Akimbo Uses Windows Media 9 Series For Video-On-Demand Service

22-Apr-04

Akimbo Systems, the company that in June, 2004 will launch the first Internet VOD service for television, is working to incorporate Microsoft Windows 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 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."" The Akimbo Player is expected to start at $199. The monthly subscription to the Akimbo Service will be $9.99. The Akimbo Player is expected to be in retail stores nationwide in late 2004. For more information, please visit www.akimbo.com.

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