Say 'open Sezmi' to access an on-demand cave of wonder

by Steven Mostyn - Nov 8 2010, 09:59

Aiming to use the lure of choice and value-for-money to tempt entertainment lovers away from more expensive cable and satellite television providers, Sezmi arrives as a personalised “next-generation” television service that combines live TV, on-demand movies, Internet video and DVR capabilities in a single “seamless” platform.

Functioning via a “smart, personalized DVR” device, Sezmi can record, pause or rewind HD local broadcasts, and comes equipped with an integrated high performance over-the-air TV antenna/receiver and its own electronic program guide.

It also provides users with on-demand access to thousands of movies and cable TV shows (for purchase or rental) and boasts a personal entertainment screen (one for each member of the household) for access to automatic recordings, content organisation, content searches, and content recommendations.

Having successfully launched in Los Angeles earlier in the year, Sezmi has since gathered enough momentum to see it expand national availability throughout 36 different markets across 23 different U.S. states.

“Today, cable and satellite are the two traditional choices for TV entertainment, but they come at a high price,” outlined Sezmi president and CEO Buno Pati in an official statement. “Frustrated consumers across the country are voicing their dissatisfaction by either adding on piecemeal solutions, turning to the Internet, or by cutting the cord completely.”

“Sezmi hears those unsatisfied customers loud and clear, and we’re responding by giving them a unique hybrid solution that seamlessly integrates digital broadcast television with online and on-demand video,” he added. “Consumers want choice, they want flexibility, they want personalization, and most importantly, they want value. That’s what we’re offering.”

Access to Sezmi costs as little as $4.99 USD per month for the entry-level Sezmi Select service package—although that monthly subscription charge comes after purchase of the Sezmi DVR system, which holds up to 1,400 hours of programming content on its 1TB drive and costs $149 USD.

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