Internet-Delivered VOD Service, Akimbo, Launches First Original Series

--"Expedition 360" Documents Attempt to Circle World via Human Power

Akimbo Systems--a San Mateo, Calif.-based company which offers a $9.99-per-month, Internet-delivered VOD service that features a 6,000-plus-title library of mainstream and niche content, ranging from standard cable fare from such companies as National Geographic and Cartoon Network to videoblogs produced by amateurs, and which recently launched its service on the Microsoft Media Center (note: before that, the service required users to purchase an "Akimbo Player," a special, hard drive-equipped set-top box that features an 80GB hard drive, capable of storing over 150 hours of content)--is debuting its first original series. The series--the first four of whose episodes are now available on Akimbo's service--documents "Expedition 360," an ongoing attempt by two Englishmen, Jason Lewis and Steve Smith, to travel around the world using only bicycles, pedal boats, kayaks and other human-powered means. The pair began their journey in 1994 and, with a shoestring budget, have to date covered over 25,000 miles: among other things, they have crossed the Atlantic and the Pacific in a pedal boat, bicycled and rollerbladed across the US, weathered storms and crocodile attacks, and suffered broken bones.

The first two episodes of the series are available to Akimbo subscribers free of charge, while the other two are being offered for $1:00 a piece, with the profits going directly to Expedition 360. "Expedition 360's team is fascinating not only because of their determination and resourcefulness, but because they are such skilled documentary filmmakers," Akimbo CEO, Josh Goldman, said in a prepared statement. "The series is perfect for Akimbo because it combines a story of ambition and drive with wonderful visuals. Akimbo is happy to sponsor this journey and to work with Jason and his team to bring their story to a wider audience."

http://www.akimbo.com,  http://www.expedition360.com

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