Movielink Amasses Stake in Video Service Akimbo; Blockbuster’s Triple Play Of Sorts?

This is an interesting development, though not necessarily recent: Movielink, the online movie service jointly owned by the big movie studios, which itself is in talks to be acquired by Blockbuster, has quietly amassed a stake in Akimbo, the IP VOD service, paidContent.org has learned.
While we are not sure how much of a stake, we do understand this started almost a year ago. One of the results of this was that Movielink movies are now available through the RCA Akimbo Player. The company, which has been trying to get some traction in the industry, received a $15.5 million third round last year from strategic heavyweights such as AT&T and Cisco. Both Movielink and Akimbo are now embedded within AT&T’s Homezone internet TV service.
If the Blockbuster-Movielink deal comes through, then there is a possibility BB will then look at buying and/or integrating Akimbo as well. Akimbo has the non-movie catalog, something Movielink doesn’t have much of, and has the technology to deliver content to several different set-top-boxes, including its own RCA one, which then could possibly make its way into BB stores. Of course, still theory unless Movielink gets bought by Blockbuster.
Coincidentally, I am moderating a panel at New Video Summit (part of the bigger VON conference) on Monday afternoon in San Jose, and Akimbo CEO Josh Goldman is on the panel, along with Tara Maitra, VP of Content Services, TiVo; Chris O’Brien, CEO of Motionbox; and Matt Sanchez, CEO of VideoEgg. Stay tuned.
Related:
Blockbuster In Advanced Talks To Acquire Movielink, Again
Movielink Helps Akimbo Offer VOD Movies From MGM, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros.
Akimbo Closes $15.5 Million Third Round; Cisco, AT&T, Blueprint Ventures Are New Investors
AT&T Homezone To Launch In July; Will Combine Dish, Movielink

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