Akimbo Strikes VOD Deal with TBS, Inc.; Internet-to-TV Service Now Includes Content from CNN, CNNfn, Cartoon Network, TCM, Boomerang
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[September 27, 2004]

Akimbo Strikes VOD Deal with TBS, Inc.; Internet-to-TV Service Now Includes Content from CNN, CNNfn, Cartoon Network, TCM, Boomerang

SANTA MONICA, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 -- Akimbo(TM) Systems and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), a Time Warner company, today announced that TBS, Inc. has joined a fast-growing list of companies that will provide video programming for the Akimbo Service. Akimbo offers consumers a video-on-demand (VOD) service that is delivered to televisions via the Internet, in an easy "Queue and View(TM)" format. Akimbo subscribers can choose from thousands of hours of nearly unlimited kinds of programming to suit their individual interests, including select content from a number of Turner brands, such as CNN, CNNfn, Cartoon Network, TCM, Boomerang and Adult Swim.



"We are pleased to work with Akimbo and are looking forward to learning how consumers respond to this new subscription on-demand technology," said Kevin Cohen, senior vice president and general manager, interactive/enhanced television for TBS, Inc.

The Akimbo Service presents fascinating and entertaining new programs on a regular basis, providing unlimited access to thousands of hours of programs of interest to each Akimbo subscriber. Akimbo's goal is to offer the broadest range of programming available for television in areas such as health and fitness, mainstream and independent film, sports, music, learning, comedy and drama series TV, youth, cooking, animation, and foreign language.



"Turner Broadcasting brings us a world-class package that includes the leading brand name in news, animation and movies. Akimbo subscribers will have on-demand access to everything from CNN news specials, to the latest animated series from Cartoon Networks' Adult Swim programming block," said Josh Goldman, chief executive officer of Akimbo. "Akimbo subscribers will love choosing from a broad range of favorite programs that they seldom get to watch at their own convenience. Viewing shows on demand from the comfort of the living room represents a big shift in the way people consume programming."

To receive the Akimbo Service, consumers must have an Akimbo Player, a home network and a broadband-Internet connection in their homes. The Akimbo Service won't tie up the computer and it won't tie up bandwidth. The Akimbo Player is an elegant set-top box that fits well in any home entertainment environment and can store 200 hours of video. It is simple and intuitive to use via an on-screen guide and a customized remote control. Using the Akimbo Guide, viewers choose their programming, which automatically downloads to the Akimbo Player, ready for watching whenever the viewer chooses. Both the Akimbo Service and the Akimbo Player are available for pre-order at Akimbo's Web site www.akimbo.com. The Akimbo Service is $9.99 per month. The Akimbo Service will begin in just weeks.

About Turner Broadcasting

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and a leading provider of programming for the television industry.

About Akimbo

With the Akimbo Service, your wish is on demand.(TM) Akimbo is the first company to deliver digital-quality video on-demand to any television via a broadband-Internet connection, allowing consumers to choose from thousands of hours of programs specifically suited to their tastes and to watch them whenever they choose. 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. 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. With offices in Los Angeles and San Mateo, Calif., Akimbo is a privately held company funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, 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

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