media 9." When the Akimbo Service begins in June, it will feature more than 10,000 videos in 50 categories including independent films, foreign language, news, health and fitness, sports, children and education. The Akimbo Service automatically delivers an onscreen program guide filled with video previews and editorial information and providing viewer options like parental controls. From the guide, Akimbo subscribers choose which programming they would like to download to the Akimbo Player for later viewing. Then, each time Akimbo subscribers turn on the TV, they will have up to 200 hours of fresh video, previews and editorial information waiting for them. "The compression benefits and video quality advantages offered by Windows Media 9 Series make it appealing for all video providers," said Josh Goldman, chief executive officer of Akimbo. "With a leading digital media standard in place, the Akimbo Service can provide the largest Internet-delivered VOD service for TV. " NAB2004 will take place April 17 to 22, in Las Vegas. It is the world's largest electronic media show covering the development, delivery and management of professional video and audio content across all media. In addition, Akimbo will host private demonstrations of the Akimbo Service at the Las Vegas Hilton adjoining the Las Vegas Convention Center. Availability and Pricing The Akimbo Player is expected to start at $199. The monthly subscription to the Akimbo Service will be $9.99. The Akimbo Service and the Akimbo Player will soon be available for order from Akimbo's Web site at www.akimbo.com. The Akimbo Player is expected to be in retail stores nationwide in late 2004. About Akimbo Akimbo is the first company to deliver DVD-quality video-on-demand to any television via a broadband-Internet connection. The Akimbo Service with the Akimbo Player lets consumers choose from thousands of hours of programs specifically suited to their tastes, so they can watch them whenever they choose. By partnering with Akimbo, video providers gain a new opportunity to cost-effectively reach targeted audiences with content ranging from special interest to broad appeal, without building new infrastructure. Akimbo partners with leading providers of specialty video to deliver more than 50 categories of unique entertainment, including film, comedy, music, health and fitness, sports, education, youth, foreign language, and cooking. With offices in Los Angeles and San Mateo, Calif., Akimbo is a privately held company funded by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Sprout Group and Zone Ventures. The company is founded and managed by executives from ReplayTV, Macromedia, CNET Networks, mySimon, Microsoft and Apple. For more information, visit www.akimbo.com. Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]