Akimbo Systems, creator of the first Internet video-on-demand service for television, announced that its subscribers will now have the option to purchase selected videos using a new download-to-own feature on the Akimbo Service. Download-to-own means consumers can purchase videos once and create a permanent, customized digital video archive for the TV. Consumers who prefer to rent titles at lower prices can still do so.

With the download-to-own feature, consumers will be able to choose from various methods of archiving their titles. Options will include storing titles digitally within the Akimbo Player and the Windows Media Center. In early 2006, users will also be able to purchase titles for burning to DVD using Windows Media Format. Selected titles will also be available for archiving on Akimbo's servers and made available for future downloads by the purchaser.

A recent analyst research study¹ indicates that the Apple iTunes model, in which consumers purchase and download digital music files rather than paying rental fees for temporary copies, will drive similar revenue growth in video-on-demand. The study also reports that video producers are ready for a platform that can help them expand video distribution into the digital realm. Akimbo's download-to-own feature offers consumers a convenient and legal way to locate, purchase and archive their favorite digital videos electronically. For the first time content owners ranging from small independent providers to the major studios have a complete medium to reach whole new audiences and maximize revenue through download-to-own.

"Consumers embraced legitimate digital downloads to the benefit of the entertainment industry and to the detriment of the pirates," said Josh Goldman, chief executive officer of Akimbo. "Download-to-own will be a boon for video, especially with the continued popularity of video-on-demand. That's why Akimbo is the first company to develop a download-to-own feature for a video-on-demand service. We're addressing both the enthusiasm of our subscribers and the needs of our content partners."

Initial download-to-own offerings will include a wide selection of music videos and concerts, fitness videos, children's programming and a selection of independent films.

Learn more about Akimbo at www.akimbo.com.

¹Screen Digest and Adams Media Research, "Video-On-Demand: The Future of Media Networks - A Strategic Analysis of the US Market," 2005.