Akimbo: VOD over internet

net1

US broadcasting industry start-up Akimbo has launched a new video on demand service that plans to offer some 20,000 hours of programming, delivering DVD-quality video from independent content providers over the internet to a digital video recorder. The service allows consumers to choose from thousands of hours of programmes specifically suited to their tastes, so that they can watch them whenever they choose. The Akimbo Player stores 200 hours of video ready for playback. Akimbo will work directly with CinemaNow, a provider of Internet-based video-on-demand (VOD) and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) distribution and technology, to co-market the its service to existing CinemaNow customers.

"Allowing consumers to download and watch internet-delivered content on their televisions is the next great frontier in digital distribution," said Bruce Eisen, Executive Vice President of CinemaNow.

Akimbo CEO Josh Goldman suggested that Akimbo was the first service to marry the popularity of television and the unlimited capacity of the Internet. "We have created software and hardware that utilises the latest advances in technology to benefit both consumers who are bored with the choices currently offered on television, and the many providers of fascinating new programmes who cannot find distribution through existing methods."

The Akimbo Player, which will connect to a home DSL or cable modem and to a TV set, is expected to retail at $199, with a monthly fee of $9.99. The system is anticipated to hit shelves by late this year. The service is expected to launch in the second quarter.